Briston Maroney largely grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. In August 2013, at age 15, Maroney tried out for the 13th season of American Idol at one of its audition bus stops in Knoxville. He was then selected to audition in front of the American Idol judges in Salt Lake City. There, he sang a version of The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on an episode that aired in January 2014. The judges voted to advance him to Hollywood, where he became one of 30 semi-finalists. Maroney did not advance beyond that point.
Hard To Tell
Briston Maroney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I got a trick or two, baby
I can show it to you sometime
It ain't what I wanted
But I gotta give it to ya, baby
You been on my mind
You don't need no textbook
Baby, I can teach it to ya right now
So what's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
You know I've been waitin' for ya from the very start
But baby, it's just too hard to tell
Well, I ain't no old dog but I'm growin' tired now, baby
Movin' down your line
So take it as it comes babe
I think it's gonna take a little time
To get to sleep at night
And what's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
And l've been waitin' for ya from the very start
And baby, it's just too hard to tell
What's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
And I've been waitin' for ya from the very start
Baby, it's just too hard to tell
Briston Maroney's song "Hard To Tell" is an emotional reflection on love lost and the difficulty of moving on. The opening verse establishes the singer's self-confidence - though not an old dog, he has a few tricks up his sleeve. He communicates a desire to impress the object of his affections, despite acknowledging the relationship is no longer what he envisioned. However, in the chorus, he expresses frustration at the difficulty of understanding why the relationship has ended, and the intricate emotions involved in trying to move on.
Maroney's vocal performance is raw and captivating, capturing both the vulnerability and determination of the lyrics. The striking guitar riffs, backed up by a skeletal drumbeat and the occasional synth, add depth to the sound. The raw approach to production complements the straightforward emotional delivery of the song.
"Hard to Tell" is a beautifully heartfelt piece that speaks to anyone who has ever found themselves in the throes of unrequited love, and the challenges of letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I ain't no old dog
I am not experienced, but I still have some secrets to share.
But I got a trick or two, baby
I have some unique ways to impress you.
I can show it to you sometime
I am willing to show you my special tricks.
It ain't what I wanted
This is not my desire, but I am giving it to you.
But I gotta give it to ya, baby
I have to give you what you want, even though it's not my preference.
You been on my mind
I can't stop thinking about you.
You don't need no textbook
I can teach you without a manual.
Baby, I can teach it to ya right now
I can instruct you immediately.
If you're willin' to try
You must be willing to put forth effort.
So what's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
What is required for you to let down your guard?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
You used to choose me, but now another has taken my place.
You know I've been waitin' for ya from the very start
I have been patiently anticipating your attention since the beginning.
But baby, it's just too hard to tell
It is challenging to comprehend your feelings.
Well, I ain't no old dog but I'm growin' tired now, baby
I may not be ancient, but I am becoming weary.
Movin' down your line
I am pursuing you.
So take it as it comes babe
Let's handle this step by step.
I think it's gonna take a little time
This might take a while.
To get to sleep at night
It's difficult to find rest without resolution.
What's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
What action do you need to let go of your defenses?
And l've been waitin' for ya from the very start
I've been waiting for you since the beginning.
And baby, it's just too hard to tell
It remains unclear what you want from me.
Writer(s): briston maroney
Contributed by Bailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@devildoll8968
Well, I ain't no old dog
But I got a trick or two, baby
I can show it to you sometime
It ain't what I wanted
But I gotta give it to ya, baby
You been on my mind
You don't need no textbook
Baby, I can teach it to ya right now
If you're willin' to try
So what's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
You know I've been waitin' for ya from the very start
But baby, it's just too hard to tell
Well, I ain't no old dog but I'm growin' tired now, baby
Movin' down your line
So take it as it comes babe
I think it's gonna take a little time
To get to sleep at night
And what's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
And l've been waitin' for ya from the very start
And baby, it's just too hard to tell
What's it gonna take for you to open your heart?
It used to be me but now it's somebody else
And I've been waitin' for ya from the very start
Baby, it's just too hard to tell.
@fantasy1land
Kid next to me in the car was blasting this I actually asked him what song he was listening to, told me so now I’m here in the car blasting it, great stuff wow
@chris4986
Heard this on The Rookie!!!
@Fightin6
My favorite show!
@cashdoyle5371
Me to
@pablo.sanchez6128
This song has me feelin SO MANY different ways
@kaikayshxtposts
Now we wait 5 years for YouTube to recommend this randomly to people until it blows up
@theerinator7257
there’s so much emotion in all of bristons songs. this whole ep was a masterpiece
@ColaCole88
The Rookie brought me here and I'm so glad.
@laurenallred8138
can't believe this song has been out for 2 years and I am just now enjoying it. it's a musical masterpiece
@scottg3192
I can't remember the last time a song gave me chills on the first listen.
Fantastic work!