'til Tuesday — Voices Carry
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I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
But I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
To tear him away-a-ay
When I tell him that I'm falling in love
Why does he say-a-ay
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Uh-ah
I try so hard not to get upset
Because I know all the trouble I'll get
Oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
And something to fear-eh-eh
And I try so hard to keep it inside
So no one can hear
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Uh-ah
Oh!
He wants me, but only part of the time
He wants me, if he can keep me in line
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, shut up now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, darling, she might overhear
Hush, hush - voices carry
He said shut up - he said shut up
Oh God can't you keep it down
Voices carry
Hush hush, voices carry
But I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
To tear him away-a-ay
When I tell him that I'm falling in love
Why does he say-a-ay
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Uh-ah
I try so hard not to get upset
Because I know all the trouble I'll get
Oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
And something to fear-eh-eh
And I try so hard to keep it inside
So no one can hear
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Uh-ah
Oh!
He wants me, but only part of the time
He wants me, if he can keep me in line
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, shut up now, voices carry
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Hush hush, darling, she might overhear
Hush, hush - voices carry
He said shut up - he said shut up
Oh God can't you keep it down
Voices carry
Hush hush, voices carry
Comments (244)add comment
I will always remember this song as 'Song of the Day' on AM 106 where I was the lucky caller and won movie tickets, a t-shirt, and this group's LP when I was a teenager in Canada.
Man I hear this and just want to go back to 1985 again.
After hundreds of listens over the years, I finally just heard and appreciated the dancing, groovy bass line........
This song will forever remind me of my room mate back when this was a hit. He used to beat on his girlfriend...To this day I regret not taking 'aggressive action' against him for his cruelty
Aimee's bass line in this is fucking great!
From Midlothian myself - two years younger. Wish I had gotten to know her then. “Discovered” her in college - water under the bridge.
Great comment. The pressures you've discussed contributed to the downfall of plenty of bands in the 80s, including the Bangles, who you mentioned. A bit of reading into that band's history shows they were utterly undermined and sanitized by their record label and ultimately splintered under the pressure, but I digress.
I'm glad Aimee is still around, never truly caved to the pressure, and has put out so much high quality work.
magikmike34 wrote:
I'm glad Aimee is still around, never truly caved to the pressure, and has put out so much high quality work.
magikmike34 wrote:
i met and spoke with Aimee Mann after a show one night last summer (on The Forgotten Arm Tour). i told her i had actually seen 'til tuesday open in 1985 for, - O.K. i guess i have to admit this-- Rick Springfield. which is just one step in another direction from Billy Idol. not sure if it's a step up, or a step down. but it's a step in something alright. according to her, she and the band fought hard to make the music they wanted in 'til tuesday. but everytime they had a new album ready, the label rejected it and told them that the only way it would get released would be to work on a couple of songs with producers they chose. in other words the label forced them to do a couple of songs per album to be commercially accessible. they wanted top 40 hits. and they got them. one per album! well sort of. the first album had the single "Voices Carry" which was a top 40 Hit. the 2nd album "Welcome Home" had a top 40 hit in the song "What About Love", but it was no monster hit. the 3rd album didn't really have a top 40 hit. it did have a single called "(Believed) You Were Lucky" which didn't hit the top 40 on the radio. but i do remember VH-1 running the video into the ground. so it was a hit on TV! according to Aimee it wasn't being in the band that she is trying to "shake off". although the band did break up because of internal disagreements. mainly it was just the unrealistic pressures that a record label can put on a band. it wasn't the band. it may have been some of the songs that they were forced to do, but she blames the bad experience on the record label. and they were totally mismatched with other artists on tours. obviously. i could see 'til tuesday opening for Cyndi Lauper or maybe even the Bangles. but not Rick or Billy. but i guess Rick & Billy beat Night Ranger or Loverboy. sort of. the non single tracks on all 3 'til tuesday albums are closer to what Aimee has been doing since then. especially the 3rd album. real Aimee fans need to hear the song "J For Jules" from the album "Everything's Different Now" and listen to the rest of that album too. that album was released in 1988. the band broke up in 1990. she had to wait a few years for her contract to expire with Epic before starting her solo career. that's why her first solo album didn't come out until 1993. and then as soon as the album "Whatever" was released on IMAGO records the label went out of business. so no promotion for Aimee's album. her next solo album, 1995's "I'm With Stupid" was released on Geffen Records. she met her future husband Michael Penn while working on this album. it got excellent reviews. but had very poor sales. her next album was Bachelor No. 2, completed in 1997. Geffen didn't think the album had any hit potential and refused to release it. during this time Michael Penn was scoring the Paul Thomas Anderson film "Boogie Nights". he became good friends with the director and suggested Aimee to do the music for his next film "Magnolia". even the song "Voices Carry" by 'til tuesday appears briefly in "Boogie Nights" though it was barely audible. come to think of it that film also had songs by Rick Springfield and Night Ranger in it. some of the very songs that Geffen refused to release from Bachelor No. 2 would wind up on the hit soundtrack to Magnolia. Aimee started her own label SuperEgo Records in 1999 and in 2000 Bachelor No. 2 was FINALLY released. the best reviews of Aimee's career. she has had 2 studio albums since then, 2002's Lost In Space & 2005's The Forgotten Arm. she has also released a live CD/DVD combo, Live at St. Anne's Wharehouse. a christmas album from Aimee is due to be released on Halloween of all dates. so get ready for an Aimee Mann Christmas on Oct 31, 2006! now i hope that has got everyone caught up! if you're a fan, you must see her live. i was totally mesmerized by that concert. opening act Ben Lee was perfect also. it was outside on a perfect summer night. one of the greatest musical experiences of my lifetime.
