Unfaithful Children (12" Mix)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of insincere affection, contrasting spoken words of love with a perceived lack of genuine feeling. The narrator directly confronts someone whose "word called 'love'" isn't originating from the heart, but rather from the "tip of your tongue." This immediate disconnect sets a tone of disillusionment, suggesting a performance of love rather than its authentic expression. The central tension arises from the accusation of a "carnal mind" and engaging in "children things that's unkind," juxtaposed with the repeated claim of love. The narrator's persistent refrain, "Yes, I know, you never love," underscores a deep-seated distrust, implying that the other person's actions and intentions betray their verbal declarations. This creates a conflict between outward appearance and inner reality. The most striking craft element is the repeated imagery of love originating from the "tip of your tongue" versus the "heart." This simple, visceral contrast highlights the superficiality of the spoken words. The repeated question, "What you gonna do when the master come your way?" coupled with the advice to "sit around and pray" and "give the children a helping hand," introduces a spiritual or moral reckoning, urging self-awareness and genuine action over empty pronouncements. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a common human experience: the pain of recognizing insincerity in relationships. The direct address and the clear, almost accusatory language, combined with the moralistic call to action, create a powerful sense of moral urgency. The repeated assertion "I know, you never love" lands with the weight of lived experience, making the critique feel personal and pointed.