It's a Sin To Tell a Lie
Dave Brubeck Lyrics


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Be sure it's true when you say I love you
It's a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken

I love you, yes I do, I love you
If you break my heart I'll die
So be sure it's true
When you say I love you
It's a sin to tell a lie

Be sure it's true when you say I love you
It's a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken

I love you, yes I do, I love you
If you break my heart I'll die
So be sure it's true




When you say I love you
It's a sin to tell a lie

Overall Meaning

The song "It's a Sin To Tell a Lie" by Dave Brubeck, popularized in the 1950s, is a poignant reminder of the power of words, and how devastating their impact can be when they are not spoken from the heart. The lyrics of the song emphasize the importance of honesty and sincerity when expressing love. The opening line "Be sure it's true when you say I love you" is a warning that the singer is not willing to take a chance on being toyed with or have their heart broken by someone who is not completely honest.


The second stanza, "Millions of hearts have been broken just because these words were spoken," highlights the potential fallout when someone is not truthful in expressing their feelings. The fear of heartbreak is palpable in the line "If you break my heart I'll die," revealing the vulnerability and honesty in the singer's words. In essence, the song emphasizes the importance of being truthful in expressing emotions. It advises people to only say, "I love you" if they truly mean it and not use it as a manipulative tool.


Line by Line Meaning

Be sure it's true when you say I love you
Make sure you are certain of your feelings before proclaiming your love to someone


It's a sin to tell a lie
Lying is not only ethically wrong, but it can also have harmful consequences


Millions of hearts have been broken
Many people have been hurt because of false promises and dishonesty


Just because these words were spoken
Merely saying 'I love you' without truly meaning it can have devastating effects


I love you, yes I do, I love you
Expressing love verbally to someone


If you break my heart I'll die
Heartbreak can be emotionally devastating and can feel like the end of the world


So be sure it's true
Make sure your love is genuine and not just a passing feeling


When you say I love you
When expressing your love to someone


It's a sin to tell a lie
Lying can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to matters of the heart




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLY MAYHEW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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