FAWM: "Stop (Don't Talk of Grief)"

Stop (Don't Talk of Grief)

2025 by @smudge

Liner Notes

This is a song - based on my real life experience after my brother Pete died - about how society really doesn't want to hear about, let alone support, people in their grief. It actually makes me want to write a musical about death. Thanks to David Clipperton for "scary" chorus vocals. #grief #musicalaboutdeath #whensocietydoesntsupportgrievers #personalsoundtrack

Lyrics

Stop (Don't Talk of Grief)

VERSE 1 Walking through the dust and rubble Wading through a past that hurts Dealing with a world of trouble Can’t forget what’s happened

Hearing all the different voices Trying to help me “move along” Seeing all their Janus faces Torch a truth that matters

PRECHORUS 1 Bury, bury your grief Is what, is what they mean Take it, take it away Is what they mean

CHORUS 1 Stop We will not hear Stop Don’t try to share Stop Please wipe your tears Stop They’re not welcome here

Stop Don’t talk of death Stop (Cuz) We’re scared of it Stop Please hold your breath Stop Don’t talk of death

VERSE 2 Niceties and small-town chatter Purge all talk of any pain “Always try to keep it shallow” Seems to be their motto

PRECHORUS 2 Bury your grief, bury your grief Is what, is what they mean Take it, take it away Is what they mean

CHORUS 2 Stop We will not hear Stop Don’t try to share Stop Please wipe your tears Stop They’re not welcome here

Stop Don’t talk of death Stop (Cuz) We’re scared of it Stop Please hold your breath Stop Don’t talk of death

Stop We will not hear Stop Don’t try to share Stop Please wipe your tears Stop They’re not welcome here

Stop Don’t talk of death Stop (Cuz) We’re scared of it Stop Please hold your breath Stop Don’t talk of death

Comments

@carolga 2025

Hi I've been wanting to contact you since I first read here about your experience - so very sorry you have been through this loss and this aftermath. You've described so well how many of us find our honest response to grief is sadly un -well met in the world. I've been in hospital for the past week and regret you will probably miss this note now, but if you find it, you might like to have a look at my song "Talk of that" - just a tiny reassurance maybe that some people do get it. Wishing you so much good in the year ahead x

@joeycyclone 2025

It is such a ridiculous expectation in society that we don't talk about our grief but I think you have nailed it with the line 'We're scared of it'. Thank you for writing such honest and important words

@ampersandman 2025

Haha, the "stop" startled me! Very powerful and honest lyrics, and you do touch a very true point. Grief has no place in our society, you are expected to function no matter what. I guess many people are not ill-meaning, they just don't know how to deal with grieving persons. In the song arrangement, I especially like the more complex drum pattern.

@jongoldie 2025

Compelling listen. Thanks for you exploration, honesty and bravery. Yes, it is an uncomfortable topic and people don't know what to really say and don't want to know about it. A musical sounds like an awesome idea! "Death - The Musical"? Might enlighten the populace somewhat. Cheers

@musicsongwriter 2025

Wow, this is very original and moving. Very interesting concept, heartbreaking and moving. Amazing vocals, instrumentation, conflict shown in a very profound way. The organ coming adds to the atmosphere. Great work. Very sorry for your loss.

@jyoo 2025

so powerful! Please keep talking for as long as you need to!

@nahlej381 2025

Keep me posted on the death musical plz. This is a gorgeous piece. The drums add a sense of urgency. The lyrics cut to the bone. Love love love it dude.