Tell It Like It Is
Lindi Orteda Lyrics
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If you want me baby, gonna have to let me know
'Cause I can't read your mind
You gotta play the part, invite me to the show
Rehearsing how it starts with poetry and prose
'Cause I can't read between the lines
Seal it with the kiss
And tell it like it is, tell it like it is
Honey I insist
You gotta tell it like it is
If you keep it to yourself, I'm sure I'll never see
I won't know how you felt if you alter destiny
And I will become blind
Blind to all the love and all that might have been
Don't hide it in your heart where it's dark and locked in
Oh I might shed some light
Tell me what I've missed
Seal it with the kiss
And tell it like it is, tell it like it is
Honey I insist
You gotta tell it like it is
Baby's gotta, Baby's gotta, Baby's gotta
Take it from me
You gotta break the chain, and again
Let your love fly free, yeah
Let your love fly free
And tell it like it is
Tell like it is
Honey I insist
Tell it like it is
Tell it, tell it, tell it like it is
Tell it, Oh, tell it, tell it like it is
In Lindi Ortega's song "Tell It Like It Is", the singer is addressing a lover who seems to be holding back their feelings for her. Before she leaves, she needs to know if the lover truly wants her or not. They have to play a role, even if it’s just for one night, invite her to the show and use poetry and prose to rehearse the beginning of their relationship. Lindi Ortega can't read their mind and needs clarity. If the lover doesn't speak up and share their feelings, she may not know what she's missed out on, and the love they could have shared will go to waste. The singer wants her lover to tell her what she's missed, seal it with a kiss, and tell her the truth, as in her eyes, honesty is key in a relationship.
The lyrics in the song encourage the idea of communication in relationships and not holding back one’s feelings. Lindi Ortega empowers her lover to break free from whatever is holding them back and be honest with her about their feelings. The overall message of the song is straightforward, that being genuine and honest in a relationship guarantees a real chance at love.
Line by Line Meaning
Before I say 'goodbye', before I tell you I should go
I want to leave, but if you want me to stay, you need to speak up because I can't read your mind.
If you want me baby, gonna have to let me know
If you want a relationship with me, you need to express your feelings to me.
'Cause I can't read your mind
I can't guess what's in your heart and mind, so you must tell me clearly how you feel.
You gotta play the part, invite me to the show
You must take the initiative and make efforts to attract my attention.
Rehearsing how it starts with poetry and prose
Practice your approach and try different things to find the best way to express your love.
'Cause I can't read between the lines
I can only understand what you tell me, so you must be clear and direct with your intentions.
Tell me what I've missed
If you've been hinting at your feelings or holding back, let me know what I've missed.
Seal it with a kiss
Show me you're sincere and serious by sealing your words with actions.
And tell it like it is, tell it like it is
Don't beat around the bush or try to hide your feelings; be honest and direct.
Honey I insist
I urge you to share your true feelings with me.
If you keep it to yourself, I'm sure I'll never see
If you don't speak up, I'll never know how you truly feel.
I won't know how you felt if you alter destiny
If you don't take action and make your feelings known, our relationship may not work out because we're not meant to be.
And I will become blind
If you don't share your feelings, I'll be blind to your love and all that might have been.
Blind to all the love and all that might have been
I won't realize the potential of our relationship if you don't express your feelings.
Don't hide it in your heart where it's dark and locked in
Don't keep your feelings to yourself where no one can see them; share them with me.
Oh I might shed some light
If you express your feelings to me, I'll understand better and we might be able to build a stronger relationship.
Baby's gotta, Baby's gotta, Baby's gotta
You must take action and communicate your feelings.
Take it from me
I know that open and honest communication is key in a relationship.
You gotta break the chain, and again
You need to break out of any patterns or habits that are preventing you from expressing your feelings.
Let your love fly free, yeah
Let your love and feelings for me be free and open, not hidden away.
Let your love fly free
Don't be afraid to express your love and feelings to me.
And tell it like it is
Be honest and direct in your communication with me.
Tell like it is
Speak the truth to me without holding back or hiding your feelings.
Honey I insist
I urge you to communicate openly and honestly with me.
Tell it like it is
I want you to be clear and direct with your communication with me.
Tell it, tell it, tell it like it is
I want you to repeat your feelings to me, be open and honest, and not hide your intentions.
Tell it, Oh, tell it, tell it like it is
I implore you to speak truthfully and directly to me about your feelings.
Writer(s): LINDI ORTEGA
Contributed by Maya T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.