The Meaning Behind The Song: Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go-Go’s
Introduction
“Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s is an iconic song that has stood the test of time. It was released in 1981 and went on to become a chart-topping hit, making The Go-Go’s the first all-female rock band to achieve a number one album. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm have made it a staple of pop culture for decades. However, beyond the surface-level appeal of the song, there is a deeper meaning that gives it its enduring relevance. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “Our Lips Are Sealed” and its significance in music history.
Table of Contents
The Origin of “Our Lips Are Sealed”
The story of “Our Lips Are Sealed” begins with The Go-Go’s lead guitarist, Jane Wiedlin. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she recounted how the song came together during a road trip with their manager while on tour in the UK. Wiedlin had just broken up with her boyfriend, and she was feeling uncharacteristically sad. As she stared out of the car window, she saw a beautiful countryside scene that inspired her to write the lyrics to the song. She wrote the first verse and chorus and then showed it to her bandmates, who helped her finish it.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Our Lips Are Sealed” are open to interpretation, but at its core, the song is about keeping secrets and the consequences of doing so. The chorus of the song goes:
“Can you hear them? They talk about us
Telling lies? Well, that’s no surprise
Can you see them? See right through them
They have no shield, no secrets to reveal
It doesn’t matter what they say
In the jealous games people play
Our lips are sealed”
The lyrics suggest that there are people around the protagonist who are spreading rumors and gossiping about them. Instead of engaging in the drama or trying to defend themselves, the protagonist decides to keep their lips sealed and not add fuel to the fire. The theme of discretion is reinforced in the second verse:
“Hush, my darling, don’t you cry
Quiet, angel, forget their lies
Can you hear them? They talk about us
Telling lies? Well, that’s no surprise”
Here, the protagonist is exhorting someone close to them to keep quiet and not let the gossip get the best of them. The repetition of “they talk about us” suggests that the protagonist and their confidante are in it together, which reinforces the idea of a shared secret.
The Significance of “Our Lips Are Sealed”
“Our Lips Are Sealed” was released in a time when the music industry was dominated by male performers. The Go-Go’s were seen as a novelty act at first, but their success helped paved the way for other female rock bands like The Bangles and L7. The song’s themes of empowerment and self-reliance were especially important in a culture where women were often silenced or diminished. The chorus of “Our Lips Are Sealed” became an anthem of sorts for women who were tired of being talked about behind their backs and who wanted to reclaim their power.
In the years since its release, “Our Lips Are Sealed” has been covered and remixed countless times. It’s been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song remains a beloved cultural touchstone because of its infectious melody, but also because of the deep meaning that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Possible Interpretations
While the meaning of “Our Lips Are Sealed” is fairly straightforward, there are different ways to interpret the song’s lyrics. For example, some listeners might see the song as a commentary on the superficiality of gossip culture. The line “In the jealous games people play” suggests that the rumors being spread are motivated by envy or insecurity. By staying silent and not engaging with the gossip, the protagonist is signaling that they are above all that drama.
Others might interpret the song as a cautionary tale about the perils of secrecy. The line “They have no shield, no secrets to reveal” suggests that the people spreading rumors about the protagonist have nothing to hide, while the protagonist and their confidante do. By keeping secrets, they are exposing themselves to potential harm if their secrets are ever exposed.
The Legacy of “Our Lips Are Sealed”
“Our Lips Are Sealed” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to its impact on music history, the song has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and literature. For example, in the movie “Clueless,” the protagonist Cher is driving with her best friend and exclaiming how much she loves “The Go-Go’s.” Her friend responds, “What’s that?” and Cher replies, “Oh, Josh, please, as if!” The scene perfectly encapsulates the song’s lasting influence on popular culture.
In a 2001 interview with CNN, Wiedlin reflected on the song’s enduring legacy. “It’s really gratifying that something that we wrote so long ago is still meaningful to people,” she said. “I think the song speaks to a universal experience that everyone can relate to, which is feeling like you’re being talked about behind your back. And the idea of not giving in to that and not letting it get you down is a really empowering message.”
Conclusion
“Our Lips Are Sealed” is much more than just a catchy pop song. Its enduring appeal is rooted in its message of empowerment, self-reliance, and timeless wisdom about the dangers of gossip and secrecy. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a fan of The Go-Go’s, or just someone who appreciates a good pop tune, “Our Lips Are Sealed” is a song that will continue to resonate for years to come.
