Tell Me
Boston Lyrics
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And wonder if you've ever been alone
with all the world around you
Say the word; I'd be there
And like a fool I'd go anywhere
just like the day I found you
Tell me what you see
Tell me you believe in my love
Tell me what you need
Tell me you believe in my love
I don't understand what to say
You take my breath and then you walk away
Your life goes on without me
And you can look right at me
But in your eyes it's a mystery
What do you feel about me?
Tell me if it's real
Tell me what you feel in my love
Tell me what you see
Tell me you believe in my love
Tell me what to give
Tell me I can live for your love
Tell me not to leave
Tell me to believe in your love
I don't really know what to say
I don't know how but I could learn to pray
If praying makes you hear me
I could stay on my own
and wonder if I'd have ever known
I just want you near me
Tell me if it's real
Tell me what you feel in my love
Tell me what you need
Tell me you believe in my love
Tell what to give
Tell me how to live for your love
Tell me what you see
Tell me to believe in your love
In "Tell Me", Boston expresses the feeling of uncertainty and confusion that comes with being in love, but not knowing where exactly the other person stands. The song begins with the singer standing alone, wondering if their love interest has ever been in their shoes or felt the same way about being alone. The chorus, "Tell me what you see, tell me you believe in my love" shows that the singer only wants validation for their feelings.
The second verse shows the singer's frustration at not being able to understand what the other person is thinking or feeling. They mention that they can be looked right at, but still remain a mystery. This shows that the singer wants to be seen and understood by their love interest. The chorus repeats, with the singer asking for assurance of their love being reciprocated.
In the final verse, the singer admits to not knowing what to say or do in order to be heard or understood by their love interest. They mention that they could even learn to pray, if it meant being heard. The chorus repeats again with the singer pleading for answers and assurance that their love is real.
Overall, the song is a plea for reciprocation and understanding in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I stand on my own
I am self-sufficient and independent.
And wonder if you've ever been alone
I wonder if you have ever felt lonely like I do.
with all the world around you
Even though there are many people around you.
Say the word; I'd be there
If you need me, just ask and I'll come running.
And like a fool I'd go anywhere
I would do anything for you, even if it is foolish.
just like the day I found you
Like the day I met you when I fell in love with you.
Tell me what you see
Please tell me your thoughts and feelings honestly.
Tell me you believe in my love
Please assure me that you have faith in my love for you.
Tell me what you need
Please communicate to me what you require from me.
I do not understand what to say
I am tongue-tied and do not know how to express myself.
You take my breath and then you walk away
You leave me speechless and then depart without explanation.
Your life goes on without me
You continue living your life normally without me.
And you can look right at me
You could stare directly at me.
But in your eyes, it's a mystery
I am uncertain about what you are thinking, even when looking into your eyes.
What do you feel about me?
I am curious to know your feelings towards me.
Tell me if it's real
Please tell me if your love for me is genuine.
Tell me what you feel in my love
Communicate to me what my love means to you.
Tell me what to give
Let me know what I can do to make you happy.
Tell me I can live for your love
Allow me to live my life for and be devoted to your love.
Tell me not to leave
Ask me to stay and not abandon you.
Tell me to believe in your love
Persuade me to have faith in your love for me.
I don't really know what to say
I am not sure how to express myself fully.
I don't know how but I could learn to pray
I am willing to try anything, even praying, to make you feel the same way about me as I do about you.
If praying makes you hear me
If praying can make you listen to me and understand my love for you.
I could stay on my own
I am able to live alone if necessary.
and wonder if I'd ever have known
I would be pondering if I would find the love I have for you if I had never met you.
I just want you near me
All I require is having you by my side.
Tell me what you need
Communicate your desires to me.
Tell me you believe in my love
Please confirm that you believe the love I have for you is true.
Tell what to give
Tell me the presents and my time spent with you that make you happy.
Tell me how to live for your love
Let me understand how I can live for your love.
Tell me what you see
Let me know what you observe in me.
Tell me to believe in your love
Please assure me of your love and I will believe in it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYCE P. WILSON, EDIE ARLISA BRICKELL, KENNETH NEIL WITHROW, JOHN BRADLEY HOUSER, BRANDON ALY, JOHN WALTER BUSH, AMEL E. LARRIEUX, DARRYL BROWN
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