Don't Ask Me Why
Eurythmics
The Unraveling of Love and Regret in 'Don't Ask Me Why'
Eurythmics' song 'Don't Ask Me Why' delves into the complexities of a relationship that has soured over time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of disillusionment and regret, capturing the emotional aftermath of a love that never truly blossomed. The opening lines, 'Miracle of miracles / Look what the night dragged in / It's a pocket full of misery / And trouble on the wind,' set a somber tone, suggesting that the arrival of night brings with it a sense of foreboding and unresolved issues. The metaphor of a 'pocket full of misery' encapsulates the emotional baggage that the relationship carries, hinting at the years of unhappiness and unfulfilled promises that have accumulated over time.
The song's chorus, 'And you say / Why? / You say why? / You say why? / Don't ask me why,' reflects the confusion and frustration that often accompany the end of a relationship. The repeated questioning of 'why' underscores the lack of understanding and closure, while the response 'Don't ask me why' suggests a resignation to the fact that some things are beyond explanation. This interplay between questioning and resignation highlights the emotional disconnect between the two individuals, emphasizing the futility of seeking answers in a situation where feelings have already faded.
The lyrics also touch on themes of self-deception and unfulfilled promises. Lines like 'Promises sweet promises / You kept them from your mind / Like all the lost forgotten things / You never seemed to find' suggest that one partner has been living in denial, ignoring the promises they made and the disappointments they caused. The imagery of 'lost forgotten things' and 'disappointments displayed upon your shelf' evokes a sense of accumulated regret and missed opportunities. Ultimately, the song portrays a relationship where love was either absent or hidden, leading to a sense of isolation and self-reliance as expressed in the line, 'Now you've got no-one to turn to / You've got no-one but yourself.'