She's given up talking
Don't say a word
Even in the classroom
Not a dickie bird
Unlike other children
She's seen and never heard
She's given up talking
Don't say a word

You see her in the playground
Standing on her own
Everybody wonders
Why she's all alone
Someone made her angry
Someone's got her scared
She's given up talking
Don't say a word

Ah but when she comes home
It's yap-a-yap-yap
Words are running freely
Like the water from a tap
Her brothers and her sisters
Can't get a word in edgeways
But when she's back at school again
She goes into a daze

Ah but when she comes home
It's yap-a-yap-yap
Words are running freely
Like the water from a tap
Her brothers and her sisters
Can't get a word in edgeways
But when she's back at school again
She goes into a daze

She's given up talking
Don't say a word
Even in the classroom
Not a dickie bird
Unlike other children
She's seen and never heard
She's given up talking
Don't say a word

She's given up talking
She don't say a word

Don't say a word


Lyrics submitted by Loose Tongue

She's Given Up Talking Lyrics as written by Paul Mccartney

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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She's Given Up Talking song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Overall, if you don't want the lyrics to have any real significance this isn't a bad song. It would have been better if it had actually meant something socially. You're immediately drawn in from the first sentence. The well established dark mood sets the listener up for something that might be lurking in this girl's personal life. You want to hear that maybe she is abused or bewitched or something - but no. The chorus contradicts the verse and at the end you come away with nothing. It's disappointing actually. Another toss-off by Paul.

    Tweezeon August 02, 2010   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion

    I'm a huge fan of haunting, childlike melodies, but I can't get over the ridiculous rhymes. "yap a yap yap" and "water from a tap"? Couldn't think of a different image? And the shoehorning of "edgeways" onto a line where it doesn't fit? I can't listen without making a face.

    goodnewson July 06, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is about a girl with selective mutism. She speaks freely at home but is unable to speak in social situations (like school).

    pidjenon December 02, 2013   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion

    I Think The Commenter Tweeze Who Said That This Song Is Just Another Toss Off Is Wrong The Second Verse Says That Someone Made Her Angry Someone\'s Got Her Scared Then It Says When She Comes Home It\'s Yap a Yap Yap To Me That Would Mean That Some Form Of Trauma Is Occurring At The School Whether It\'s Bullying Or Abuse By A Teacher Or Other Faculty Member Not Necessarily A Toss Off Maybe It Just Needed A Different Perspective

    Emillardon December 15, 2021   Link

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