(1) The Softies were Rose Melberg a… Read Full Bio ↴The Softies refers to two bands:
(1) The Softies were Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia, who both sang and played guitar. They recorded somewhat-wistful love songs mostly consisting of nothing but their two voices and gently intertwining electric guitars. Rose Melberg was in twee bands Tiger Trap, Gaze and Go Sailor; Jen Sbragia was in Pretty Face and is also in All Girl Summer Fun Band. The Softies disbanded, and since then Rose Melberg has pursued her solo work, while Jen Sbragia continues with All Girl Summer Fun Band.
(2) The Softies was a Dutch punk band that released two singles in 1977/78, one of them, Suicide Pilot, featured on Killed By Death #1234 compilation. They also released a full-length LP entitled Nice And Nasty. They performed with Captain Sensible (after he left The Damned) on one 7", covering the gay punk anthem Jet Boy, Jet Girl.
Selfish
The Softies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can see when you look at me you want to tell me
You say you don't know how
But you don't have to 'cause I know
You say you don't know how
But you don't have to 'cause I know
when you say you've always been this way, I believe you
You say you can't change now
But you don't have to 'cause I know
You say you can't change now
But you don't have to 'cause I know
I don't doubt you know all about how I adore you
And if you can't say I love you, I'll say it for you
You say you don't know why
But you don't have to 'cause I know
You say you don't know why
But you don't have to 'cause I know
The Softies' song "Selfish" is a tender exploration of a relationship featuring one partner who has a hard time expressing their love verbally. The singer of the song acknowledges their partner's struggle and reassures them that they don't have to say "I love you" outright, as the singer already knows their feelings. The partner admits to having a "selfish tendency" that will never go away and that they can't change. The singer accepts this with understanding and compassion, insisting that their own feelings for their partner won't be affected by their partner's inability to verbalize their own.
In many ways, "Selfish" is a tribute to a kind of unspoken understanding and unconditional love that exists between two people who have accepted each other's flaws and limitations. The repetition of the lines "But you don't have to 'cause I know" underscores the message that the singer has internalized their partner's feelings and doesn't need verbal confirmation. The song's gentle, melancholic melody furthers this sense of acceptance and tenderness.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it's hard for you to show that you love me
I understand that expressing your love is difficult for you
I can see when you look at me you want to tell me
Your eyes reveal your desire to confess your love to me
You say you don't know how
You claim that you lack the ability to express your love
But you don't have to 'cause I know
But I already know and understand how you feel
when you say you've always been this way, I believe you
I believe your admission that your selfish tendencies are deeply ingrained
You tell me this selfish tendency will never leave you
You express that your selfishness is a part of who you are and will never disappear
You say you can't change now
You feel that it's impossible for you to change your selfish ways
But you don't have to 'cause I know
But I understand and accept you for who you are, regardless of your flaws
I don't doubt you know all about how I adore you
I am certain that you are aware of how much I love you
And if you can't say I love you, I'll say it for you
If you cannot express your love for me, I will do it for you
You say you don't know why
You admit to not understanding why I love you so much
But you don't have to 'cause I know
But I know exactly why I love you and accept you for who you are
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RabidHummingbird
One of my favorite songs of all time. After all these years, I'm just realizing that this song is about my life partner talking to me about accepting me and loving me, despite my deep-seated issues. Hits home on a whole new level. Rose Melberg, thank you for your music.
gottlieb
<3
Fran Olivera Vera
<3
skx
<3