"Tell Me Where It Hurts" was written by Garbage members Duke Erikson, Shirley Manson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig in Los Angeles in March 2007 after an eighteen month hiatus from working as a group, as they needed to write some new songs for inclusion on Absolute Garbage. The song was written around a string arrangement by the band coupled with newly written lyrics and a title that vocalist Manson had come up with a few years prior.
Tell Me Where It Hurts
Garbage Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What will my tomorrow bring me?
If I had X-ray eyes, I could see inside
I wouldn't have to predict the future
I wish that you would do some talking
How else am I to know what you're thinking?
If only people would say what it really was
Tell me where it hurts and to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that's the truth
They don't love me, I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hell
Did they ever give you a reason
To believe in something different?
If you're looking for love, for what it's worth
I've plenty of it lying around here somewhere
If you are looking for disappointment
You can find it around any corner
In the middle of the night I hold on to you tight
So both of us can feel protected
Tell me where it hurts and to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that's the truth
They don't love me, yeah, I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hell
I've been loved but I didn't know how to feel it
And I've been adored but I don't know if I ever believed it
I've been loved my whole life but I didn't know how to take it until you
So tell me where it hurts, to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that's the truth
They don't love me, yeah, I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hell
But you do, so they can go to hell
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts now
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts
The lyrics of the song "Tell Me Where It Hurts" by Garbage are about the struggle to understand and communicate with someone who is holding back their true feelings. The singer expresses her frustration with not being able to read minds and wishing that people would be more honest about what they want. The chorus "Tell me where it hurts and to hell with everybody else, all I care about is you and that's the truth" reveals that despite the complications, the singer is deeply invested in the person she is addressing and is willing to go against anything and anyone to protect them.
The song also touches on the idea of love, with the singer admitting that she has been loved before but didn't know how to feel it until now. The line "If you're looking for love, for what it's worth, I've plenty of it lying around here somewhere" suggests that the singer has a lot of love to offer, but the recipient may have difficulty accepting it due to their own emotional barriers.
Overall, the song explores the complexities and challenges of relationships, and the need for open communication and vulnerability in order to truly connect with someone.
Line by Line Meaning
What is my day going to look like?
I am uncertain about what to expect today.
What will my tomorrow bring me?
I am unsure about what the future holds for me.
If I had X-ray eyes, I could see inside
I wish I had the ability to see into the future.
I wouldn't have to predict the future
It would be easier to know what to expect if I had more information.
I wish that you would do some talking
I want to know what you are thinking.
How else am I to know what you're thinking?
I am uncertain about your thoughts and feelings.
If only people would say what it really was
I wish people would be more honest and straightforward.
What it really was, what it really was, that they wanted
I want people to express their true desires and intentions.
Tell me where it hurts and to hell with everybody else
I care about your wellbeing more than anyone else's.
All I care about is you and that's the truth
I genuinely care about you and your feelings.
They don't love me, I can tell
I have a feeling that some people do not care about me.
But you do, so they can go to hell
I appreciate your love and support more than anyone else's.
Did they ever give you a reason
Did they ever provide you with a justification or explanation?
To believe in something different?
Did they ever convince you to believe in something else?
If you're looking for love, for what it's worth
If you are searching for love, I have plenty of it to offer.
I've plenty of it lying around here somewhere
I have an abundance of love to give.
If you are looking for disappointment
If you are seeking disappointment and sorrow,
You can find it around any corner
It is easy to encounter negative experiences in life.
In the middle of the night I hold on to you tight
I cling to you during moments of vulnerability,
So both of us can feel protected
So that we both can feel safe and secure.
I've been loved but I didn't know how to feel it
I have received love in the past, but I didn't recognize it.
And I've been adored but I don't know if I ever believed it
I have been admired and cherished, but I was not sure if it was sincere.
I've been loved my whole life but I didn't know how to take it until you
I have experienced love throughout my life, but I didn't appreciate it until I met you.
Tell me where it hurts, to hell with everybody else
I am focused solely on your pain and suffering.
Tell me where it hurts
Please tell me about your pain and suffering.
Tell me where it hurts now
Please tell me about your pain and suffering immediately.
Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOUGLAS ELWIN ERICKSON, SHIRLEY ANN MANSON, STEVE W. MARKER, BRYAN DAVID VIG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@enriquediazocampo9267
What is my day going to look like?
What will my tomorrow bring me?
If I had X-ray eyes, I could see inside
I wouldn't have to predict the future
I wish that you would do some talking
How else am I to know what you're thinking?
If only people would say what it really was
What it really was, what it really was that they wanted
Tell me where it hurts and to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that's the truth
They don't love me, I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hell
Did they ever give you a reason
To believe in something different?
If you're looking for love, for what it's worth
I've plenty of it lying around here somewhere
If you are looking for disappointment
You can find it around any corner
In the middle of the night I hold on to you tight
So both of us can feel protected
Tell me where it hurts and to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that's the truth
They don't love me, yeah, I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hell
I've been loved but I didn't know how to feel it
And I've been adored but I don't know if I ever believed it
I've been loved my whole life but I didn't know how to take it until you
So tell me where it hurts, to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that's the truth
They don't love me, yeah, I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hell
But you do, so they can go to hell
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts now
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts
Tell me where it hurts
@maz-nz7ev
Film star looks, versatile vocalist who, when it's needed, has one of the best voices for rock. Shirley Manson is amazing.
@EvesRevenge
I concur!!!!!! Since the mid 90s! My muse. β€
@russpendergraft5057
What a woman of just timeless beauty!!!! And is classy along with talent! π
@ronreitan1632
The orchestral part in the bridge is the best moment of the song. Cinematic with a touch of creepiness. Classic Garbage.
@eekyoucarlos
this and cup of coffee just make feel....so much
@jessegalvan716
Guys very many different dimensions and how the 90s where a real blessing
@ryanmc6718
I've been in love with Shirley Manson since 96. Keep it real Shirley
@marymitchell50
Love you forever - without words! Tucson, AZ
@curiositypiqued6573
The 60s atmosphere/sound/aesthetic....just GR8
@miricaleoutofheaven
I love this song so much. Thank you Garbage for all the energy you have put over the years in your work. You are ever so great!