Don't Say Nothing

Patti Smith's song 'Don't Say Nothing' is a powerful commentary on apathy and the importance of speaking out against injustices. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where people turn a blind eye to the wrongs around them, symbolized by the recurring image of a skinned cat. This disturbing metaphor represents the cruelty and neglect that go unnoticed or unchallenged in society. The cat's skinning and its presence in the river laden with 'all kinds of shit' highlight the environmental and moral degradation that people often ignore.

The song's narrative follows the protagonist's internal struggle as they attend a party and observe the superficial conversations and judgments being passed around. Despite feeling discouraged and disillusioned, the protagonist admits to not saying anything, reflecting a common human tendency to avoid confrontation or difficult truths. This silence is a central theme of the song, emphasizing the consequences of inaction and the ease with which people can become complicit in the face of wrongdoing.

As the song progresses, there is a shift from passive observation to a resolve to take action. The protagonist decides to 'break on through' and 'do something,' rejecting the previous stance of silence and passivity. This transformation is a call to the listener to recognize their own power and responsibility to speak out and make a difference. The repeated refrain 'Don't say nothing' serves as both a warning and a challenge, urging individuals to confront the issues they see and to refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.