doesn't matter who you were. this was your 80s
"Oh Josh, keep it down now, this is scary..."
Great song, but also, a terrific video. The jealous boyfriend is excellently cast.
I'm hearing Goldfrapp - Strict Machine with that synthesizer
"wonderful electric!...."
"wonderful electric!...."
smartn1 wrote:
used to think it was "even downtown, voices carry"!! Still sing this because I like the thought...
It always sounds like she is saying Oh so scary.
An oldie but a goodie!
Love til tuesday and Aimee - she married Michael Penn… Both amazing songwriters
Lazarus wrote:
Very interesting thoughts... hope life is grand for you these days, haretic...
miss Cynaera so much...
Yes, many of us fondly and sadly miss Cynaera.
I miss you too, old friend. I hope life is grand and joyful for you, as well.
Very interesting thoughts... hope life is grand for you these days, haretic...
miss Cynaera so much...
I miss you too, old friend. I hope life is grand and joyful for you, as well.
quesarah wrote:
Danny Carey's wife?
This is scary.
Who is Missus Cary?
Danny Carey's wife?
This is scary.
This song always catches my ear. I find it at once dated and timeless...
smartn1 wrote:
For as controlling and untrustworthy as he sounds, its really what she means!
It always sounds like she is saying Oh so scary.
For as controlling and untrustworthy as he sounds, its really what she means!
quesarah wrote:
Aimee Mann!!!!!
Who is Missus Cary?
Aimee Mann!!!!!
ColdMiser wrote:
Back when bands were making it big out of Boston seemed like one every month.
As big as Ultimate Spinach...?-)
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Who is Missus Cary?
It always sounds like she is saying Oh so scary.
Oh wow, never knew this was her... cool
T.I.L. Aimee Mann was a member of Til Tuesday.. 61 y/o me did not know that.. Nice
SmackDaddy wrote:
If I may add a bit more history....
In 1994, I scored some tickets to Squeeze in Indy. They came out on stage with ... who is that? Aimee Mann, someone I was totally unfamiliar with at the time. I thought she was the warm up...Groans.... Except she fit right in with the other singer songwriters. The band rolled right through her songs and their songs like they'd always been a unit. She won the audience over - it was a great show. Apparently she and Glenn were a thing at the time. I've been an Aimee fan ever since. I suspect many others there became fans, too. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist...
If I may add a bit more history....
In 1994, I scored some tickets to Squeeze in Indy. They came out on stage with ... who is that? Aimee Mann, someone I was totally unfamiliar with at the time. I thought she was the warm up...Groans.... Except she fit right in with the other singer songwriters. The band rolled right through her songs and their songs like they'd always been a unit. She won the audience over - it was a great show. Apparently she and Glenn were a thing at the time. I've been an Aimee fan ever since. I suspect many others there became fans, too. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist...
magikmike34 wrote:
i met and spoke with Aimee Mann after a show one night last summer (on The Forgotten Arm Tour).
i told her i had actually seen 'til tuesday open in 1985 for, - O.K. i guess i have to admit this--
Rick Springfield.
which is just one step in another direction from Billy Idol. not sure if it's a step up, or a step down. but it's a step in something alright.
according to her, she and the band fought hard to make the music they wanted in 'til tuesday. but everytime they had a new album ready, the label rejected it and told them that the only way it would get released would be to work on a couple of songs with producers they chose. in other words the label forced them to do a couple of songs per album to be commercially accessible. they wanted top 40 hits.
and they got them. one per album!
well sort of. the first album had the single "Voices Carry" which was a top 40 Hit. the 2nd album "Welcome Home" had a top 40 hit in the song "What About Love", but it was no monster hit. the 3rd album didn't really have a top 40 hit. it did have a single called "(Believed) You Were Lucky" which didn't hit the top 40 on the radio. but i do remember VH-1 running the video into the ground.
so it was a hit on TV!
according to Aimee it wasn't being in the band that she is trying to "shake off". although the band did break up because of internal disagreements.
