I'm Telling You
Jerry Butler Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you

I got up, I go to work
I try real hard to do my job
But before the day is done
I find out I done something wrong

I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you

Days are getting longer and
My nights are getting shorter
And my way gets darker
And my work gets harder

Now when I get home
The wife is mad
The little girl
She's feeling bad

Little junior
He's got the blues
Says he needs a
Pair of baseball shoes

I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you

Days are getting longer and
My nights are getting shorter
And my way gets darker
And my work gets harder

Now in everything that I do
I'm trying to make
One dream come true

And maybe someday
Lord, I'll find
Satisfaction and
Peace of mind

I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you

Days are getting longer and
My nights are getting shorter




And my way gets darker
And my work gets harder

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jerry Butler's song "I'm Telling You" depict the struggles of an average working-class man who is trying his best to provide for his family, but despite his efforts, he constantly encounters setbacks at work and at home. The repetition of the phrase "I'm telling you" emphasizes the singer's frustration and desperation to communicate his struggles to someone who can empathize with him. The opening lines describe the singer's daily routine, where he goes to work and tries to do his job, but always seems to make mistakes. This suggests that the singer is likely overworked or lacking proper training, which could be contributing to his difficulties.


As the song progresses, the singer describes how his days are getting longer, and his nights shorter, indicating that he is likely taking on additional work, or working overtime to support his family. He also mentions that his way is getting darker, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a lack of direction or purpose in his life. At home, the situation is no better. His wife is angry with him, his daughter is feeling bad, and his son needs new baseball shoes. All of these problems add to the singer's burden.


However, despite the difficulties he faces, the singer remains optimistic that his hard work will eventually pay off. He mentions that he is trying to make one dream come true, and hopes that someday he will find satisfaction and peace of mind. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "I'm telling you," suggesting that the singer is still seeking someone to listen and understand his struggles.


Overall, "I'm Telling You" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of the working-class and the importance of perseverance in the face of hardship.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a telling you
I need you to hear me, pay attention to what I'm saying


I got up, I go to work
Everyday, I wake up and head to work


I try real hard to do my job
I put in effort to do my work well


But before the day is done
However, by the end of the day


I find out I done something wrong
I realize that I made a mistake


Days are getting longer and
Time seems to be dragging on


My nights are getting shorter
I have less time to rest and recover


And my way gets darker
My path in life seems more difficult and unclear


And my work gets harder
My job becomes more demanding and challenging


Now when I get home
After a long day at work


The wife is mad
My spouse is angry about something


The little girl
My daughter


She's feeling bad
She's upset or not feeling well


Little junior
My son


He's got the blues
He's feeling sad or upset


Says he needs a
He tells me that he wants


Pair of baseball shoes
A new pair of shoes for playing baseball


Now in everything that I do
In all aspects of my life


I'm trying to make
I am attempting to accomplish


One dream come true
A personal goal or aspiration


And maybe someday
Perhaps in the future


Lord, I'll find
I will discover


Satisfaction and
Fulfillment and happiness


Peace of mind
A calm and contented state of being




Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Millisia Gardner

Memories getting stronger, from 1968 to 2022. Tell us Ice Man ❤🎶

Karl Mahlmann

I remember this magical tune as a kid. This is one of great songs, pre Civil Rights Act of 1964, with a subtle message about the dream for equality.

G K

love this tune.

wade sprynczynatyk

Nice 👍

William Kablach

It's about life's humdrum and toil.

Kaizer-Man

reminds me of Joe Tex - I'll Never Do You Wrong

Mrpachuko13

Reminds me of curtis Mayfield.

flomurdock

@Mrpachuko13 Because he co-wrote the song with Jerry, plays guitar on it and is singing harmony!!

flomurdock

I like Joe Tex, but would never compare him to Jerry - different as night and day.

Lyndia Robinson

My narc x sent me this ... 😜

More Versions