You Don't Have To Say You Love Me Lyrics

Lyric discussion by TonyM101 

Cover art for You Don't Have To Say You Love Me lyrics by Dusty Springfield

I've loved this song since I was a kid. I think it's beautifully sung and performed by the band, a real masterpiece of early 60's writing and musical drama.

But I didn't go through the lyrics in full until lately and they've transformed my opinion of them. They say, "you can get away with anything you want, treat me like a doormat, and I'll be here for you". Which is an atrocious message.

In fairness to the song, a lot of early 60's lyrics have this devoted-girl-demanding-boy theme and it's a sign of the sexism of those distant times. It'll always be a fabulous song to me...but I don't think I'll be singing along soon.

My Interpretation