mainly it was just the unrealistic pressures that a record label can put on a band. it wasn't the band. it may have been some of the songs that they were forced to do, but she blames the bad experience on the record label. and they were totally mismatched with other artists on tours. obviously.
i could see 'til tuesday opening for Cyndi Lauper or maybe even the Bangles. but not Rick or Billy. but i guess Rick & Billy beat Night Ranger or Loverboy. sort of.
the non single tracks on all 3 'til tuesday albums are closer to what Aimee has been doing since then. especially the 3rd album. real Aimee fans need to hear the song "J For Jules" from the album "Everything's Different Now" and listen to the rest of that album too. that album was released in 1988. the band broke up in 1990.
she had to wait a few years for her contract to expire with Epic before starting her solo career.
that's why her first solo album didn't come out until 1993. and then as soon as the album "Whatever" was released on IMAGO records the label went out of business. so no promotion for Aimee's album.
her next solo album, 1995's "I'm With Stupid" was released on Geffen Records. she met her future husband Michael Penn while working on this album.
it got excellent reviews. but had very poor sales. her next album was Bachelor No. 2, completed in 1997. Geffen didn't think the album had any hit potential and refused to release it.
during this time Michael Penn was scoring the Paul Thomas Anderson film "Boogie Nights". he became good friends with the director and suggested Aimee to do the music for his next film "Magnolia".
even the song "Voices Carry" by 'til tuesday appears briefly in "Boogie Nights" though it was barely audible. come to think of it that film also had songs by Rick Springfield and Night Ranger in it.
some of the very songs that Geffen refused to release from Bachelor No. 2 would wind up on the hit soundtrack to Magnolia.
Aimee started her own label SuperEgo Records in 1999 and in 2000 Bachelor No. 2 was FINALLY released.
the best reviews of Aimee's career.
she has had 2 studio albums since then,
2002's Lost In Space & 2005's The Forgotten Arm. she has also released a live CD/DVD combo, Live at St. Anne's Wharehouse.
a christmas album from Aimee is due to be released on Halloween of all dates. so get ready for an Aimee Mann Christmas on Oct 31, 2006!
now i hope that has got everyone caught up!
if you're a fan, you must see her live. i was totally mesmerized by that concert. opening act
Ben Lee was perfect also. it was outside on a perfect summer night.
one of the greatest musical experiences of my lifetime.
Rick Springfield isn't a step up from anyone, especially Billy Idol. BI is a talented song writer and has punk cred going back to Gen X. NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
Oh, thanks for alerting me to that - I didn't even recognize her voice. She's come a loooooong way since the 80s.
lordy be, I never twigged that this was the beginning of Aimee Mann's career.
Oh, thanks for alerting me to that - I didn't even recognize her voice. She's come a loooooong way since the 80s.
lordy be, I never twigged that this was the beginning of Aimee Mann's career.
Lazarus wrote:
Very interesting thoughts... hope life is grand for you these days, haretic...
miss Cynaera so much...
Thank you, Lazarus. I miss Cynaera too.
Blessings to you and your itinerant band of celebrants!
How're you doing these days?
Very interesting thoughts... hope life is grand for you these days, haretic...
miss Cynaera so much...
Thank you, Lazarus. I miss Cynaera too.
Blessings to you and your itinerant band of celebrants!
How're you doing these days?
dwhayslett wrote:
The song hasn't changed one single bit, unlike you and I, who have aged. Whether "well" applies is left as an exercise for the reader.
A. BURN!!!
B. PREACH!!!
The song hasn't changed one single bit, unlike you and I, who have aged. Whether "well" applies is left as an exercise for the reader.
A. BURN!!!
B. PREACH!!!
Argh. Now feeling this for Song Du Jour more than Midnight Oil's. Hate when I stay on Twitter too much, but gonna get in there and correct a mistake. Before I do more stupid stuff, like make a bad meme or flame Boeing PR.
On_The_Beach wrote:
That's a good version - Aimee had a good stage presence. I'd seen dozens of shows at The Ritz back in those days, but I was not at that show.
That's a good version - Aimee had a good stage presence. I'd seen dozens of shows at The Ritz back in those days, but I was not at that show.
Spots_Stew wrote:
Can I one up you with my dBX era encoding?
Somewhere in the garage betting I still have car audio converter once tied to an Apline cassette desk in my old college commuter, a 2 seater '79 280ZX, Car is long gone, but still have TEAC v-450x tape deck from dorm days, still occaisionally spin up tape from one o my many boxes of 80s mixed tapes.
Thanks RP for keeping me mostly lost in the present, with deja vu from days past!
Can I one up you with my dBX era encoding?
Somewhere in the garage betting I still have car audio converter once tied to an Apline cassette desk in my old college commuter, a 2 seater '79 280ZX, Car is long gone, but still have TEAC v-450x tape deck from dorm days, still occaisionally spin up tape from one o my many boxes of 80s mixed tapes.
