Should've Kept My Eyes Shut
Beautiful South · Choke [1990]
But I had to go and peep
But when you saw what I saw
Well, it's hard just to roll back to sleep
I would've kept my eyes shut
But I thought I heard you scream
And I've a penchant for violence
You don't seem to find in a dream
The scene a little clearer
My father with a rope
And in the cage, centre-stage
It's mother who's destined to choke
And she choke and we choke
On the words that we wish we'd not spoke
Just when you felt you had someone to trust
Out comes the man with the dagger and cloak
I should've read the novels
Believed every word
But the stories they wrote
Were so different to ones that I'd heard
I should've kept my eyes shut
My mouth should've closed
But the mixture of vomit and blood
Just crept up through my nose
It became a little clearer
As soon as I awoke
My father stands with rope in hand
A screaming mother kneels in hope
And she hope and we hope
That the words that she said won't provoke
A smile is removed and a petal is crushed
What once was a laugh has turned into a joke
You should've kept your mouth shut
Should've Kept My Eyes Shut
Released on the 1990 album Choke, "Should've Kept My Eyes Shut" stands as a defining track in the catalog of Beautiful South. The song exemplifies the band's signature blend of punk energy and melodic sensibility, characteristic of their early work in the English new wave and alternative rock scenes. With its driving rhythm and emotive vocal delivery, the recording captures the raw, unpolished aesthetic that became central to their identity during the early 1990s. It remains a staple of their discography, often cited alongside other key releases from the era such as Quench and Gold, reflecting the group's enduring influence on indie music. The track's enduring popularity speaks to its ability to resonate with listeners seeking the authentic sound of that specific musical moment.
