Shame On You
Willie Nelson & Family Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Shame shame on you
Shame shame on you
Took my heart as a token
When return it was broken
Hide your face shame on you
Shame shame on you
Shame shame on you
Took my car and my money

Tell you girl that ain't funny
Darn your hide shame on you

Shame shame on you
Shame shame on you
Ran around with other guys
And and try to lie when I got wise
Foolish girl shame on you
Shame shame on you
Shame shame on you
Took and play your little game
You'll find out who was to blame
Hide your face shame on you

Shame shame on you
Shame shame on you
Can you hold your head up high
Look your friends right in the eyes
No you can't

Shame on you no no no
Shame on you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Willie Nelson & Asleep At The Wheel's song Shame On You is about a person who has been wronged by their lover. The song talks about the various ways the lover has betrayed the trust of the singer. The lyrics delve into the pain and disgrace that the singer feels due to the actions of the lover.

The song's first verse talks about how the lover took the singer's heart as a token but returned it broken. The singer accuses the lover of stealing their car and money, and betraying them by seeing other people. The lover's attempts to lie and cover up their actions are futile, as the singer sees through them. The chorus of the song is a refrain of "shame on you," repeated twice after each verse. The singer is calling the lover out for their deceitful and hurtful behavior, expressing their disgust and disappointment.

The song is a classic country tune that explores a common theme in country music: heartbreak and betrayal. Through the lyrics, the song expresses the singer's desire to hold their lover accountable for their actions. The repeated use of the phrase "shame on you" suggests a feeling of moral superiority on the part of the singer, who feels that they have been wronged and the lover should be ashamed of their behavior.

Line by Line Meaning

Shame shame on you
Expressing disapproval or condemnation towards someone

Shame shame on you
Repeating the disapproval or condemnation

Took my heart as a token
Accepted my heart as a gift

When return it was broken
Did not return the affection and caused emotional pain

Hide your face shame on you
Feel ashamed to face others after your actions

Shame shame on you
Repeating the disapproval or condemnation

Took my car and my money
Took possession of my car and money

Tell you girl that ain't funny
Informing you that it was not amusing or acceptable

Darn your hide shame on you
Expressing contempt or blame and wishing harm upon you

Shame shame on you
Repeating the disapproval or condemnation

Ran around with other guys
Engaged in relationships with other men