Thanks RP for keeping me mostly lost in the present, with deja vu from days past!
guthrieandme wrote:
You didn't know that all you had to do was run a green marker around the edge of your CD?
I can't tell you how good this sounds on vinyl....
You didn't know that all you had to do was run a green marker around the edge of your CD?
I can't tell you how good this sounds on vinyl....
wgsu_1978 wrote:
Point of order. The song hasn't changed one single bit, unlike you and I, who have aged. Whether "well" applies is left as an exercise for the reader.
... this song ... hasn't aged well.
Point of order. The song hasn't changed one single bit, unlike you and I, who have aged. Whether "well" applies is left as an exercise for the reader.
Back when bands were making it big out of Boston seemed like one every month.
There's no denying the importance of this song when it came out, but it hasn't aged well. I prefer the sense of hopelessness and pent-up rage in Rosanne Cash's "Burn Down This Town".
On_The_Beach wrote:
Wow, what an awesome performance of that song. Hell, I never knew she played the bass guitar. Even more impressive.
Wow, what an awesome performance of that song. Hell, I never knew she played the bass guitar. Even more impressive.
One of the best pop songs from an era of pop songs.
Love old pop songs that have such dark lyrical content.
Limpopoking wrote:
I always thought it was Mrs. Cary.
I always thought it was it's so scarry
I always thought it was Mrs. Cary.
I always thought it was it's so scarry
stargazer1 wrote:
I always thought it was Mrs. Cary.
Aimee Man is unadulteratedly awesome, and this is one of my favorite songs. Oddly enough, I initially thought the lyrics were "voiceless Mary."
I always thought it was Mrs. Cary.
Aimee Man is unadulteratedly awesome, and this is one of my favorite songs. Oddly enough, I initially thought the lyrics were "voiceless Mary."
If I was to close my eyes and guess who this was I would say it is Belinda Carlisle.
This band did not seem to make it over here in the UK but apparently it is Aimee Mann singing so I am really impressed at her long and successful career.
This band did not seem to make it over here in the UK but apparently it is Aimee Mann singing so I am really impressed at her long and successful career.
Who's Mrs. Cary?
Aimee Mann; a fine singer who has gone on to do some excellent work. She reminds me of Poe in a way. But I digress. I wonder if she sometimes looks back at pictures of herself from that era and cringes...at least a little bit? I guess we all have that "WHAT in the WORLD was I THINKING!!?!" period don't we? Heh!
It takes nothing away from this tune, though.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
It takes nothing away from this tune, though.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Sasha2001 wrote:
"Wait a minute, dad. You're mean to tell me Paul McCartney was in another band before Wings?"
- Billy Crystal's son
I read an article about some recent award show where Lionel Ritchie was being honored and someone addressed him as "Nicole Rithchie's father".
"Wait a minute, dad. You're mean to tell me Paul McCartney was in another band before Wings?"
- Billy Crystal's son
I read an article about some recent award show where Lionel Ritchie was being honored and someone addressed him as "Nicole Rithchie's father".
For years I tried to figure out if she was singing, "This is Carey," or "This is scarey." Ahem, neither.
Holds up over time.
Aimee is a goddess.
Early and sustained genius.
And so adorably visually mesmerizing.
Major body of work ~ her songwriting through many albums.
(For the longest time I thought it was "Even downtown... voices carry...."
Aimee is a goddess.
Early and sustained genius.
And so adorably visually mesmerizing.
Major body of work ~ her songwriting through many albums.
(For the longest time I thought it was "Even downtown... voices carry...."
the first Compact Disc I ever bought. the first CD I ever officially played! college life in the 80s - great song... thanks for trip down memory lane
Annoying how Bill reminds us from time to time there was some pretty fine music in the '80s.
That's Aimee Mann? And not Kim Wilde? Amazing.
HOLY MEMBERS ONLY! I love this song.
I unironically love this song, as well as the cover art.
Aimee Mann is awesome - from my hometown!!!!!
Sasha2001 wrote:
"Wait a minute, dad. You're mean to tell me Paul McCartney was in another band before Wings?"
- Billy Crystal's son
These days it's more like "Paul McCartney? That fossil? And who was Wings?"
"Wait a minute, dad. You're mean to tell me Paul McCartney was in another band before Wings?"
- Billy Crystal's son
These days it's more like "Paul McCartney? That fossil? And who was Wings?"
Gorgeous song!! I love Aimee Mann....
Am like, ooh he's snuck some pop in there again. Very of it's time, sound wise. Thought it was Kim Wilde. Don't think I've ever heard of these. Was it in a movie?
haretic wrote:
Very interesting thoughts... hope life is grand for you these days, haretic...
miss Cynaera so much...
romeotuma wrote:
This song is actually quite profound... quite an excellent song...
