Don't Explain
herbie hancock feat. damien rice and lisa hannigan Lyrics


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Hush now, don't explain
There ain't nothing to gain
Well I'm glad that you're back
But don't explain

Quiet baby, don't explain
You know there ain't nothing to gain
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain

You know that I love you
And what love endures
All my thoughts are of you
I am so completely yours

Don't wanna hear nobody chatter
'Cause I know you cheat
Right or wrong, it don't matter
When you're with me sweet

Hush now, don't explain
You are my joy
And you're my pain
My life is your love
So don't explain

You know that I love you
And what love endures
All my thoughts are of you
I am so completely yours

Don't wanna hear folks chatter
'Cause I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don't matter
When I'm with you sweet

Hush now, don't explain
No, you're my joy and you're my pain




My life is yours love
Don't explain

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Don't Explain" by Herbie Hancock are a plea from the singer to the subject not to explain their absence or infidelity. The song starts with "Hush now, don't explain, there ain't nothing to gain." This suggests that the singer doesn't want the explanations for the subject's infidelities as the explanations would do more harm than good. The singer goes on to say, "You know that I love you and what love endures, all my thoughts are of you, I am so completely yours," which suggests that the singer loves the subject deeply and is willing to forgive them for their transgressions.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Hush now, don't explain" and reaffirms the singer's love for the subject. The singer says, "my life is your love, so don't explain," which implies that the subject's love is what gives the singer's life meaning. The singer acknowledges that the subject cheats, but it doesn't matter to them because they love them so much. The song ends with a final affirmation of the singer's love for the subject.


Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Explain" paint a picture of a love that endures despite the subject's cheating. It shows the power of forgiveness and the depth of the singer's love.


Line by Line Meaning

Hush now, don't explain
Please be quiet and don't try to justify or explain anything


There ain't nothing to gain
There is no benefit or reason for explaining anything


Well I'm glad that you're back
I am happy that you have returned to me


But don't explain
Still, please refrain from explaining anything


Quiet baby, don't explain
My love, please do not feel the need to explain anything


You know there ain't nothing to gain
I assure you, there is no advantage in explaining things


Skip that lipstick
Do not try to conceal or distract from any possible mistakes


Don't explain
Please, do not overthink or over-explain anything


You know that I love you
I want you to understand that I truly love you


And what love endures
I know that love can endure any challenge or obstacle


All my thoughts are of you
You are constantly on my mind


I am so completely yours
There is no one else I belong to but you


Don't wanna hear nobody chatter
I do not want to hear anyone gossip or talk about you


'Cause I know you cheat
I am aware that you have been unfaithful


Right or wrong, it don't matter
Regardless of the situation or circumstances, my feelings for you won't change


When you're with me sweet
As long as you are by my side, everything seems perfect


You are my joy
You bring so much happiness into my life


And you're my pain
You also bring a lot of pain and heartache, but I still love you anyway


My life is your love
Your love is the center of my life, the reason for my existence


So don't explain
Once again, please do not try to justify or explain anything


No, you're my joy and you're my pain
Despite the good and the bad, you are still the most important person in my life


My life is yours love
I belong to you, my love


Don't explain
The matter is settled, no need to explain or make excuses




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Arthur Jr. Herzog, Billie Holiday

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@GregWorzel

May God have mercy on the 14 soulless people who gave this a thumbs down.

@jilaji685

so true!

@jilaji685

how is that possible ??

@tonilince4506

When Damien sings the chorus he Is like a thunder to the Heart....

@heidisummer1

Just about the most beautiful song ever.  Probably the most emotional singing I have ever heard.

@lucyinthesky9686

This is so beautiful, so deep.

@suzeburtenshaw9581

What a wonderful arrangement of a superb song. Thankyou.

@pacrimco

Simply beautiful. Less is always more, much more.

@gmayster01

Herbie's toned down influence of this tasteful cover of this standard is so so romantic

@Raina430

Heartbreakingly beautiful song. ❤

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