Steyn’s song of the week (which of course you should read) this week is “Don’t Explain” by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. Apparently the idea for the song came to her when her husband came home with lipstick on his collar.

Hush now, don’t explain
Just say you’ll remain
I’m glad you’re back,
Don’t explain

Quiet, don’t explain
What is there to gain
Skip that lipstick
Don’t explain

You know that I love you
And that love endures
All my thoughts are of you
For I’m so completely yours

Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don’t matter
When you’re with me, sweet

Hush now, don’t explain
You’re my joy and pain
My life’s yours love
Don’t explain.

Steyn mentions that Connie Francis covers this topic, giving quite a different conclusion in the song “Lipstick on your collar”.

Lipstick On Your Collar
Said you were untrue
Bet your bottom dollar
You and I are through
‘Cause Lipstick On Your Collar
Told a tale on you!

Having posted some Winehouse in the previous post, I guess I can take the liberty of also posting some here for a modern look at the same topic from the other side of the situation.