Plum won Triple J's National Indigenous Music Awards competition in 2012 and was nominated for a Deadly in Most Promising New Talent in Music and for an Unearthed J Award. She has toured around Australia and has been on rotation nationally on Triple J.
How Much Does Your Love Cost?
Thelma Plum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't speak, you said I have your love, and how much it will cost,
Mama told me, when I was a baby, I'd love you but I don't,
Don't speak, I hope you're happy, 'cause I think I payed what you want,
In Thelma Plum's eponymous song, she grapples with the aftermath of a toxic relationship. The opening lines echo a familiar trope of seeking happiness by getting what you want. However, the juxtaposition with the next line, "Don't speak, you said I have your love, and how much it will cost," hints at a darker underbelly to this notion. The partner in question has put a price tag on their love, suggesting that it is transactional and conditional. Plum's mother's advice to be happy takes on a complex and bitter-sweet quality in the context of this unbalanced relationship.
The second verse sees Plum reflecting on the past, recalling a time when her childhood self was warned about loving someone who would ultimately disappoint her. While frustrating and hurtful, Plum seems to have come to terms with the fact that the partner has exacted what they wanted from her, and is seemingly content to move on. The repetition of "don't speak," invites the partner to respond, making the song feel like a one-sided conversation where Plum can say what she needs to without interruption or response. Perhaps it is a way for Plum to regain some sense of control and potentially even closure after a painful chapter in her life.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama told me to be happy, 'cause you always get what you want,
My mother used to tell me that I should always be happy because in life, we usually get whatever we desire.
Don't speak, you said I have your love, and how much it will cost,
You warned me not to speak and promised that I would have your affection, but only if I paid a certain price.
Mama told me, when I was a baby, I'd love you but I don't,
My mother told me that I would fall in love with you when I was a baby, but now that I've grown up, I have realized that I don't love you anymore.
Don't speak, I hope you're happy, 'cause I think I payed what you want,
Please don't say anything. I hope that you are satisfied because I believe I paid the price that you desired.
Contributed by Michael F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
abluecassette
I've tried transcribing them. Definitely some huge holes in this, but hope someone else can help.
Mama told me to be happy, 'cause you always get what you want
Don't speak, you said I have your love, but not how much it will cost
Mama told me, when I was a baby, I'd love you but I don't
Don't speak, I hope you're happy, 'cause I think I paid what you want
And by the time I go, your love had been sold to everyone else but me
And maybe when I'm old, I'm speaking lingo you will be willing to see
And we'd be so clear
Trying to colour in a star but it's too dark
And I'll be holy
It's - ??? 'cause you said, it's your party(?!)
How much does your love cost? (x4)
I'm not a soldier, not a fighter
But I will stand my ground
And now I'm older, I'm not your daughter
You don't deserve my love now
And by the time I go, your love had been sold to everyone else but me
And maybe when I'm old, I'm speaking lingo you will be willing to see
And we'd be so clear
Trying to colour in a star but it's too dark
And I'll be holy
It's - ??? 'cause you said, it's your party(?!)
How much does your love cost? (x4)
And I'm the best thing you ever had, but you're too busy burning fires (x4)
How much does your love cost? (x7)
xesce
This song should have gone much further, should have received much more recognition than it did.
xesce
Care to elaborate? Wait, let me guess.
Madi N
This song hits me so hard because it is everything I want to tell my dad.
Kyle Douglas
You should do it. Before they're dead, like mine is. Life sucks all over friend.
Peter Mariner
There's some haunting aspect of Thelma Plum's vocals I can't quote pin down, but I love how she sings. Amazing.
johnny rotten
im surprised this song hasnt gone international yet! pretty much the best song ive heard since nirvana
Kelley Taylor (kelbtaylor)
johnny rotten I'm not surprised it hasn't, do you even know who Nirvana is?
Pat Kennedy
So proud of you Thelma!
Janna Robinson
How in the actual fuck is this song not everywhere? AMAZING.
Ben Sokolow
Janna Robinson Give it 2-3 years