TELL IT LIKE IT IS
Don Johnson Lyrics
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Go and find yourself a toy
Baby my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy
If you are serious
Don't play with my heart
It makes me furious
but if you want me to love you
Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed
let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside of me
I believe that you love me
forget your foolish pride.
Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today
and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby, go on and live
Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Tell it like it is
My time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy
Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed
let your conscience be your guide
But I... Deep down inside of me
I believe that you love me
forget your foolish pride.
Tell it like it is
You got to tell it, tell it.
Forget your foolish pride.
You got to believe that you love me.
Tell it like it is
Don't play with my heart.
In Don Johnson's hit song "Tell It Like It Is," the singer takes a stand for himself and demands honesty in his relationship. The opening lyrics, "If you want something to play with, go and find yourself a toy. Baby my time is too expensive and I'm not a little boy," establish the singer's unwillingness to be treated as a disposable or temporary plaything. He emphasizes the importance of being serious in a relationship and not playing with someone's heart, as that makes him furious. However, if the other person is truthful with their intentions, he is willing to reciprocate their love.
The chorus of the song encourages the listener to tell the truth and not be ashamed of their feelings. It emphasizes the importance of letting one's conscience be their guide instead of getting caught up in how they believe they should be perceived by others. The bridge of the song emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment without regrets.
Overall, "Tell It Like It Is" is a powerful anthem for honesty and self-respect in relationships. It empowers listeners to demand what they deserve while encouraging kindness and open communication.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want something to play with
If you're looking for someone to just mess around with
Go and find yourself a toy
Go find someone who is just looking for a casual relationship
Baby my time is too expensive
I value my time and won't waste it on anything less than serious
And I'm not a little boy
I'm not immature and want a real adult relationship
If you are serious
If you want something real
Don't play with my heart
Don't toy with my emotions
It makes me furious
It angers me
but if you want me to love you
But if you're genuine and want real love from me
then baby I will, girl you know I will
Then I'll love you, you know I will
Tell it like it is
Be honest and straightforward
Don't be ashamed
Don't hold back because of shame or embarrassment
let your conscience be your guide
Let your inner voice guide you
But I know deep down inside of me
But I have a strong feeling
I believe that you love me
That you truly love me
forget your foolish pride.
Let go of your unnecessary ego and insecurities
Life is too short to have sorrow
Life is too brief to waste time being sad
You may be here today
You may be alive today
and gone tomorrow
But gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
You might as well pursue what makes you happy
So go on and live, baby, go on and live
So go out there and enjoy life to the fullest
You got to tell it, tell it.
You have to be upfront and honest
I'm nothing to play with
I'm not someone to toy around with
Forget your foolish pride.
Let go of your ego and insecurities
You got to believe that you love me.
You have to truly believe that you love me
Don't play with my heart.
Don't toy with my emotions.
Contributed by Camden P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
M K
80s: best period of my life with so many beautiful love songs released ! Don Johnson was underrated as a singer ! He is a classy man. More young people should be inspired by Don.
Susan Genry
I love his singing and his version of this song!! One of my fav actors!!
Fumble_ Brewski
Unbelievable! We all know that he can act, but how can he sing this song so well? Speechless! One of the best covers of Arron Neville's 1966 hit I've ever heard.
Deb H.
Wow I didn't even know Don Johnson could sing, but damn, he sure can! AWESOME!
Kathryn Bellerose
Don Johnson is a fantastic actor and singer. ❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️
Otis Roseboro
Yes he is
Deana Rapert-Reimann
Damn, he covered this one very well!
Otis Roseboro
@Carole Griggs 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Carole Griggs
He and Kim Davis - both great
Otis Roseboro
Yes I agree