Silly Games

Janet Kay's 'Silly Games' is a poignant exploration of unspoken love and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The song delves into the feelings of longing and frustration experienced by someone who has been yearning for another person for a long time. The lyrics express the pain and heartache that arise every time the protagonist hears the name of their love interest, highlighting the deep emotional impact of unrequited or unexpressed love.

The recurring theme of 'silly games' in the song refers to the emotional hide and seek that the two individuals play. Despite their mutual feelings, they are both hesitant to make the first move, leading to a cycle of missed opportunities and continued heartache. The protagonist is torn between the desire to approach their love interest and the fear of rejection, which is evident in the lines, 'Should I, dear, come up to you / And say: How do you do? / Would you turn me away.' This internal conflict is a central theme of the song, capturing the universal experience of uncertainty in romantic pursuits.

Moreover, the song touches on the shared responsibility in this emotional stalemate. The protagonist acknowledges that the other person feels the same way, as seen in the line, 'You're as much to blame / 'Cause I know you feel the same.' This mutual recognition of feelings adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, emphasizing that both parties are equally responsible for the ongoing 'silly games.' The song ultimately conveys a sense of resignation and frustration, as the protagonist declares that they have no time to continue playing these emotional games, underscoring the emotional toll that such situations can take on individuals.