Please Don't

Album: Here Lies Love (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the first single from Here Lies Love, a concept album by former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and English DJ Fatboy Slim about the life of the ex First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos and her relationship with a servant from her childhood. The album features 22 guest vocalists and on this track American electronic/indie rock singer-songwriter Santagold is the artist behind the mic.
  • Marcos and her husband, Ferdinand Marcos, were the First Lady and President of the Philippines from 1965 until 1986 when the pair were overthrown in a popular revolt. They fled to Hawaii, where Ferdinand Marcos died three years later. Outside the Philippines Imelda is often remembered for symbols of the corrupt extravagance of her husband's political reign, such as having over 3000 pairs of shoes. In the mid 1990s she was found guilty of corruption, however her conviction was overturned on appeal.
  • Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Fatboy Slim explained: "It's a story-telling thing, like Evita, but coming at it from a different angle in that it tells the untold story that people didn't know about Imelda Marcos. It's not just about the shoes."
  • The album was adapted into a Rock musical directed by Alex Timbers that premiered at The Public Theater in New York City in 2013. It won five prizes at the following year's Lortel Awards for Off-Broadway productions.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.