This week’s #SongLyricsSunday is a tough one! The prompt is “Listen/Hear/Talk/Speak”. I was debating between No Doubt, Tevin Campbell, and The Stylistics. All three have wonderful songs that fit this week’s prompt. After debating for a while, I ultimately picked No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”, a song from one of my favorite 90s album and one from my childhood.
(This is part of #SongLyricsSunday, a weekly song lyrics prompt hosted by Jim at A Unique Title For Me. Anyone is free to join. The rules on how to join are at the bottom of this post)
Contents hide
1 Don’t speak, I know just what you’re sayin’
2 Don’t speak, I know what you’re thinkin’
3 Lyrics to No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”
4 Pin This!
4.1 Share this:
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Don’t speak, I know just what you’re sayin’
March is National Women’s History Month. But also, March 8 is International Women’s Day. So in dedication to both celebrations, I decided to pick No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”. This is my fourth song recently that I have featured a female singer and/or songwriter. In February, I talked about songs by Marley Wildthing, Kate Bush, Jewel, Norah Jones, and Namie Amuro (with Sheila E).
However, I wanted to share No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” as it is from one from favorite bands and albums from the 90s. The tune comes from the ska band’s third album, which is entitled Tragic Kingdom. Other famous songs from this album are “Spiderwebs” and “Just a Girl”. Personally, my favorite song is the same-titled song as it gives me fantasy vibes from the lyrics.
No Doubt in 1996
There is no doubt that No Doubt is one of the influential bands of the 90s. From their lyrics to their musical styles, the band has some sort of impact on listeners’ lives. Gwen Stefani further influenced listeners’ lifestyles with her solo career. For me personally, I liked Gwen Stefani when she was in No Doubt more than her solo career as I am a 90s rock-type of girl.
How about you? Which do you like more: No Doubt or Gwen Stefani’s solo career? What is your favorite song from both?
Don’t speak, I know what you’re thinkin’
“Don’t Speak” was written by Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric. The song was originally supposed to be a love song, but it all changed when Gwen and bassist Tony Kanal broke up. Gwen channeled her feelings about the breakup into the song, changing the mood from a happy one to a sad one.
“It used to be more upbeat, more of a Seventies rock-type thing,” said Gwen. “[When] Tony and I broke up… it turned into a sad song.”
— Gwen Stefani[1]
“Don’t Speak” can be perceived as a typical 90s break-up song. But, to me, it has a special uniqueness to it. And, that uniqueness is a combination of a lot of things: No Doubt’s ska genre, the quiet rock vibe, the Spanish guitar solo during the interlude, and Gwen’s powerful vocals. Although I have no personal connections with “Don’t Speak”, I really love the song with its lyrics, vibe, and Gwen’s vocals.
What do you think of “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt? Do you have any memories that are associated with this song? Tell me in the comments below.
Here is the demo version of the song before the band got famous and pre-breakup:
Lyrics to No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”
You and me, we used to be together
Every day together, always
I really feel that I’m losin’ my best friend
I can’t believe this could be the end
It looks as though you’re lettin’ go
And if it’s real, well, I don’t want to know
Don’t speak, I know just what you’re sayin’
So please stop explainin’
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
Don’t speak, I know what you’re thinkin’
I don’t need your reasons
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
Our memories, well, they can be inviting
But some are altogether mighty frightening
As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands, I sit and cry
Don’t speak, I know just what you’re sayin’
So please stop explainin’
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts (No, no, no)
Don’t speak, I know what you’re thinkin’
And I don’t need your reasons
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
It’s all ending
We gotta stop pretending who we are
You and me
I can see us dyin’, aren’t we?
Don’t speak, I know just what you’re sayin’
So please stop explainin’
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
No, no, don’t speak, I know what you’re thinkin’
And I don’t need your reasons
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
I know what you’re sayin’
So please stop explainin’
Don’t speak, don’t speak, don’t speak, no
I know what you’re thinkin’
And I don’t need your reasons
I know you’re good, I know you’re good
I know you’re real good, oh
La, la, la, la, la, la
Don’t, don’t, ooh, ooh
Hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
Hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush
Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts
Oh, hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush, darling
If you want to participate, here are the rules:
Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not.
Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due.
Make sure you also credit the singer/band and if you desire you can provide a link to where you found the lyrics.
Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song.
Ping back to this post will eventually work, as long as you are being patient, but you can also place your link in the comments if you don’t like to wait.
Read at least one other person’s blog, so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process.
Feel free to suggest future prompts.
Have fun and enjoy the music.