Sticks and Stones
The Everly Brothers Lyrics


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People talkin' tryin' to break us up
Why won't they let us be
Bricks and stones may break my bones
but talk don't bother me

People talkin' tryin' to break us up
When they know that I love you so
So I don't care what the people may say
I'll never never let you go

I've been abused
(I've been abused)
In my heart
(my heart's been torn)
I've been accused
(I've been accused)
I've been 'buked
(I've been 'buked and I've been stung)

People talkin' tryin' to break us up, yeah
Scandlizin' my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Yes anything to make me shame

(bridge)

I've been abused
(I've been abused)
In my heart
(my heart's been torn)
I've been accused
(I've been accused)
I've been 'buked
(I've been 'buked and I've been stung)

People talkin' tryin' to break us, yup
And they scandlizin' my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Yes anything to make me shame

Yes I know
(oh, yes I know)
Yes I know it
(oh, yes I know)
And you know it, too
(oh, yes I know)
Don't you know it, too




(oh, yes I know)
Ohhhhh, don't you know it too

Overall Meaning

The Everly Brothers’ song “Sticks and Stones” is a powerful declaration of love despite the outside forces that are trying to tear the couple apart. The song's opening lines, “People talkin’ tryin’ to break us up, why won’t they let us be,” perfectly encapsulates the frustration and confusion felt by the couple who have found love but are unsure of who or what is trying to divide them. However, the lyrics also contain a strong message of resilience, as the couple declare that they will not let the rumors and malicious gossip ruin their relationship: “Bricks and stones may break my bones, but talk don’t bother me.”


The middle section of the song adds more depth to the lyrics, with the singer acknowledging the emotional toll that the gossip and rumors have had on them. The lines “I’ve been abused, in my heart, I’ve been accused, I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been stung,” suggest that the rumors have caused the singer pain and heartache. However, despite this, the couple remains committed to each other, and the final section of the song reinforces this message of love and commitment.


Overall, “Sticks and Stones” is a poignant ode to the strength of love in the face of adversity. The lyrics convey a deep sense of frustration and heartache, but also speak powerfully to the enduring bonds of love that can overcome even the strongest of obstacles.


Line by Line Meaning

People talkin' tryin' to break us up
Gossipers are trying to ruin our relationship


Why won't they let us be
Why can't they just leave us alone


Bricks and stones may break my bones but talk don't bother me
Physical pain hurts, but verbal abuse is easily ignored


When they know that I love you so
Despite knowing my love for you, people still try to interfere


I'll never never let you go
I will always stand by your side


I've been abused (I've been abused) In my heart (my heart's been torn) I've been accused (I've been accused) I've been 'buked (I've been 'buked and I've been stung)
The gossip has hurt me emotionally


Scandlizin' my name
Spreading scandalous rumors about me


Yes anything to make me shame
They will use any means to embarrass me


I've been abused (I've been abused) In my heart (my heart's been torn) I've been accused (I've been accused) I've been 'buked (I've been 'buked and I've been stung)
The rumors have caused emotional pain for me


And they scandlizin' my name
They continue to spread false rumors about me


Yes I know (oh, yes I know) Yes I know it (oh, yes I know) And you know it, too (oh, yes I know) Don't you know it, too (oh, yes I know) Ohhhhh, don't you know it too
We both know the truth, regardless of what others say




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TITUS TURNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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