Don't Speak

"Don't Speak" is the third single from Tragic Kingdom, the third album by Californian ska/rock group, No Doubt, released in late 1996.

Song information

The song was co-written by Eric Stefani and Gwen Stefani and co-produced by Matthew Wilder. The bitersweet ballad is based on a true story on the turbulent relationship between Gwen Stefani and bassist Tony Kanal. After being in a relationship for seven years, Kanal informed Stefani that his feelings about her had changed and that he did not want to be her boyfriend anymore. Not surprisingly, Stefani stumbled into a severe depression. To help cope with her emotional pain, she began to write music, and the final version of "Don't Speak" was born. Although the song was originally a more sugary love song, after the events as described above, the song was changed with a darker tone.

Related Topics:
Eric Stefani - Gwen Stefani - Tony Kanal - Boyfriend - Depression

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Although many feel that "Don't Speak" is the essence of their breakup, it is not the only song on the Tragic Kingdom album to talk about Stefani and Kanal's break-up; "Sunday Morning" and "Spiderwebs" also deal with the subject. Although these songs reflect the pain of the breakup at the time, Stefani has moved on personally with her marriage to Gavin Rossdale. Her feelings on this matter are also reflected in her music especially with her single "Cool", in which she talks about how things are "cool" with Kanal, to the point that they are still very good friends. Because of this, "Cool" is often seen by critics and fans to be the sequel to "Don't Speak".

Related Topics:
Sunday Morning - Spiderwebs - Gavin Rossdale - Cool - Sequel

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There are no notable cover versions of "Don't Speak", but various bands, including dance-pop group Clueless, released a dance version of the song as their debut single. It has also been covered by The Countdown Singers and Canadian pop group Deja Vu.

Related Topics:
Cover version - Canadian

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