On the line "Listen to my heart...beat", Brian stated "I felt very deeply about that line. One of the sweetest songs I ever sang. I have to say I'm proud of it. The innocence of youth in my voice, of being young and childlike. I think that's what people liked."
Elvis Costello has been quoted as saying, "Last summer, I heard 'Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)' played on the cello. It sounded beautiful and sad, just as it does on Pet Sounds. So now you know, if all the record players in the world get broken tomorrow, these songs could be heard a hundred years from now."
Don't Talk
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I can see so much in your eyes
There are words we both could say
But don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
Come close, close your eyes and be still
Don't talk, take my hand
And let me hear your heart beat
Being here with you feels so right
We could live forever tonight
Let's not think about tomorrow
And don't talk put your head on my shoulder
Come close, close your eyes and be still
Don't talk, take my hand
And listen to my heart beat
Listen, listen, listen
Don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
Don't talk, close your eyes and be still
Don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
Don't talk, close your eyes and be still
Don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
The lyrics to The Beach Boys' song Don't Talk convey a romantic and intimate moment between two people where words are not necessary. The singer can read a lot from their partner's body language and is in tune with their emotions. They want to live in the moment and not be concerned about the future. The singer invites their partner to put their head on their shoulder, be still, and listen to their heart beat. The repetition of "Don't talk" throughout the song reinforces the idea that words are not needed in this moment of connection and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
I can hear so much in your sighs
Your sighs convey to me emotions and feelings that words cannot express.
And I can see so much in your eyes
Your eyes reveal countless secrets and stories to me that I may never know through words.
There are words we both could say
We both have many words that we could say to each other, but sometimes silence and touch are more powerful than words.
But don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
Let's not speak anymore, just rest your head on my shoulder and feel the comfort of being close to each other.
Come close, close your eyes and be still
Draw near to me and let yourself relax. Close your eyes and breathe in the peaceful moment we are sharing.
Don't talk, take my hand
Words are not necessary; just take my hand and be with me in this moment.
And let me hear your heart beat
Let me feel the rhythm of your heart as you hold my hand. It tells me all I need to know about what you're feeling.
Being here with you feels so right
This moment, this connection we share feels like destiny; like it was meant to happen.
We could live forever tonight
This moment is so perfect that it feels like it could last forever, if not in reality, then at least in our memories.
Let's not think about tomorrow
Let's not worry about the future or any potential obstacles that may lie ahead. Right now, we are here and that is all that matters.
Listen, listen, listen
Pay attention to the silence around us. Let it speak to us and guide us in this moment of stillness and peace.
Don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
Once again, let's not speak anymore, but just rest your head on my shoulder and feel the bond we share.
Don't talk, close your eyes and be still
Close your eyes and let yourself be present in this moment of tranquility.
Don't talk, put your head on my shoulder
Once more, let's not say anything and just be together in this comfortable and intimate moment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Douglas Wilson, Tony Asher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Beanedcorn
It's damn near impossible to pick a favorite song on this record, but I think this may be my favorite. It gives me chills almost every single time.
@ozzybud139
Fr
@ElronHumpperdink
Agreed
Those sweeping chords just flow
@43Isley
I sit with my mum, 9 years down the road with dementia and hold her hand as she tries to express herself with words that will not form. This beautiful song always comes to mind.
@TrynUrLuck
Wow so this song must really mean alot to you. Im sorry to hear about your mum.
@43Isley
Thank you. Mum died earlier this year and the words from this song formed part of the eulogy to her in the service
@jennifursun3303
lost mine in 2004 the song i associate with her is the Carpenters Merry Christmas Darling. it was playing on the radio a few days before she passed away, and that was the first time i ever heard it.
@gaboandrei28
jennifur sun carpenters music is special and Merry Christmas Darling is a beautiful song to listen with the loved ones
@gaboandrei28
Robert Powell i still have my grandma who has severe mixed dementia. she don't know how to speak anymore, only 3 or 4 words. she is the person i love most out of all the ones i care about, and it really pains me seeing her like this, especially knowing what kind of person she was.
@facundotorres9054
This is, in my opinion, the most beautiful song Brian Wilson ever composed. This whole album is a miracle.