You Tell Me
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics
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I woke up, middle of the night
Baby, I saw fire
I went left, I went right
So you tell me what you want me to do
This might be over honey, it ain't through
Let me know when you're finished with me
What you want me to be?
Baby, you tell me
Honey, you tell me
Baby, I don't understand this
But that's alright, I can take a little pain
I've been winnin' and losin'
Baby, I've been in and out of reach
So you tell me what you want me to do
This might be over honey, it ain't through
Let me know when you're finished with me
What you want me to be?
Baby, you tell me
Honey, you tell me
Well you put me through your paces
And you twisted til' it felt like dying
Yeah the last thing that I needed
Was to finally realize that you were lying
So you tell me what you want me to do
This might be over honey, it ain't through
Let me know when you're finished with me
What you want me to be?
Baby, you tell me
Honey, you tell me
Baby, you tell me
Will you tell me?
The lyrics of "You Tell Me" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers depict a couple going through a rough patch in their relationship. In the opening verse, the singer hears thunder and sees fire, symbolizing the turbulence and chaos in their lives. He then asks his partner to guide him on what to do next, indicating his uncertainty and confusion about the state of their relationship.
The second verse continues to portray the mixed emotions and ambiguity in their bond. The singer admits that he doesn't comprehend what's happening, but he's willing to tolerate the pain and has been alternating between winning and losing her. This highlights his steadfastness and dedication to the relationship despite the torment it's causing him.
The bridge section reveals the extent of the singer's suffering at the hands of his partner. He describes how she made him feel like he was dying and that the last thing he needed was to realize that she was lying. This indicates that she may have betrayed his trust, leading to their current situation.
Overall, "You Tell Me" is a plea for communication, honesty, and direction in a troubled relationship. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of the push and pull, the love and pain, and the desire for reconciliation.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I heard thunder
I heard something loud that woke me up in the middle of the night
I woke up, middle of the night
I was asleep and suddenly a loud noise woke me up
Baby, I saw fire
I saw something bright and intense
I went left, I went right
I moved around trying to avoid danger
So you tell me what you want me to do
I'm confused and need you to give me guidance
This might be over honey, it ain't through
Our problems may not be resolved yet, even if it feels like it's the end
Let me know when you're finished with me
Tell me when you're done with me, so I can move on
What you want me to be?
Help me understand what you need from me
Baby, you tell me
I need you to communicate clearly with me
Honey, you tell me
I need you to be honest with me
Baby, I don't understand this
I'm confused and uncertain about what's going on
But that's alright, I can take a little pain
I'm strong enough to handle difficulties and hardships
I've been winnin' and losin'
I've had my share of successes and failures
Baby, I've been in and out of reach
Sometimes you're close, sometimes you're far away
Well you put me through your paces
You've tested me and challenged me
And you twisted til' it felt like dying
You made things so difficult that it felt like I was barely surviving
Yeah the last thing that I needed
I definitely did not need this last issue to deal with
Was to finally realize that you were lying
It was the worst thing to find out that you were not truthful with me
Will you tell me?
Please, tell me the truth and communicate with me openly
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tom Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind