Tell Me Pretty Lies
Lee Ritenour Lyrics
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By pretending we're everlastin'
(But) I don't need to know where
You've been sleepin'
Please don't tell me
Cause I'm not askin'
Don't try to explain
I don't want to know
Just tell me pretty lies
Just say that I'm the only one
Just tell me pretty lies
But you don't have to spoil my fun
The truth would be unwise
If you don't want to break my heart
Then tell me pretty lies, pretty lies
Stay here till the mornin'
(And) love me with all your might
(But) darlin' if you're leavin'
Don't want no warnin'
Keep that secret just one more night
Don't tell me his name
I don't want to know
Don't you mention any man outside of me
Just tell me pretty lies
Just say that I'm the only one
Just tell me pretty lies
But you don't have to spoil my fun
The truth would be unwise
If you don't want to break my heart
Then tell me pretty lies, pretty lies.
The song "Tell Me Pretty Lies" by Lee Ritenour is about a man who knows that his partner is cheating on him, but he doesn't want to hear about it. He acknowledges the fact that their relationship is not everlasting, but he wants to be in the moment and enjoy what they have left. He urges his partner not to tell him where she has been or who she has been sleeping with because he doesn't want to know. He doesn't want to hear any explanations or any mention of other men outside of him. He just wants her to tell him pretty lies that he's the only one and that she loves him.
The lyrics indicate that the man is aware of the truth but chooses to deny it for the sake of maintaining the illusion that everything is perfect in his relationship. The use of the phrase "pretty lies" suggests that he's willing to be deceived as long as it makes him feel good. He's asking his partner to lie to him because he doesn't want to face the harsh reality of their situation. The song ends on a note of uncertainty as he urges his partner to keep her secret for one more night. The message is clear: he would rather live in denial than deal with the truth.
Overall, "Tell Me Pretty Lies" is a poignant commentary on the complexity of romantic relationships. It speaks to the desire to hold onto something that is inevitably slipping away, and the urge to maintain a facade of happiness even when the reality is far from it.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that you been cheatin'
I am aware of your infidelity.
By pretending we're everlastin'
You fake being loyal and committed to our relationship.
(But) I don't need to know where
You don't have to reveal your affair's whereabouts to me.
You've been sleepin'
Where you have been sleeping with him is not my concern.
Please don't tell me
I don't want to hear the truth.
Cause I'm not askin'
I am not curious about your infidelity.
Don't try to explain
There is no need to justify your actions to me.
I don't want to know
I don't need any explanation of your unfaithfulness.
Don't ever mention any man outside of me
You should not talk about any other man in front of me except me.
Just tell me pretty lies
Please lie to me in a comforting and pleasing way.
Just say that I'm the only one
Assure me that I am the only person you love.
But you don't have to spoil my fun
You can lie to me without ruining my happiness and enjoyment.
The truth would be unwise
It's not a good idea to tell the truth.
If you don't want to break my heart
To avoid hurting me,
Then tell me pretty lies, pretty lies.
Please just keep on lying to me beautifully and attractively.
Stay here till the mornin'
Spend the entire night with me.
(And) love me with all your might
Make love to me with all your heart, soul, and strength.
(But) darlin' if you're leavin'
But if you're planning to leave,
Don't want no warnin'
Don't give me any prior notice.
Keep that secret just one more night
Keep your affair a secret for just one more night.
Don't tell me his name
I don't want to identify or know the guy.
I don't want to know
I don't need any clarification or detail.
Don't you mention any man outside of me
Don't let me hear about anyone else.
Writer(s): eric tagg, lee ritenour
Contributed by Victoria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.