Tell Me Why
John Lennon/Paul McCartney Lyrics
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When was that summer when the skies were blue?
The bright red cardinal flew down from his tree?
You tell me
When was that summer when it never rained?
The air was buzzin' with the sweet old honeybee
You tell me
Were we there?
Was it real?
Is it truly how I feel?
Maybe
You tell me
Were we there?
Is it true?
Was I really there with you?
Let's see
You tell me
When was that summer of a dozen words?
The butterflies and hummingbirds flew free
Let's see
You tell me
Let's see
You tell me
The song "Tell Me Why" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney is a song that yearns to relive a time that's gone with the hope of bringing back the lost memories of those happy, yet elusive moments. The opening lines of the song, "When was that summer when the skies were blue? The bright red cardinal flew down from his tree?" paints the image of an ideal setting when everything was perfect, and life was happy. The song touches on the themes of nostalgia, loss, and longing to return to a moment in time when everything was right.
The use of the phrase "Let's see, you tell me" throughout the song is a reminder that the lyrics are looking to the past to find answers, but since they cannot be certain, they need someone else's memory to confirm its truthfulness. The song speaks to the human experience, where people look back on the memories for comfort, and the desire to recreate positive times.
In summary, "Tell Me Why" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney is a song that longs for a time long gone, and it evokes the emotions of nostalgia and longing for times when everything seemed perfect.
Line by Line Meaning
When was that summer when the skies were blue?
Tell me the exact time when everything seemed perfect and life was at its peak.
The bright red cardinal flew down from his tree?
Was there a moment of pure magic and awe that you witnessed and will cherish forever?
You tell me
I need you to help me remember these moments, for they are slipping away.
When was that summer when it never rained?
Help me recall when there was nothing to dampen our spirits and we felt invincible.
The air was buzzin' with the sweet old honeybee
The memories of that unbridled joy and carefree life are fading away. Please help me relive them.
Let's see
I need your help to dig deeper and search for any trace of those moments.
Were we there?
Were we really there or was it just a figment of our imagination?
Was it real?
Did those moments and memories truly exist or were they just a mirage?
Is it truly how I feel?
Help me understand whether what I'm feeling is true or just a fleeting emotion.
Maybe
Perhaps we don't have all the pieces of the puzzle and our memories are not complete.
Was I really there with you?
Do I need to question the validity of those cherished moments?
When was that summer of a dozen words?
Take me back to that summer filled with simplicity, when everything could be summarized in just a few words.
The butterflies and hummingbirds flew free
Help me visualize that carefree world where everything was possible, and the world was filled with wonder.
Let's see
Together, we can navigate the depths of our memories and relive those carefree moments.
You tell me
Your words and memories are the key to unlocking the moments that have slipped away. So, please tell me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind