Despite McCartney's later comments—"I seem to remember it as mine... Not awfully memorable"[1]—"Tell Me What You See" shows the musical growth of The Beatles since Please Please Me, and foreshadows their further exploration on Rubber Soul and Revolver. Following each repetition of the title phrase, there is a short, accompanied riff on a Hohner Pianet electric piano. This same instrument is featured on a number of tracks from Help!, including "You Like Me Too Much" and "The Night Before", both recorded the day before "Tell Me What You See." Also, Starr's drumming on this track is augmented with a trio of percussion instruments; a güiro, a tambourine, and a pair of claves. Although The Beatles had been using additional percussion instruments to beef up their recordings as early as "Don't Bother Me" in 1963, they had rarely been featured this prominently in the mix.
Compositionally, the song is evidence of the group's growing interest in folk music, with lyrics that are somewhat more mature and reflective than most of their earlier output. Lennon's "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" and "Help!" are two other fine examples of this growth. Although the guitar on the recording appears to be an electric, it is strummed more like an acoustic, the choice instrument of folk musicians. This effect is achieved by strumming the chord before each stanza from the bottom string to the top (high to low), then down, then up again.
Tell Me What You See
Beatles Lyrics
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We will never be apart, if I'm part of you
Open up your eyes now, tell me what you see
It is no surprise now, what you see is me
Big and black the clouds may be, time will pass away
If you put your trust in me, I'll make bright your day
Look into these eyes now, tell me what you see
Tell me what you see
Listen to me one more time, how can I get through?
Can't you try to see that I'm, trying to get to you?
Open up your eyes now, tell me what you see
It is no surprise now, what you see is me
Tell me what you see
Listen to me one more time, how can I get through?
Can't you try to see that I'm, trying to get to you?
Open up your eyes now, tell me what you see
It is no surprise now, what you see is me
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
The lyrics of "Tell Me What You See" by the Beatles are about a lover wanting to prove their dedication to their significant other. The lyrics suggest that if the lover is allowed to take the other person's heart, they will be inseparable. The song speaks of trust, open eyes and communication. The lover tries to convince the other person to look deep into their eyes and see that their love is sincere.
Throughout the song, the singer asks the other person to truly see them, to put their trust in them, and to allow themselves to feel the love that is being offered. It’s a song about longing, connection and love. The song speaks to the idea that sometimes in love, we must be vulnerable, open our hearts, and allow ourselves to be seen in order to truly connect with another person.
In the end, the song is a plea for the other person to see the relationship in the same light as the singer does. The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm add an element of nostalgia, which is typical of the Beatles’ work. Overall, the song is a romantic message that encourages trust, honesty, and openness in a loving relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
If you let me take your heart, I will prove to you
If you allow me into your life and trust me, I will show you that our love is worth it
We will never be apart, if I'm part of you
As long as we are together, we will never be separated
Open up your eyes now, tell me what you see
Take a good look at me and tell me what you truly see
It is no surprise now, what you see is me
You should now understand that I am the one for you
Big and black the clouds may be, time will pass away
Even if there are obstacles or difficult times, they will eventually pass
If you put your trust in me, I'll make bright your day
If you have faith in me and our love, I will bring happiness into your life
Look into these eyes now, tell me what you see
Take a close look at me and tell me what you truly see
Don't you realize now, what you see is me
You should now understand that I am the right person for you
Listen to me one more time, how can I get through?
Please hear me out one more time, how can I make you understand?
Can't you try to see that I'm, trying to get to you?
Please try to see that I am doing everything I can to be with you
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
Sounds of humming, expressing emotion and feeling beyond words
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind