Lies
Eric Clapton / J.J. Cale Lyrics

The lyrics to "Lies" by Eric Clapton/J.J. Cale present a narrative of someone who has been betrayed by a romantic partner who repeatedly lied to them. The song opens with the singer reflecting on the promises that had been made to them, "You told me this, You told me that, You try to tell me, Tell me where it's at, You said you loved me, I can see through that." The line "I can see through that" suggests that the singer has become aware of the deceptions and is no longer fooled by them. The chorus drives home the point that the relationship was built on deceit, "Lies, lies, lies."

The second verse reveals that the partner not only lied, but also cheated on the singer, "You left me hangin', Hangin' from a limb, You said you loved me, Then you left with him, Lord, you did it to me, I see it in your eyes, Lies, lies, lies." The verse also showcases the singer's hurt, feeling betrayed and abandoned. The final stanza brings up the question the singer is seeking an answer to, "Tell me baby, Why you take my time? You get a thrill off Playing with my mind, Lord, you did it to me, I see it in your eyes, Lies, lies, lies." The singer is left wondering about the motives behind the partner's actions, adding an emotional complexity to the lyrics.