Suffering in Silence
Willie Nelson Lyrics


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I think I should speak to you, stranger.
Your problem is clear now to me.
You think that the whole world's against you,
An' you tell everyone that you see.

Just suffer in silence, speak no bitter words.
The world offers no sympathy.
Though trouble surrounds you, an' you long to be heard,
Just suffer in silence, like me.

I'll give you a lesson in living,
And I hope it stays with you a while.
You're the reason for all of your sorrows,
So just suffer in silence, and smile.

Just suffer in silence, speak no bitter words.
The world offers no sympathy.




Though trouble surrounds you, an' you long to be heard,
Just suffer in silence, like me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Suffering in Silence" by Willie Nelson talks about the idea of keeping one's pain and struggles to oneself instead of airing them out to the world. The singer of the song is telling a stranger that he understands that the stranger believes that the whole world is against him, and he tells everyone about it. However, the singer advises the stranger to suffer in silence, to speak no bitter words because the world offers no sympathy. He also informs the stranger that he is the reason for all of his sorrows, and if he wants to live a happier life, he should suffer in silence and smile.


The song is an insightful commentary on the nature of human suffering and the benefits of inner strength. It highlights that the world can be a cruel place, and sometimes, it may seem like no one is on our side. However, we need to understand that we are the architects of our happiness, and not external factors. The song encourages us to take control of our lives and find the inner strength we need to overcome challenges. Instead of expressing our pain to others, the song suggests that it is better to suffer in silence, smile, and take control of our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

I think I should speak to you, stranger.
I feel compelled to offer you advice.


Your problem is clear now to me.
I understand your situation.


You think that the whole world's against you,
You believe that everyone is working against you,


An' you tell everyone that you see.
And you vent your frustrations to anyone who will listen.


Just suffer in silence, speak no bitter words.
It's better to keep your troubles to yourself than to spread negativity.


The world offers no sympathy.
No one else is going to stop and care about your problems.


Though trouble surrounds you, an' you long to be heard,
Even though you feel overwhelmed and unheard,


Just suffer in silence, like me.
It's best to quietly endure hardship and not complain.


I'll give you a lesson in living,
Let me give you some advice on how to handle life.


And I hope it stays with you a while.
I hope my words will stick with you.


You're the reason for all of your sorrows,
Your actions and attitude are causing your problems.


So just suffer in silence, and smile.
Therefore, it's best to keep and optimistic attitude and endure quietly.


Just suffer in silence, speak no bitter words.
Once again, it's better to keep negative thoughts to oneself.


The world offers no sympathy.
No one else is going to feel compassion for you.


Though trouble surrounds you, an' you long to be heard,
Even though you feel burdened and unheard,


Just suffer in silence, like me.
It's still best to remain silent and endure.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NELSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Deborah Blades

JUST BEAUTIFUL SINGING

Billie Godfrey

my mama and daddy use to sing this and other old country songs to us while riding around in the car on sundays or when we went to fla to see my mamas sisters... Oh how i miss my mama an daddy and these old songs and good time...

Steve Charlemagne

2019 I'm still suffering in silence

Richard Carew

thanks for sharing this one...
walk in Beauty the Navajo say
ya aát eéh
all is well

Richard Carew

still suffering.. not quietly either..
l really hate being sick.. passing kidney stones is not actually being sick... so I hurt like hell for hours and hours.. then I'm fine... this particular brand of hell has been going on for a year... two years of other forms before that.. but I believe it is almost over... the very worst thing about all the pain of kidney stones is
. you know it's not fatal.. it just keeps going on and on... the very best thing.. for me is I have a much better understanding of what... forever ♾️ really means

TheNuklearMoose

which version is this? this isnt the one that is on my first pressing vinyl!

Ted Hobbs

Can't answer your question , but I believe4 this is the original version -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDnEa8sgGCw

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