It is one of the two exclusive compositions by drummer Phil Collins for Duke, the other being “Misunderstanding”.
Both songs were inspired by the divorce of Collins. “Please Don’t Ask” is a song about a man putting on a facade of being perfectly fine after his divorce when in actuality, he’s emotion...
[Verse 1]
Oh please don't ask me how I feel, I feel fine
Oh, I cry a bit, I don't sleep too good, but I'm fine
When can I see you?
When can I touch you?
[Verse 2]
Again and again I ask myself was I wrong?
Oh, but time's a healer, and heaven knows I've been strong
Maybe we could try
Oh, maybe we would work this time
[Chorus]
Oh, I can remember when, it was easy to say I love you
But things have changed since then, now I really can't say if I still do
But I can try, 'cause I know that the kids are well
Yes, you're a mother to the world
Oh, but I miss my boy, I hope he's good as gold
[Verse 3]
But enough of me, tell me how are you?
You look good
Oh, you lost some weight I can see, your hair looks nice, you look good
Maybe we should try
But don't say it, 'cause I know why
[Chorus]
But you know, I can remember when, it was easy to say I love you
But things have changed since then, now I really can't say if I still do
But I can try, 'cause I know the kids are well
Yes, you're a mother to the world
Oh, but I miss my boy, I hope he's good as gold
Please Don’t Ask was written by Phil Collins.
Please Don’t Ask was produced by Genesis & David Hentschel.
Genesis released Please Don’t Ask on Fri Mar 28 1980.