P!nk "Please Don't Leave Me"

06.25.09

-by Laura

As catchy as it may be, I can’t help but notice the alarming lyrics in Pink’s newest chart topping song “Please don’t leave me.” She sings about yelling at her partner, insulting him, threatening to kick him out, cutting him to pieces, and refers to him as her “perfect little punching bag”. These threats come along with praises and apologies like “you are so beautiful” and “I don’t mean it, please don’t leave me..” Throughout the song she also places the blame back on him; “What is it with you that makes me act like this” or justifying her actions with the fact that her heart is broken.

When there is dating violence in a relationship, there is often a cycle of abuse. I think this song is a perfect example of this cycle. One partner threatens (“I am capable of really anything”), then emotionally or physically hurts their partner (“How many times I’ve kicked you outta here.”), apologies and asked him or her to stay (“I need you, I’m sorry”). Then things are ok for awhile, but inevitably the cycle starts over again.

Unfortunately, the video is even worse. Throughout it, she progressively injures her boyfriend more and more severely. Its set up to seem funny, but after seeing this video I am not too proud of Pink.

I encourage you guys to really listen to what you are jamming out to on your ipods, because like I said, when that catchy beat comes on I got sucked in too! Check out the full lyrics below.


I don't know if I can yell any louder
How many time I've kicked you outta here?
Or said something insulting?
Da da da, da da

I can be so mean when I wanna be
I am capable of really anything
I can cut you into pieces
But my heart is broken
Da da da, da da

Please don't leave me
Please don't leave me
I always say how I don't need you
But it's always gonna come right back to this
Please, don't leave me

How did I become so obnoxious?
What is it with you that makes me act like this?
I've never been this nasty
Da da da, da da

Can't you tell that this is all just a contest?
The one that wins will be the one that hits the hardest
But baby I don't mean it
I mean it, I promise
Da da da, da da

Please don't leave me
Oh please don't leave me
I always say how I don't need you
But it's always gonna come right back to this
Please, don't leave me

I forgot to say out loud how beautiful you really are to me
I cannot be without, you're my perfect little punching bag
And I need you, I'm sorry
Da da da, da da

Baby please don't leave me
(Da da da, da da)
No, don't leave me
Please don't leave me no no no

You say I don't need you
But it's always gonna come right back
It's gonna come right back to this
Please, don't leave me

Please don't leave me, oh no no no.
I always say how I don't need you
But it's always gonna come right back to this

Please don't leave me
Baby, please, please don't leave me
© EMI BLACKWOOD MUSIC INC.; PINK INSIDE PUBLISHING