After a sequence of the finest that the (American) Grammies had to offer, Song Lyric Sunday is focusing on British award winners for the next few weeks, beginning with winners of the Brit Award for Best British Song.

My word, but I found some utter drivel in that list when I looked at it: a melange of aging ‘boy’ bands, girl bands and saccharine pop. Bah, humbug.

Fortunately, though, there were a few choices that didn’t actually induce projectile vomiting at even the prospect of ever hearing them again, including the winner from 1982, by Soft Cell (featuring Marc Almond, of course).

Sometimes I feel I’ve got to
Run away, I’ve got to
Get away from the pain you drive into the heart of me
The love we share
Seems to go nowhere
And I’ve lost my light
For I toss and turn, I can’t sleep at night

Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I’ll run from you
This tainted love you’ve given
I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that’s not nearly all
Tainted love (oh)
Tainted love

Now I know I’ve got to
Run away, I’ve got to
Get away, you don’t really want any more from me
To make things right
You need someone to hold you tight
And you think love is to pray
But I’m sorry, I don’t pray that way

Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I’ll run from you
This tainted love you’ve given
I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that’s not nearly all
Tainted love (oh)
Tainted love

Don’t touch me, please
I cannot stand the way you tease
I love you though you hurt me so
Now I’m gonna pack my things and go

Written by Edward Cobb

This video is very well summarised in one of the comments that appears underneath it on Youtube: ‘bonkers video but brilliant song’.

Song Lyric Sunday 1 December 2025