Tell Me What It Is
Graham Central Station Lyrics


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Baby listen, tell me what it is
Makes you want to live the life you live?
Take all what you know is mine to give
I'll be damned, you ask for more

Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is

Loan me yours and I'll give you mine
Don't you loan me no more borrowed time
You don't need to be cut short
Of what ain't yours to give

Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is

All the love I have is for my man
But he treats me like a second hand
I stand up and he says get on down
Everything is everything, no peace I find

(And my woman said)
What it takes to be my man
Is more than playing in a jive-ass band
I need security to take good care of me
And a ring on my left hand

Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is
Tell me what it is

Won't you tell me what it is
Won't you tell me what it is




Won't you tell me what it is
Won't you tell me what it is

Overall Meaning

In "Tell Me What It Is," Graham Central Station's lyrics explore the dynamics of relationships and the expectations that come with them. The song's repeated refrain, "Tell me what it is," is a plea for honesty and transparency. The first verse is addressed to an unnamed person, with the singer asking what motivates them to live their life as they do. The implication is that there is something missing or unsatisfying about the person's existence, and the singer offers to give them everything they know they have.


The second verse shifts focus to a relationship between a man and a woman. The woman laments that her love for her partner is not reciprocated, as he treats her like a "second hand." She asserts her own worth and demands commitment, asking for "security" and a "ring on my left hand." These two verses relate to different aspects of life, and yet they are both searching for something true and authentic beneath the surface. The repeated question of "Tell me what it is" suggests that the singer is frustrated by the lack of communication and understanding in the world around them.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby listen, tell me what it is
Please tell me what makes you so content and satisfied with life


Makes you want to live the life you live?
What motivates you to enjoy life as much as you do?


Take all what you know is mine to give
I am willing to offer everything I have to make you happy


I'll be damned, you ask for more
I can't believe you are still asking for more after I gave you everything I had


Loan me yours and I'll give you mine
Let us swap our possessions and see if we both benefit from this exchange


Don't you loan me no more borrowed time
Don't rely on borrowed time or resources, as it will not be sustainable in the long run


You don't need to be cut short
You don't deserve to be deprived of something that rightfully belongs to you


Of what ain't yours to give
Don't take or give away something that you don't have the right or authority to


All the love I have is for my man
I have devoted all my affection to my partner


But he treats me like a second hand
However, my partner treats me as if I am not as important as him


I stand up and he says get on down
Whenever I speak up for myself, my partner dismisses me and undermines my feelings


Everything is everything, no peace I find
Despite trying to make things work, I still feel unsettled and unhappy


(And my woman said)
At this point, the female partner's perspective is being shared


What it takes to be my man
To be in a relationship with me, certain qualities are necessary


Is more than playing in a jive-ass band
Being musically talented is not enough to be a suitable partner for me


I need security to take good care of me
I want to feel secure in my relationship and be taken care of


And a ring on my left hand
I desire a public, lasting commitment from my partner


Won't you tell me what it is
Please explain to me what you are thinking and feeling




Contributed by Isaac L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Blake Kersey


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Wrong lyrics!

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