Cynaera wrote:
I totally agree. It's about a woman who's been under the thumb of a man who keeps her as a "toy." She finds her voice, her strength, and speaks out, knowing it will probably end the relationship, but also knowing it will make her independent.
I saw the video for it, and it didn't really do much for me, but the words... the message... Aimee Mann is rather awesome. This version isn't the full-length version, but I'll take it anyway.
And now, let's hear some Jen Trynin!
The 80's were something of a blur for me. I did not generally listen closely to "new" music, and didn't care for much of what was on the radio. Within the last three years, I listened to this song and read the lyrics as I did for the first time. I was stunned. I think this was and is an amazingly daring song, and that it slipped under the radar of denial that most people in our society have put up in their minds around the subject of childhood sexual abuse. Because that is exactly what I think this song is about. Consider:
"I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
but I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
to tear him away
when I tell him that I'm falling in love
why does he say
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset
because I know all the trouble I'll get
oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
and something to fear
and I try so hard to keep it inside
so no one can hear
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
He wants me
but only part of the time
He wants me
if he can keep me in line
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
hush hush, darling, she might overhear
oh, no-voices carry
he said shut up he said shut up
oh God can't you keep it down
voices carry
I wish he would let me talk.
I don't think there is any doubt about it, really. And the song is so bloody profound in light of that. The girl is completely caught in the emotional trap of a horrific situation, abused by a man she adores, and so confused by it all.
It's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.
This song is actually quite profound... quite an excellent song...
Cynaera wrote:
I totally agree. It's about a woman who's been under the thumb of a man who keeps her as a "toy." She finds her voice, her strength, and speaks out, knowing it will probably end the relationship, but also knowing it will make her independent.
I saw the video for it, and it didn't really do much for me, but the words... the message... Aimee Mann is rather awesome. This version isn't the full-length version, but I'll take it anyway.
And now, let's hear some Jen Trynin!
The 80's were something of a blur for me. I did not generally listen closely to "new" music, and didn't care for much of what was on the radio. Within the last three years, I listened to this song and read the lyrics as I did for the first time. I was stunned. I think this was and is an amazingly daring song, and that it slipped under the radar of denial that most people in our society have put up in their minds around the subject of childhood sexual abuse. Because that is exactly what I think this song is about. Consider:
"I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
but I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
to tear him away
when I tell him that I'm falling in love
why does he say
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset
because I know all the trouble I'll get
oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
and something to fear
and I try so hard to keep it inside
so no one can hear
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
He wants me
but only part of the time
He wants me
if he can keep me in line
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
hush hush, darling, she might overhear
oh, no-voices carry
he said shut up he said shut up
oh God can't you keep it down
voices carry
I wish he would let me talk.
I don't think there is any doubt about it, really. And the song is so bloody profound in light of that. The girl is completely caught in the emotional trap of a horrific situation, abused by a man she adores, and so confused by it all.
It's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.
Very interesting thoughts... hope life is grand for you these days, haretic...
miss Cynaera so much...
Are you listening? I think not.... she almost screeches in this one
z11355 wrote:
z11355 wrote:
SO much better than the incessant droning she currently does.
kurtster wrote:
Yep - well a strong 9 anyway.
8 to 10 after all these years ...
Yep - well a strong 9 anyway.
SO much better than the incessant droning she currently does.
8 to 10 after all these years ...
More of this, please. It's been too long.
'Til Tuesday, not Til Tuesday
lsfeder wrote:
"Wait a minute, dad. You're mean to tell me Paul McCartney was in another band before Wings?"
- Billy Crystal's son
I had no idea this was Aimee Man!! WOW! All these years....
"Wait a minute, dad. You're mean to tell me Paul McCartney was in another band before Wings?"
- Billy Crystal's son
haretic wrote:
It was years after this song was a hit that I listened carefully to the lyrics.
I believe it is about a young girl being sexually abused by her father.
I have underlined below the phrases which convinced me of this.
Imagine a bedroom in a typical suburban home. In the next bedroom perhaps the singer's mother is sleeping. So much of the lyrics make perfect sense in this light. Consider:
"I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
but I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
to tear him away
when I tell him that I'm falling in love
why does he say
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset
because I know all the trouble I'll get
oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
and something to fear
and I try so hard to keep it inside
so no one can hear
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
He wants me
but only part of the time
He wants me
if he can keep me in line
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
hush hush, darling, she might overhear
oh, no-voices carry
he said shut up he said shut up
oh God can't you keep it down
voices carry
I wish he would let me talk.
I don't think there is any doubt about it, really. And the song is so bloody profound in light of that. The girl is completely caught in the emotional trap of a horrific situation, abused by a man she adores, and so confused by it all.
It's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.
I believe it is about a young girl being sexually abused by her father.
I have underlined below the phrases which convinced me of this.
