I Can Tell
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can tell cause it's plain to see
I can tell the way you look at me
The way that you smile when you hold my hand
I know pretty baby cause I understand

[Chorus]
I can tell
I can tell
I know you don't love me no more

Gonna tell your mama
Gonna tell your papa too
Just what more can a good man do
You been running round with joey brown
I know pretty baby that you put me down

[Chorus]

I called you up on the phone
Strange voice tells me you're not at home
Your mama told me you know you can wait
When you show up you know your draggin' real late





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dr. Feelgood's song "I Can Tell" tell the story of a man who is feeling rejected by his lover. Through his observations, he has come to the realization that his partner no longer loves him. He knows this because he can see it in the way she looks at him and the way she smiles when she holds his hand. The title of the song becomes a refrain, repeating the statement "I can tell," emphasizing the singer's perception of his lover's hidden feelings.


In the chorus, he admits that he knows she doesn't love him anymore. He feels hurt and betrayed by her apparent infidelity with Joey Brown. In his desperation to salvage the relationship, he even considers turning to her family, stating that he'll tell her mama and her papa about her secret lover. However, in the end, he accepts his fate and admits defeat with a resigned, "What more can a good man do?"


The tone of the song is sad and melancholic, and the lyrics reveal the singer's vulnerability as he navigates the complexities of love and relationships. The repetition of "I can tell" underscores his certainty that his lover's feelings have changed, and he must come to terms with it.


Line by Line Meaning

I can tell cause it's plain to see
I know what's going on and it's obvious to me


I can tell the way you look at me
I can see in your eyes that something has changed


The way that you smile when you hold my hand
Your smile feels forced and insincere


I know pretty baby cause I understand
I know you well enough to see that you're not happy


I can tell
I'm sure of what I'm saying


I know you don't love me no more
I realize that your feelings have changed


Gonna tell your mama
I'm going to talk to your family about this


Gonna tell your papa too
I'm not just going to let this go


Just what more can a good man do
I'm doing everything I can to make this right


You been running round with joey brown
I know you've been spending time with someone else


I know pretty baby that you put me down
I understand that you've ended our relationship


I called you up on the phone
I tried to contact you


Strange voice tells me you're not at home
Someone else answered the phone and said you're not there


Your mama told me you know you can wait
Your mother said you'll call me back eventually


When you show up you know your draggin' real late
When you do come around, it's always after a long delay


I can tell
I'm still sure of what I'm saying


I know you don't love me no more
I'm certain that you've fallen out of love with me




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Samuel Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Noel Majers

Wilko's rhythm guitar on this is truly mesmerising. Apparently simple but fiendishly difficult to reproduce with a Pete Townsend like mastery over simple power chords and their dynamics. With Lee Brilleaux's vocals and with the solid underpinning of John B Sparks and The Big Figure provides an overall sound that represents Dr. Feelgood at their very best.

Техно Дом

Сильнейшие рокеры суперская группа рок 🎸 навсегда здорово 👍

Kathryn Ramsay

what a fabulous voice , nothing compares, he was incredible for his era

Dontbakdown60

One of the truly great rhythm and blues bands ever..Malpractice and Down by the Jetty are timeless albums.

folginator

Totally amazing performance. Wish I had seen them live.

colin campbell

Amazing band live.

What Is Left

Unique rhythm guitar sound. One of a kind.

Gustavo Rial

Los escuché en 1975 en su lp "malrecetado" pero nunca los ví hasta hoy
Son increibles!!!

Dotdot Dotdotdot

@folginator: I was fortunate to see them live, with this line-up, several times during my misspent youth and they were incredible live. The pure energy and stage presence of all 4 guys, the throbbing music, talents of all of them and the contained fury and passion of Brilleaux melded into an intoxicating mix when seen up close. Even now after nearly 4 decades hearing these great songs takes me right back to being in a jam packed pub hearing great music by great performers.

Catherine Cook

america here, i wouid kill for that. i show shows in 1975 but i would kill for this

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