Discover the story of the song > Talk Back Trembling Lips – Johnny Tillotson

The protagonist is in a relationship where he and his partner fight a lot. He loves her deeply, but if he tells her, she will likely take advantage of him. So, every time she hurts his feelings, he pretends it doesn't matter. The song is telling him to stand up for himself and not let her see his vulnerabilities by talking back with trembling lips and not letting her know when she's getting to him.