Notoriety

Song Meaning

The narrator is pushing back against an accusation of not paying attention, framing it as a misunderstanding of their loyalty. They acknowledge the other person's "awful reputation" but dismiss it, insisting "I don't believe what they say." This defense isn't blind faith; it's a calculated choice rooted in the belief that the negative talk is "only notoriety." The core tension lies between the external perception of the person being sung about and the narrator's internal conviction. The narrator feels misunderstood, accused of inattention precisely when they are being most protective. They are defending someone whose "name came up in conversation," a situation that required "feign[ing] indifference" despite the gossip. The repeated phrase "I don't believe what they say" acts as a shield, deflecting the "rumours and the hearsay." This isn't just passive disbelief; it's an active choice to "come to your defence." The narrator suggests the accusations are born of "jealousy" and that the other person's "outrageous fortune" has made them a target for "gossip-mongers." This lyrical stance is compelling because it offers a defiant defense against social judgment. The narrator positions themselves as a loyal ally, willing to stand by someone tarnished by "notoriety." The final lines, "Hear no evil and speak no evil / See no evil lest it come your way," solidify this protective posture, suggesting a deliberate turning away from negativity to preserve their own and their companion's peace.