Lyrically, “Tell Your Friends” is about Liam feeling the need to encourage his love interest to ignore the negative opinions of the people around them and instead be proud of their relationship.
On a YouTube video of the album’s track-by-track, Payne explained:
"I really like this one, it’s about kind of proving to people around the person you love that they’re wrong about you and you’re right for this person."
Tell Your Friends
Liam Payne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you don't even make a sound
Hold me down
Overcome my limitations
Just speak up, don't let them bring us down
To bring us down
So, you can tell your friends
Oh, you're the only one, only one I think about
Every time you go, want you to stay around
If you want to give 'em something to talk about
Say it loud, tell them, say it out loud
Oh, tell them I'm the one, I'm the one you can't be without
You could tell your friends I never let you down
How I let you erase every single doubt
Tell your friends, tell your, tell your friends
So, you can tell your friends
You should put it out your mind
'Cause it's jealousy
People hate what they can't have
When they should let it be
I learned how to love, 'cause you taught me how
I don't like who I used to be, but that don't matter now
'Cause they in your head but I'm in your heart
Put up a fight before they tear us apart
You know me, you know they don't even know me
So, you can tell your friends
Oh, you're the only one, only one I think about
Every time you go, want you to stay around
If you want to give 'em something to talk about
Say it loud, tell them, say it out loud
Oh, tell them I'm the one, I'm the one you can't be without
You could tell your friends I never let you down
How I let you erase every single doubt
Tell your friends, tell your, tell your friends
So you can tell your friends
So you can tell your friends
Tell your friends, we ain't playing games
Tell your friends, we ain't finished yet
Tell your friends, I ain't the same as
That last guy I made you forget
Tell your family I said "Hi"
Tell your friends, I'm invited
Tell your friends, I'm a love song
And they just helping you and me write it
Tell your friends, we ain't playing games
Tell your friends, we ain't finished yet
Tell your friends, I ain't the same as
That last guy I made you forget
Tell your family I said "Hi"
Tell your friends, I'm invited
Tell your friends, I'm a love song
And they just helping you, and me write it
Oh, ooh
Oh, you're the only one, only one I think about
Every time you go, want you to stay around
If you want to give 'em something to talk about
Say it loud, tell them, say it out loud
Oh, tell them I'm the one, I'm the one you can't be without
You could tell your friends I never let you down
How I let you erase every single doubt
Tell your friends, tell your, tell your friends
So, you can tell your friends
Put up a fight before they tear us apart
You know me, you know they don't even know me
(So, you can tell your friends)
In Liam Payne's song "Tell Your Friends," the lyrics reflect on the power dynamics present in a relationship. Payne's emphasis on the phrase "tell your friends" underscores the importance of external validation in a relationship. The lyrics also suggest that Payne is concerned that his reputation may be compromised by his partner's silence. He implores her to "speak up" in order to "overcome [his] limitations" and not let the outside world "bring them down."
The line, "People hate what they can't have, when they should let it be," further suggests that there is an underlying jealousy or possessiveness present in the relationship. Payne implies that his partner's friends and family may not approve of him and invites her to tell them about his positive qualities. The lyrics indicate that Payne is willing to "put up a fight" against external negativity in order to keep the relationship alive. Ultimately, the song reminds listeners that relationships require external support and validation in order to thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't defend my reputation, girl
I am unable to defend my reputation as long as you remain silent about us.
If you don't even make a sound
If you refuse to speak up about our relationship, then people will continue to question my reputation.
Hold me down
Support me and our relationship, even if others may try to bring us down.
Overcome my limitations
Help me overcome my own limitations and insecurities with your love and support.
Just speak up, don't let them bring us down
I urge you to speak up and not allow others to bring us down or question our love.
To bring us down
Others may try to bring us down, but we can overcome them together.
Oh, you're the only one, only one I think about
You are the one and only person that I constantly think about.
Every time you go, want you to stay around
I cherish every moment we have together and always wish for you to stay by my side.
If you want to give 'em something to talk about
If you want to give people a reason to talk about us, I am willing to face it together with you.
Say it loud, tell them, say it out loud
Do not be afraid or ashamed to proclaim our love to others loudly and openly.
Oh, tell them I'm the one, I'm the one you can't be without
Let everyone know that I am the one you love and cannot live without.
You could tell your friends I never let you down
Let your friends know that I am reliable and will never disappoint you.
How I let you erase every single doubt
I have shown you through my actions how much I love you and have helped you overcome any doubts you may have had.
You should put it out your mind
You should not worry about what others say or think about us.
'Cause it's jealousy
People often hate what they cannot have and may be jealous of our love.
People hate what they can't have
People may feel hatred towards us because they cannot have the kind of love that we share.
When they should let it be
They should accept and let go of their jealousy and not try to interfere with our relationship.
I learned how to love, 'cause you taught me how
I have learned what it truly means to love and be loved because of our relationship.
I don't like who I used to be, but that don't matter now
My past mistakes and flaws no longer matter because I have found happiness and love with you.
'Cause they in your head but I'm in your heart
Others may try to manipulate your thoughts or opinions, but I am the one you truly love and care for.
Put up a fight before they tear us apart
We must work together to overcome any obstacles or challenges that come our way and not let others tear us apart.
You know me, you know they don't even know me
You know me better than anyone else and should not let others' opinions affect your feelings for me.
Tell your friends, we ain't playing games
Let your friends know that our love is serious and not just a game.
Tell your friends, we ain't finished yet
We still have a long future ahead of us and will continue to love each other regardless of what others may say or think.
Tell your friends, I ain't the same as
Let your friends know that I am different from anyone else you have been with or known.
That last guy I made you forget
I have helped you forget about any past relationships or experiences that may have hurt you.
Tell your family I said "Hi"
Let your family know that I respect and care for them, and want them to know about us.
Tell your friends, I'm invited
Let your friends know that they are welcome to be a part of our lives and relationship.
Tell your friends, I'm a love song
Our love is a beautiful song that we will continue to write and sing together.
And they just helping you and me write it
Our friends and loved ones are helping us create a beautiful love story together.
Put up a fight before they tear us apart
We must actively fight against the negative influence of others on our relationship to keep it strong.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Liam Payne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind