Tell It Like It Is
Coxon Graham Lyrics
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I know I'm not the one to tell you exactly where your feelings should lie
When I saw you my life turned so beautiful
I never met no-one like you before
Why can't you tell it like it is, just make it clear
You came into my life and then you disappear
And when I reach out 'cause I wanna hold you near
There's nobody here
And as you're packing your suitcase, I'm catching you dry your eyes
But you're keeping a straight face like this happens all the time
You treated me like I was brand new before
No-one had made me feel like you do before
Why can't you tell it like it is, just make it clear
You came into my life and then you disappear
All I have of you is a ringing in my ear
And when I reach out 'cause I wanna hold you near
There's nobody here
When I saw you my life turned so beautiful
I'd never met no-one like you before
And as I feel your footsteps move the floor
I welcome loneliness back through the door
Why can't you tell it like it is, just make it clear
You came into my life and then you disappear
All I have of you is a ringing in my ear
And when I reach out 'cause I wanna hold you near
There's nobody here
In "Tell It Like It Is" by Coxon Graham, the singer is addressing a person who has a yearning for adventure, as seen in their wandering eye. However, the singer is not the one to guide this person towards their true emotions, and they acknowledge that. The singer then reminisces about the time they met this same person and how they brought beauty into their life. However, now the person seems to have disappeared, leaving a ringing in the singer's ear and a yearning to hold them close, but with no one there. The soulful and melancholic tone of the song reflects the sense of loss and longing being conveyed.
The song carries a sense of rawness and vulnerability that resonates with listeners who have experienced heartbreak and confusion. The lyrics depict someone struggling to understand and accept the fact that the person they care about may not feel the same way towards them. Despite this, the singer holds onto memories of the joy this person previously brought into their life.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got the need to wander, I'm getting it from your eyes
I can sense your desire to explore, it is evident in the look in your eyes.
I know I'm not the one to tell you exactly where your feelings should lie
I understand that I cannot dictate where your emotions should be directed.
When I saw you my life turned so beautiful
My life became so much more beautiful once I met you.
I never met no-one like you before
You are unique and unlike anyone I have ever encountered.
Why can't you tell it like it is, just make it clear
I wish you would be honest and direct with me about your intentions.
You came into my life and then you disappear
After entering my life, you abruptly left without explanation.
All I have of you is a ringing in my ear
The only thing left of you is the memory of your presence echoing in my mind.
And when I reach out 'cause I wanna hold you near
When I try to hold you close to me, you are nowhere to be found.
There's nobody here
I am alone, without you by my side.
And as you're packing your suitcase, I'm catching you dry your eyes
As you prepare to leave, I notice you wiping away your tears in secret.
But you're keeping a straight face like this happens all the time
Despite your sadness, you are trying to maintain a composed and emotionless facade, as if this is a common occurrence.
You treated me like I was brand new before
You made me feel like I was a new and exciting experience for you in the past.
No-one had made me feel like you do before
You were the first person to make me feel the way that you did.
As I feel your footsteps move the floor
I can sense your presence as you walk away.
I welcome loneliness back through the door
As you leave, I cannot help but feel the return of loneliness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GRAHAM COXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind