The Beautiful South emerged in the 1980s and quickly became known for their unique blend of pop, rock, and folk music.
But what truly set them (and Paul Heaton in particular) apart was the lyrical depth and complexity of their songs, which tackled everything from love and relationships to social issues and politics.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 best lyrical songs from The Beautiful South. In no particular order, let’s get started!
Best The Beautiful South Lyrics
10. Perfect 10
“She’s a perfect ten, but she wears a twelve
Baby, keep a little two for me
She could be sweet sixteen, bustin’ out at the seams
It’s still love in the first degree”
“Perfect 10” is a classic example of The Beautiful South’s ability to turn a seemingly mundane topic into a beautifully crafted song.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who doesn’t fit society’s standards of beauty, but is still loved and cherished by her partner. It’s a powerful statement about body positivity and self-acceptance, delivered with the band’s trademark wit and charm.
9. Song for Whoever
“Deep, so deep
The number one I hope to reap
Depends upon the tears you weep
So cry, lovey, cry”
This song, released in 1989, is a tongue-in-cheek take on the music industry’s tendency to churn out generic love songs.
The lyrics are a series of thinly veiled references to famous singers and their hits, but the song itself is anything but generic. With its catchy melody and clever wordplay, “Song for Whoever” is a satirical masterpiece.
8. Don’t Marry Her
“And your socks smell of angels
But your life smells of Brie
Don’t marry her, fuck me”
With its catchy chorus and provocative title, “Don’t Marry Her” is one of The Beautiful South’s most famous songs.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who cheats on his partner, but then realizes that he still loves her and doesn’t want her to make the same mistake. The song’s blunt language and frank discussion of infidelity make it a standout in the band’s discography.
7. A Little Time
“You had a little time and you had a little fun
Didn’t ya, didn’t you?
While you had yours, do you think I had none
Do you, do ya?”
“A Little Time” is a heart-wrenching ballad that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics describe a couple who have grown apart over time, but are still trying to salvage their relationship.
The song’s haunting melody and soulful vocals make it one of The Beautiful South’s most emotional tracks.
6. Rotterdam (or Anywhere)
“And everyone is blonde
And everyone is beautiful
And when blondes and beautiful are multiple
They become so dull and dutiful”
Released in 1996, “Rotterdam (or Anywhere)” is a melancholic ode to the emptiness of modern life. The lyrics describe a world in which people are disconnected from each other and struggling to find meaning in their daily routines.
It’s a powerful commentary on the alienation and isolation of contemporary society, delivered with The Beautiful South’s signature sensitivity and insight.
5. Prettiest Eyes
“Let’s take a look at these crow’s feet, just look
Sitting on the prettiest eyes
Sixty 25th of Decembers
Fifty-nine 4th of Julys”
“Prettiest Eyes” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that explores the fragile nature of human relationships. The lyrics describe a couple who are deeply in love, but also deeply flawed.
The song’s delicate melody and heartfelt vocals make it a standout in The Beautiful South’s catalog.
4. I’ll Sail This Ship Alone
“And if, if you agree
To him instead of me
Well then, I’ll sail this ship alone”
With its catchy melody and sing-along chorus, “I’ll Sail This Ship Alone” is one of The Beautiful South’s most upbeat tracks.
But beneath the catchy tune lies a darker message about the dangers of isolation and self-reliance. The lyrics warn against the dangers of cutting oneself off from others, and urge listeners to seek out human connection.
3. Little Blue
“Little Blue, how do you do?
Your smile looks like heaven. but your eyes hold a storm about to brew, Little Blue
How can a flower so pretty, be so laden down with dew? Little Blue”
“Little Blue” is a bittersweet ballad that explores the pain of lost love. The lyrics describe a man who is haunted by the memory of his former partner, and the small, insignificant objects that remind him of her.
The song’s poignant lyrics and soulful vocals make it a standout in The Beautiful South’s discography.
2. Liars’ Bar
“And he’s a world-wide traveller, he’s not like me or you
But he comes in mighty regular for one who’s passing through
That one came in his work clothes, he’s missed his last bus home
He’s missed a hell of a lot of buses for a man who wants to roam”
Released in 1992, “Liars’ Bar” is a satirical take on the world of politics and power. The lyrics describe a group of politicians who are more interested in their own self-interest than the well-being of their constituents.
The song’s clever wordplay and biting commentary make it a standout in The Beautiful South’s repertoire.
1. Let Love Speak Up Itself
“And let it rise up in the morning and take us for the walk
And let it do the talking when we’re too tired to talk”
“Let Love Speak Up Itself” is a beautiful ballad that urges listeners to let their emotions guide them. The lyrics describe a world in which people are too afraid to express their feelings, and the resulting loneliness and isolation.
The song’s uplifting message and stirring melody make it a perfect closer for this list of the best lyrical songs from The Beautiful South.
Best Beautiful South Lyrics – Final Thoughts
The Beautiful South’s lyrics stand the test of time as some of the most clever, witty, and insightful in the world of music. The band delivered those lines all with a sense of wit and charm that made their music both memorable and meaningful.
From the provocative “Don’t Marry Her” to the soulful “Prettiest Eyes” and the hauntingly beautiful “A Little Time,” The Beautiful South’s lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Their music reminds us of the power of words to inspire, provoke, and move us, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians to this day.
“Cannock Chase Forest Live 2018: Paul Heaton & Jaqui Abbott” by Diego Sideburns is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.