Don’t Play That Song (You Lied) – Ben E.king

About the Song

In the realm of soul music, Ben E. King stands as a towering figure, his voice imbued with raw emotion and his lyrics resonating with universal truths. Among his many hits, “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” stands out as a poignant plea for closure, a soulful ballad that captures the pain of a love gone wrong.

Released in 1962, the song opens with a mournful piano melody, setting the stage for a tale of heartbreak and betrayal. King’s voice, laced with anguish, delivers the lyrics with a sincerity that cuts to the core. “Don’t play that song, you lied, you lied, you lied” he sings, his words echoing the sting of deception.

The song’s narrative unfolds as a series of flashbacks, each verse revealing another facet of the narrator’s shattered love story. He recalls the promises made, the dreams shared, and the moments of tenderness, now all tainted by the lies that have shattered his trust. “You told me you loved me, you told me you’d never leave” he sings, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and sadness.

“Don’t Play That Song” is more than just a song about a broken heart; it’s a universal expression of the pain we experience when those we love betray our trust. King’s raw vocals and heartfelt lyrics capture the anguish of feeling deceived and abandoned, the struggle to reconcile the past with the harsh reality of the present.

The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, a fleeting moment of self-awareness. “I know I should forget you, but I can’t help but cry” King sings, acknowledging the power of love and the difficulty of letting go.

The song concludes with a resolute declaration, a refusal to be further tormented by the memories associated with the song. “Don’t play that song, you lied, you lied, you lied” he repeats, his voice gaining strength as he rejects the pain and seeks closure.

“Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” remains a timeless classic, a testament to Ben E. King’s ability to translate universal emotions into soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. The song continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, offering solace to those who have experienced the pain of betrayal and reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we have the strength to move forward.

Video

Lyrics: “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”

Don’t play it no more
Don’t play it no more
Don’t play it no more
No, no, no, no, no, no, noDon’t play that song for me
It brings back memories
Of days that I once knew
The days that I spent with you

Oh no, don’t let it play
It fills my heart with pain
Please stop it right away
I remember just what it said

It said, (“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(Hoo) You lied (hoo) You lied, lied, lied, lied

Remember on our first date?
You kissed me and you walked away
You were only seventeen
I never thought you’d act so mean

But baby, you told me you loved me
You told me you cared
You said, “I’ll go with you darlin’
Almost anywhere.” but baby you know that

(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(Hoo) You lied (hoo) You lied, lied, lied, lied

Don’t play it no more
Don’t play it no more
Stop it baby
No, no, no, no, no, no, no

Don’t play it no more
Baby please, don’t play it baby
Don’t play it no more
No, no, no, no, no, no, stop it, baby

(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) Yes baby, you lied