Tell Me
Amy Carr Lyrics
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There are lines of people
That want to work for just one day.
Won't you tell me do you really feel safe
From my darkened observations?
Why won't you tell me that I'm wrong?
What happened to that color of red?
Now its all blood and no roses.
So why isn't anyone really listening?
Stand outside of 30th. street with a sign that reads
"I'll work to eat" but words fall fast
When no one really cares - do you really care?
?
In the song "Tell Me" by Amy Carr, the first verse sets a dark and heavy atmosphere with the ocean being referred to as "ink black" and the sky as "smoke grey". It is then followed by a poignant line about the lines of people waiting to work for just a day. The chorus follows with a plea to be understood and heard, as the singer questions whether people actually feel safe from her "darkened observations" and why no one will tell her she's wrong. The verse then continues with a reference to the color red, which now symbolizes blood instead of roses. The lyrics bring to light the intense disparity and injustices present in the world, as people are struggling to make ends meet while others seem indifferent to their plight.
The second verse further highlights these themes with the reference to democracy and the right to speak, yet the lack of real attention and empathy towards those in need. The line "words fall fast when no one really cares" emphasizes the futility of speaking up when there is no audience or support. The song ultimately questions society's indifference towards those who are struggling, and urges listeners to become more aware and actively engaged in creating change.
Line by Line Meaning
Ocean's ink black, sky smoke grey,
The scenery is dark and gloomy, which can reflect the current state of society.
There are lines of people That want to work for just one day.
There are many people in need of employment, even if it's just for a day's pay.
Won't you tell me do you really feel safe From my darkened observations?
The singer questions if people feel secure knowing that she sees the harsh realities of the world.
Why won't you tell me that I'm wrong?
The singer feels that people are afraid to acknowledge the negative aspects of society.
What happened to that color of red? Now its all blood and no roses.
The color red, which typically signifies love and passion, has been replaced by violence and tragedy.
We've all got the right to speak, this is a democracy, So why isn't anyone really listening?
In a democratic society, everyone has the right to be heard, yet the singer questions why there is a lack of attention and action towards social issues.
Stand outside of 30th. street with a sign that reads "I'll work to eat" but words fall fast When no one really cares - do you really care?
Even when people communicate their needs, it feels as though they are shouting into an echo chamber since the larger society does not seem to be listening or taking action to help them.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILBUR TERRELL, MARCUS DANIEL, CLARENCE CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind