Ask me why I came so late
Ask me why I made you wait
Here's a story
That you ought to know
I had a little fight
I was dancing at a go-go
I'll tell you anything
Baby, except the truth

I'll tell you anything
Baby, except the truth
I've got nothing
But everything to prove

I only smile when I tell a lie
I swear the only one tonight

Ask me if I can be true
Ask me where I'm going to
I say I love you
But you ought to know
I only love the night
And I always got's to go-go
I'll tell you anything
Baby, except the truth

Overall Meaning

In Eagles of Death Metal's song "Anything 'Cept The Truth," the singer avoids telling the truth to their romantic partner. The lyrics begin with the singer being questioned about their late arrival and delay, but they shy away from sharing the real reason, which was a fight they got into while dancing at a go-go. The chorus suggests that the singer is willing to say anything except the truth, as they do not want to reveal their imperfections or the darker sides of their often hedonistic lifestyle. The verse's concluding lines reveal that the singer only smiles when they tell a lie, suggesting that they are aware of how their deceit may come across.

Later in the song, the singer acknowledges that while they may say that they love their partner, their true love is the night and the go-go lifestyle that comes with it. Despite their supposed love for their partner, the singer always has to go-go, suggesting they are not willing to give up their nocturnal adventures. The lyrics' repetition of the refrain, "I'll tell you anything, baby, except the truth" reinforces the singer's tendency towards dishonesty and their reluctance to be fully open with their partner.

Line by Line Meaning

Ask me why I came so late
Ask me why I kept you waiting for so long

Ask me why I made you wait
Ask me why I delayed coming here to meet you

Here's a story That you ought to know
Let me tell you what happened and it's important that you hear it

I had a little fight I was dancing at a go-go
I was involved in a small altercation while dancing at a club

I'll tell you anything Baby, except the truth
I'll be honest with you about anything except for what actually happened

I've got nothing But everything to prove
I have nothing, but I need to prove myself to you

I only smile when I tell a lie
My only way of knowing if I'm lying is if I'm smiling

I swear the only one tonight
I'm the only one here right now that is lying

Ask me if I can be true
Ask me if I'm capable of being honest

Ask me where I'm going to
Ask me where I'll be after I leave here

I say I love you But you ought to know I only love the night And I always got's to go-go
I tell you I love you, but you need to know that I'm more in love with the nightlife and I always have somewhere else to be

I'll tell you anything Baby, except the truth
I'll be honest with you about anything except for what actually happened

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