Imagine a bedroom in a typical suburban home. In the next bedroom perhaps the singer's mother is sleeping. So much of the lyrics make perfect sense in this light. Consider:
"I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
but I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
to tear him away
when I tell him that I'm falling in love
why does he say
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset
because I know all the trouble I'll get
oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
and something to fear
and I try so hard to keep it inside
so no one can hear
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
He wants me
but only part of the time
He wants me
if he can keep me in line
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
hush hush, darling, she might overhear
oh, no-voices carry
he said shut up he said shut up
oh God can't you keep it down
voices carry
I wish he would let me talk.
I don't think there is any doubt about it, really. And the song is so bloody profound in light of that. The girl is completely caught in the emotional trap of a horrific situation, abused by a man she adores, and so confused by it all.
It's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.
I liked it then..not anymore, but it evokes some cool memories. Two young ladies from Sweden both named Lotta stayed with my roommate and I for the summer. Hey Lotta, are you somewhere out there ? 
I miss you.. rdo wrote:
I miss you.. rdo wrote:One of my favorite songs from the 80s.
My favorite line: "He said, Shut up!"
For some reason I laugh every time I hear it.
For some reason I laugh every time I hear it.
coyote620 wrote:
...and there I was thinking it was a song about Mrs. Kerry
Years went by until finally one day I fully listened to the lyrics and realized she wasn't singing "we're so scary".
...and there I was thinking it was a song about Mrs. Kerry
Fabulous song. Those screams at the end make me shiver with audio pleasure and the background low male vocals are astonishing.
One of my favorite songs from the 80s.
I know nothing about this band but I was able to guess the date this song was released by the sound (I was 1 years out). This is so 80’s.
Years went by until finally one day I fully listened to the lyrics and realized she wasn't singing "we're so scary".
dogpound wrote:
right? Her voice grew up, but man I love this old stuff.
There's a lot less d-r-a-m-a in her current work, at least compared to this song. I remember a lot of her stuff from the Til Tuesday era as sounding forced. A lot of songs threw in the words "downtown train" as some sort of crutch, which got tired real fast...
But yeah, I really like this song even today. Aimee had (has?) a great voice for belting and drawing out words.
right? Her voice grew up, but man I love this old stuff.
There's a lot less d-r-a-m-a in her current work, at least compared to this song. I remember a lot of her stuff from the Til Tuesday era as sounding forced. A lot of songs threw in the words "downtown train" as some sort of crutch, which got tired real fast...
But yeah, I really like this song even today. Aimee had (has?) a great voice for belting and drawing out words.
84MacGuy wrote:
Easy to believe this song is 26 years old. It is easily identified as an '80s artifact. Thankfully Aimee has moved on to be one of the best singer songwriters of her generation.
Hard to believe this song is 26 years old. It ages well.
Easy to believe this song is 26 years old. It is easily identified as an '80s artifact. Thankfully Aimee has moved on to be one of the best singer songwriters of her generation.
Great 80s tune, could get enough of it on "Night Tracks"
You should have kept it and given people something to talk about! 
ziakut wrote:
ziakut wrote:
Love this song!
I remember I was in a cover band once and we had a list of tunes we planned on learning to add to our repertoire. I was the lead singer and we just systematically used to just check off the songs we've learned. We had so many one week that I just learned all the lyrics and bass part. We played this song for the first time in rehearsal...and all of a sudden we were at the middle-8 part...where she belts out "He wants me...but only part of the time". After all I was on auto pilot when doing this song....after singing that part...I busted up laughing and couldn't get thru the rest of it seriously. Not changing the gender in the song....since I was so used to just learning the lyrics and just running with it. Everytime we played that song in performance I had to muster up as much as I could to just sing the part and replace the word 'he' with 'she' without laughing. I managed...but I always think of that whenever I hear this song.
I remember I was in a cover band once and we had a list of tunes we planned on learning to add to our repertoire. I was the lead singer and we just systematically used to just check off the songs we've learned. We had so many one week that I just learned all the lyrics and bass part. We played this song for the first time in rehearsal...and all of a sudden we were at the middle-8 part...where she belts out "He wants me...but only part of the time". After all I was on auto pilot when doing this song....after singing that part...I busted up laughing and couldn't get thru the rest of it seriously. Not changing the gender in the song....since I was so used to just learning the lyrics and just running with it. Everytime we played that song in performance I had to muster up as much as I could to just sing the part and replace the word 'he' with 'she' without laughing. I managed...but I always think of that whenever I hear this song.
Love this song!
I remember I was in a cover band once and we had a list of tunes we planned on learning to add to our repertoire. I was the lead singer and we just systematically used to just check off the songs we've learned. We had so many one week that I just learned all the lyrics and bass part. We played this song for the first time in rehearsal...and all of a sudden we were at the middle-8 part...where she belts out "He wants me...but only part of the time". After all I was on auto pilot when doing this song....after singing that part...I busted up laughing and couldn't get thru the rest of it seriously. Not changing the gender in the song....since I was so used to just learning the lyrics and just running with it. Everytime we played that song in performance I had to muster up as much as I could to just sing the part and replace the word 'he' with 'she' without laughing. I managed...but I always think of that whenever I hear this song.
