About the song
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of a heartfelt ballad, originally penned by Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse fame. Initially recorded by Crazy Horse in 1971, it became synonymous with Whitten’s soulful delivery and emotional depth. Over time, the song garnered widespread recognition through numerous cover versions, most notably the rendition by Rod Stewart.
Rod Stewart’s interpretation of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is perhaps the most renowned cover, recorded during sessions for his 1975 album *Atlantic Crossing* at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. However, it was in 1977, when released as a single, that Stewart’s version soared to new heights. Paired as a double A-side with “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” the song swiftly ascended to the top of the UK singles chart. Interestingly, its success was bolstered by a strategic release as a budget single, a move widely believed to thwart the ascent of the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” to the chart summit.
In the United States, “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” was later released in 1979 to promote Stewart’s *Greatest Hits* album. While it reached a modest number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100, its impact was more pronounced on the Adult Contemporary chart, where it peaked at number 44. The song’s enduring popularity led Stewart to revisit it in 1989 for *Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990*, where it resonated once again, particularly on adult contemporary radio.
Notably, Stewart has also performed the song as a duet with Amy Belle during his 2004 tour, cementing its status as a timeless classic in his repertoire. The live rendition with Amy Belle, captured in a concert DVD, has garnered significant attention with over 912 million views on YouTube, underscoring its enduring appeal and emotional resonance with audiences worldwide.
Beyond Stewart’s rendition, “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” has been interpreted by a diverse array of artists including Arthur Conley, Rita Coolidge, and the Indigo Girls, each adding their own flavor while staying true to the song’s raw emotional core. This testament to Danny Whitten’s songwriting prowess continues to captivate listeners across generations, solidifying its place as a cherished piece in the tapestry of popular music.
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Lyrics
I can tell by your eyes
That you’ve probably been cryin’ forever
And the stars in the sky
Don’t mean nothin’ to you, they’re a mirror
I don’t wanna talk about it
How you broke my heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart?
Oh, whoa, heart
If I stand all alone
Will the shadow hide the color of my heart?
Blue for the tears, black for the night’s
Fears the stars in the sky
Don’t mean nothin’ to you, they’re a mirror
I don’t wanna talk about it
How you broke my heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart?
Oh, my heart
I don’t wanna talk about it
How you broke this old heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart?
Oh, my heart
My heart
Oh, my heart