The band released only one studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The album went on to receive critical acclaim, but initially faltered in sales and in radio airplay. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album's single "Layla" (a tale of unrequited love inspired by Clapton's relationship with his friend George Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd) made the top ten in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album, which has received praise from critics and fans alike, is often considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton's career. Layla featured slide guitar from guest guitarist Duane Allman, who contributed lead, rhythm or slide guitar on most of the cuts on the album.
Tell the Truth
Derek & The Dominos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell the truth.
Tell me who's been fooling you?
Tell the truth.
Who's been fooling who?
There you sit there, looking so cool
While the whole show is passing you by.
The whole world is shaking now. Can't you feel it?
A new dawn is breaking now. Can't you see it?
[Chorus]
It doesn't matter just who you are,
Or where you're going or been.
Open your eyes and look into your heart.
The whole world is shaking now. Can't you feel it?
A new dawn is breaking now. Can't you see it?
I said see it, yeah, can't you see it?
Can't you see it, yeah, can't you see it?
I can see it, yeah.
[Chorus]
Hear what I say, 'cause every word is true.
You know I wouldn't tell you no lies.
Your time's coming, gonna be soon, boy.
[Repeat: x2]
It doesn't matter just who you are,
Or where you're going or been.
Open your eyes and look into your heart.
The song "Tell the Truth" by Derek & The Dominos opens with an invitation to speak candidly and truthfully. The chorus urges the listener to reveal who has been deceiving them. The verses describe a person who is detached from the world, watching from the sidelines while it passes them by. The lyrics encourage this individual to connect with others and face reality, warning that change is imminent and that it is time to embrace it. The repetition of the phrase "the whole world is shaking now" emphasizes the urgency and magnitude of this message.
The song reflects a universal theme of seeking authenticity and truthfulness. The lyrics suggest that being true to oneself and others is essential, and that the consequences of deception can be severe. The urgency and passion of the song's delivery emphasize the importance of living honestly and embracing change.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell the truth.
Be honest and forthcoming with the information.
Tell me who's been fooling you?
Let me know who has deceived you or taken advantage of you.
Who's been fooling who?
Let's figure out who is deceiving whom.
There you sit there, looking so cool
You appear calm and collected while everything is passing you by.
While the whole show is passing you by.
You are missing out on everything that is happening around you.
You better come to terms with your fellow men soon, cause
It is essential to reconcile with other people sooner rather than later because
The whole world is shaking now. Can't you feel it?
The entire world is undergoing significant changes. Don't you sense it?
A new dawn is breaking now. Can't you see it?
A new era is dawning, and it is apparent. Can't you notice it?
It doesn't matter just who you are,
Your identity is not relevant.
Or where you're going or been.
Your past and future are inconsequential.
Open your eyes and look into your heart.
Reflect on yourself and search within your heart.
Hear what I say, 'cause every word is true.
Listen to what I'm saying because it's all true.
You know I wouldn't tell you no lies.
You can trust that I am not being deceitful with you.
Your time's coming, gonna be soon, boy.
Your opportunity is approaching, and it will come soon.
It doesn't matter just who you are,
Your identity is not relevant.
Or where you're going or been.
Your past and future are inconsequential.
Open your eyes and look into your heart.
Reflect on yourself and search within your heart.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: BOBBY WHITLOCK, ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON, ROBERT S. WHITLOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@presuntoequeijo
[Chorus]
Tell me who's been fooling you?
Tell the truth, who's been fooling you?
[Verse 1]
There you sit there looking so cool
While the whole show is passing you by
Better come to terms with your fellow men soon cause
Whole world is shaking now, can't you feel it?
New dawn is breaking now, can't you see it?
[Chorus]
Tell the truth, tell me who's been fooling you?
Tell the truth, who's been fooling you?
[Verse 2]
It doesn't matter just who you are
Or where you're going or been
Open your eyes and look into my heart
Whole world is shaking now, can't you feel it?
New dawn is breaking now, can't you see it?
[Refrain]
I said, "See it, yeah, can't you see it?
Can't you see it, yeah, can't you see it?
I can see it, yeah"
[Chorus]
Tell the truth, tell me who's been fooling you?
Tell the truth, who's been fooling you?
[Verse 3]
Hear what I say cause every word is true
You know I wouldn't tell you no lies
Your time's coming, gonna be soon, boy
Whole world is shaking now, can't you feel it?
New dawn is breaking now, can't you se
[Refrain]
"See it" Yeah, I said, "See it", I said, "See it"
[Outro]
Whole world is shaking now, can't you feel it?
New dawn is breaking now, can't you see it?
I said, "See it", I said, "See it"
Just see it
Just see it
Just see it
@MrKlasse01
When I play this tune for others to listen, they think it is annoying or tough in some way. This is how blues-rock should sound. Loud and unpolished. In my opinion one of the best bluesrock-tunes ever made.
@CalStudMuff
Imo blues is an acquired taste. You either end up really liking or loathing it.
@eugenelevert6280
Just keep playing it. Tell them you have a complete description of joy. Tell them, dark matter penetrates the universe like this.
@vincentwhitley8197
The best blues rock ever put down on acetate
@dannieoffield5012
They're stupid.. This is seriously, soulful! Atlantic, with Aretha and co, understood. Other singer, with Clapton, are nice... Icing on the cake is Duane on slide.... All-time great moment in rock history.
@mikep.lipinsky7654
Agreed 100 percent klas this is music and some of the best. Without dropping names the music kids and alot of adults listen to today is straight garbage.
@slw59
Seeing Derek and the Dominos live back in the day.........Holy Grail concert.
@richardsargentsr.1384
One of my favorite albums. Masterpiece
@RonLogan-wf4pl
Duane completes the circuit. One of the best bands ever
@daskitten1
Bought the vinyl day it came out, still gives me the chills!!!