I remember I was in a cover band once and we had a list of tunes we planned on learning to add to our repertoire. I was the lead singer and we just systematically used to just check off the songs we've learned. We had so many one week that I just learned all the lyrics and bass part. We played this song for the first time in rehearsal...and all of a sudden we were at the middle-8 part...where she belts out "He wants me...but only part of the time". After all I was on auto pilot when doing this song....after singing that part...I busted up laughing and couldn't get thru the rest of it seriously. Not changing the gender in the song....since I was so used to just learning the lyrics and just running with it. Everytime we played that song in performance I had to muster up as much as I could to just sing the part and replace the word 'he' with 'she' without laughing. I managed...but I always think of that whenever I hear this song.
Ahhhh, melodic 80s hair pop! LOVE IT!
She really hits it in this one . . . home run!
FINALLY!
I guess it's true what they say: "de Nile" ain't just a river in Egypt.
Deadwing wrote:
No guilt here - I love it! A staple song for my high school years and beyond......
I still love Aimee Mann's voice & solo work.
A guilty pleasure... 
No guilt here - I love it! A staple song for my high school years and beyond......
I still love Aimee Mann's voice & solo work.
A guilty pleasure...
Splendid pop song. Love the synth
I read somewhere that the name "Til Tuesday" came from the band's practice sessions, which were always held on Tuesdays. They'd wrap up their rehearsals by saying, "Til Tuesday," meaning "See you next Tuesday." I love the very ending of this song - just before the fade-out, she sings, "I wish.... he would.... let me go..."
Hard to believe this song is 26 years old. It ages well.
PA1749 wrote:
We had gotten MTV from our cable provider before Night Tracks was around, but I do remember that program too. This is a good tune; I always thought they took the band name from David Bowie's early track "Love You 'Til Tuesday", maybe not though.
This came out my junior year of high school. What a great song. I remember the discussions about the bands name. It wasn't something concrete and if opened the door for whole new concept in group names. One of my favorite videos on TBS's Night Tracks! Any other Pre-MTV folks out there remember Night Tracks?
We had gotten MTV from our cable provider before Night Tracks was around, but I do remember that program too. This is a good tune; I always thought they took the band name from David Bowie's early track "Love You 'Til Tuesday", maybe not though.
This came out my junior year of high school. What a great song. I remember the discussions about the bands name. It wasn't something concrete and if opened the door for whole new concept in group names. One of my favorite videos on TBS's Night Tracks! Any other Pre-MTV folks out there remember Night Tracks?
romeotuma wrote:
This song is actually quite profound... quite an excellent song...
Cynaera wrote:
I totally agree. It's about a woman who's been under the thumb of a man who keeps her as a "toy." She finds her voice, her strength, and speaks out, knowing it will probably end the relationship, but also knowing it will make her independent.
I saw the video for it, and it didn't really do much for me, but the words... the message... Aimee Mann is rather awesome. This version isn't the full-length version, but I'll take it anyway.
And now, let's hear some Jen Trynin!
The 80's were something of a blur for me. I did not generally listen closely to "new" music, and didn't care for much of what was on the radio. Within the last three years, I listened to this song and read the lyrics as I did for the first time. I was stunned. I think this was and is an amazingly daring song, and that it slipped under the radar of denial that most people in our society have put up in their minds around the subject of childhood sexual abuse. Because that is exactly what I think this song is about. Consider:
"I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
but I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
to tear him away
when I tell him that I'm falling in love
why does he say
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset
because I know all the trouble I'll get
oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
and something to fear
and I try so hard to keep it inside
so no one can hear
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
He wants me
but only part of the time
He wants me
if he can keep me in line
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
hush hush, darling, she might overhear
oh, no-voices carry
he said shut up he said shut up
oh God can't you keep it down
voices carry
I wish he would let me talk.
I don't think there is any doubt about it, really. And the song is so bloody profound in light of that. The girl is completely caught in the emotional trap of a horrific situation, abused by a man she adores, and so confused by it all.
It's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.
This song is actually quite profound... quite an excellent song...
Cynaera wrote:
I totally agree. It's about a woman who's been under the thumb of a man who keeps her as a "toy." She finds her voice, her strength, and speaks out, knowing it will probably end the relationship, but also knowing it will make her independent.
I saw the video for it, and it didn't really do much for me, but the words... the message... Aimee Mann is rather awesome. This version isn't the full-length version, but I'll take it anyway.
And now, let's hear some Jen Trynin!
