Suffer in Silence
The Frames Lyrics

The Frames' song "Suffer in Silence" is a contemplative piece that touches on a common theme of human emotion - the desire to retreat into one's shell and suffer in privacy. The lyrics begin with a plea - an appeal from the singer to a loved one to come back and show their face. The singer believes that the subject of the song is too good for the place they are in and suggests they can leave. The lyrics then take a different turn by acknowledging that what they are experiencing isn't their fault and should not be internalized. The singer attempts to reassure the listener that they should not believe what others are saying and to break their silence. The chorus repeats the phrase, "Or would you rather suffer in silence" which is a clear indication of what the singer is trying to encourage - to not suffer alone.

The second verse continues with an appeal from the singer, asking the subject of the song to show the way and to believe. There is a sense of pessimism in the first two lines of the second verse, as if the singer knows that it is difficult to come out of one's shell once they retreat into it. However, it is immediately followed by a welcoming tone once the subject of the song has come back. The last line of the second verse is left open-ended with a question of "How's it been?", which gives the listener insight into what the subject has been through while they were away.

Overall, the theme of the song seems to be about empathy towards those who are struggling and encouraged the listener not to suffer alone.