Tell It Like It Is
- Aaron Neville Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby, my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy

If you are serious
Don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Then, baby, I will, girl, you know I will

Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside of me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride

Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby, go on and live

Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with, go and find yourself a toy
But I
Tell it like it is
My time is too expensive




And I'm not your little boy
Mmm, tell it like it is

Overall Meaning

The song "Tell It Like It Is" by Aaron Neville is a soulful ballad that speaks to the singer's frustration with a lover who is not being forthright with their true intentions. The first verse sets the stage for the song and establishes that the singer is not interested in playing games or being treated like a child. He warns his lover that his time is valuable and that he will not tolerate being toyed with. The second verse calls for honesty and transparency, as the singer is tired of the mixed signals he is receiving. He urges his lover to speak the truth and not let their pride get in the way of love. The final verse offers a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and not waste any time on regrets. Overall, "Tell It Like It Is" is a timeless plea for honesty and authenticity in relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

If you want something to play with
If you are not serious about our relationship and just looking for a casual fling


Go and find yourself a toy
Then go look for someone else who is willing to play games with you


Baby, my time is too expensive
I value my time and am not willing to waste it on someone who does not value me


And I'm not a little boy
I may look young, but I am a mature adult who knows what I want


If you are serious
If you truly care about our relationship


Don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
Do not manipulate my emotions or use them against me. It angers me.


But if you want me to love you
If you are ready for a serious relationship and want to be with me


Then, baby, I will, girl, you know I will
I will reciprocate your feelings and love you, because I care about you.


Tell it like it is
Be honest and truthful about your feelings and intentions


Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
Do not hide behind shame, guilt, or fear. Follow your heart and be true to yourself.


But I know deep down inside of me
Despite any doubts or uncertainties, I believe that you truly love me


I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride
Believe in your feelings and put your pride aside. Love is worth it.


Life is too short to have sorrow
Life is too precious to spend it being sad, upset, or unhappy


You may be here today and gone tomorrow
Life is unpredictable and can end at any moment, so make the most out of every day


You might as well get what you want
You might as well pursue your dreams and desires while you can


So go on and live, baby, go on and live
Live your life to the fullest, seize the moment and make it count


I'm nothing to play with, go and find yourself a toy
I am not a game or a toy for you to play with. Look elsewhere.


But I
However, despite it all


Tell it like it is
I want you to be honest with me and tell me how you truly feel


My time is too expensive
I will not waste my time on someone who does not value me


And I'm not your little boy
I am not a child, I am a grown man who deserves respect and love.


Mmm, tell it like it is
Please be open and honest with me, tell me how you really feel.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ZELLS MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: George Davis, Lee Diamond

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@JesusJimenez-jj9yy

If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby, my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy
If you are serious
Don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Then, baby, I will, girl, you know I will
Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside of me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride
Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby, go on and live
Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with, go and find yourself a toy
But I
Tell it like it is
My time is too expensive
And I'm not your little boy
Mmm, tell it like it is



@user-ip9yu7lp1q

Tell It Like It Is
~ Aaron Neville

If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy

If you are serious
Don't play with my heart
It makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Then a baby I will, girl you know that I will

Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride

Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby go on and live

Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
But I... Tell it like it is
My time is too expensive and I'm not your little boy



All comments from YouTube:

@randomshit1645

Who listening in 2024?

@blackkat6797

Feb 14 2024 😊

@jeansalzman2.012

@@blackkat6797..... I listened in 1966 and I'm lisnin' now. I was a junior in high school. We were so lucky to have the music we had.

@kennethbrown5472

Yeah, I listened in 1966 and been listenin' ever since. What a great voice.

@atothetop3779

🫡

@SeunReacts

This is so beautiful

16 More Replies...

@arijbd

You know what's the best feeling? It's when you discover such a beautiful song!

@kellysmith8845

I have been listening to this particular song for years. Still to this very day. What a phenomenal artist 👍

@gangstarr0work

try California Stars by Wilco. another beautiful track

@jeancollins2009

Yes, a beautiful song sung perfectly.

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