The 80's were something of a blur for me. I did not generally listen closely to "new" music, and didn't care for much of what was on the radio. Within the last three years, I listened to this song and read the lyrics as I did for the first time. I was stunned. I think this was and is an amazingly daring song, and that it slipped under the radar of denial that most people in our society have put up in their minds around the subject of childhood sexual abuse. Because that is exactly what I think this song is about. Consider:
"I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind
but I'm frightened of the things I might find
Oh, there must be something he's thinking of
to tear him away
when I tell him that I'm falling in love
why does he say
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset
because I know all the trouble I'll get
oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
and something to fear
and I try so hard to keep it inside
so no one can hear
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
He wants me
but only part of the time
He wants me
if he can keep me in line
hush hush
keep it down now
voices carry
hush hush, darling, she might overhear
oh, no-voices carry
he said shut up he said shut up
oh God can't you keep it down
voices carry
I wish he would let me talk.
I don't think there is any doubt about it, really. And the song is so bloody profound in light of that. The girl is completely caught in the emotional trap of a horrific situation, abused by a man she adores, and so confused by it all.
It's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.
I haven't heard this one for a while. I absolutely love 'Til Tuesday, though the beauty of the Welcome Home and Everything's Different Now albums far surpasses the most commercially successful Voices Carry, which is a real shame. Aimee Mann has always excelled at putting personal pain into words and music, in particular on Everything's Different Now, which has several songs dealing with the very painful breakup of a relationship. "Why Must I", "Rip In Heaven", (Believed) You Were Lucky" and "The Other End (Of The Telescope)" are among my favourite song of all time. After 'Til Tuesday broke up I was really looking forward to Aimee Mann's solo albums, but I never really got along with them. They didn't seem as gloriously tuneful to me as her work with 'Til Tuesday.
On_The_Beach wrote:
So her band was 2 dudes from the Russian mafia and a troubled teen having a bad hair day?
physicsgenius wrote:
I know I'm in a dinky minority, but I miss PG. He could be so funny.
So wait, she once had a movable jaw?
I know I'm in a dinky minority, but I miss PG. He could be so funny.
ihategrapejuice wrote:
My version: Hush hush, keep it downtown, Mrs. Carrie.
i've been hearing "this is scary"
My version: Hush hush, keep it downtown, Mrs. Carrie.
Love it! Essential 80's ...
I had no idea this was Aimee Man!! WOW! All these years....
romeotuma wrote:
This song is actually quite profound... quite an excellent song...
I totally agree. It's about a woman who's been under the thumb of a man who keeps her as a "toy." She finds her voice, her strength, and speaks out, knowing it will probably end the relationship, but also knowing it will make her independent.
I saw the video for it, and it didn't really do much for me, but the words... the message... Aimee Mann is rather awesome. This version isn't the full-length version, but I'll take it anyway.
And now, let's hear some Jen Trynin!
This song is actually quite profound... quite an excellent song...
I totally agree. It's about a woman who's been under the thumb of a man who keeps her as a "toy." She finds her voice, her strength, and speaks out, knowing it will probably end the relationship, but also knowing it will make her independent.
I saw the video for it, and it didn't really do much for me, but the words... the message... Aimee Mann is rather awesome. This version isn't the full-length version, but I'll take it anyway.
And now, let's hear some Jen Trynin!
One of those troubled teens has an adam's apple.
On_The_Beach wrote:
On_The_Beach wrote:
So her band was 2 dudes from the Russian mafia and a troubled teen having a bad hair day?
Ugh. Never understood the appeal to this song. 
DaveInVA wrote:
right? Her voice grew up, but man I love this old stuff.
Hard to believe thats Aimee Mann compared to her stuff now...
right? Her voice grew up, but man I love this old stuff.
So her band was 2 dudes from the Russian mafia and a troubled teen having a bad hair day?
I liked this when I was young.
It still holds some nostalgic goodness for me.
It still holds some nostalgic goodness for me.
...i like young-til-tuesday-aimee-mann; don't much care for her newer solo work, though...
boober wrote:
hilarious and very well put but you should say "Oh no you di-n't!"
I said shut up
Oh please shut up
My wife said..."oh no you didn't"
Oh please shut up
My wife said..."oh no you didn't"
hilarious and very well put but you should say "Oh no you di-n't!"
Hard to believe thats Aimee Mann compared to her stuff now...
When she was a delicious kid before she became an unbelievably sexy woman.
Epitomizes the 80s for me.
EssexTex wrote:
Hahaha! I forgot about that interpretation. Great song.
Pussie's scary!
Hahaha! I forgot about that interpretation. Great song.
junk!
boober wrote:
I said shut up
Oh please shut up
My wife said..."oh no you didn't"
Oh please shut up
My wife said..."oh no you didn't"
I said shut up
Oh please shut up
My wife said..."oh no you didn't"
Oh please shut up
My wife said..."oh no you didn't"
ssshhhhhhhhh...
mmoyer wrote:
This song holds up surprisingly well.