Two Sides to Every Story
Loleatta Holloway Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

There′s two sides to every story
Why should I believe you?
There's two sides to every story
Who said your story was true?

You′ve been gone for two or three days or more
Called and said you had a flu
Why didn't you bring your body home, boy?
So I could doctor on you

Oh, there's two sides to every story
Why should I believe you?
Oh, it′s two sides to every story
Three times your story fell through

Said you were goin′ out of town for business
Got a new deal you're tryin′ to make
Well, your boss called here and asked me, honey
If you were comin' in today

Oh, there′s two sides to every story
Oh, why should I believe you?
Honey, there's two sides to every story
Three times your story fell through

Oh boy, there′s two sides to every story
Tell me, why should I believe you?
Honey, there's two sides to every story
Three times your story fell through

I know that there's two sides (two sides to every story)
But why should I believe you? (Why should I believe you?)
Should I believe you? (Two sides to every story)
Hmm (three times your story fell through)
(Two sides to every story) ooh
(Why should I believe you?) Ahn, why should I?
(There′s two sides to every story)
Ooh there′s two sides (three times your story fell through)

Hi honey
Come on in, but-but wait, just before you go upstairs and unpack your clothes
Come here, I-I wanna talk to you
What's wrong baby?
What′s wrong? I'm gonna tell you what′s wrong

You know your boss called here today
And asked me if you were comin' in
I don′t understand
I can explain
No, you can't explain, how could you explain to me when you was supposed to be out of town on business

You heard the old saying; "What's good for the gander is good for the goose"?
Well, honey, it′s time for me to turn you loose
Well, baby, let me make it up to you
Make it up? There ain′t nothin' you can make up for the bed you been sleeping in
That′s right! 'Cause you see I, I know there′s two sides to every story

(Two sides to every story) ohh
Tell me why should I? (Why should I believe you?)
Tell me why? Tell me why? (Two sides to every story)
Why should I believe you? (Three times your story fell through)

Oh sugar, there's two sides (two sides to every story)
Oh why, should I, believe you? (Why should I believe you?)
There′s two sides (two sides to every story)
One, two, three, honey (three times your story fell through)

You know it's three strikes you out, y'all (two sides to every story)
Three strikes you out, and you did let one passed three strikes (why should I believe you?)
You three strikes and (two sides to every story)
And over ahead (three times your story fell through)
I mean, I don′t really understand myself for lettin′ you do me like this (two sides to every story)

You tell me there's two sides to every story (why should I believe you?)
Your own story is hella problem! (Two sides to every story)
My patience, I can′t stand it no more (three times your story fell through)
I'm just, I′m just so tired of this, I don't know what to do (two sides to every story)
I swear, I swear (why should I believe you?)

I just say to myself, I tell myself; "Loleatta, girl, you′re awfully great" (two sides to every story)
Takin' all this, from all the time (three times your story fell through)
Ow, oh, honey, there's two sides (two sides to every story)
One, two (why should I believe you?)
Why should I believe you? (Two sides to every story)
Honey (three times your)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Loleatta Holloway's song "Two Sides to Every Story" delve into the complexities of a relationship where trust and honesty have been shattered. The singer questions the veracity of her partner's excuses and tales, highlighting the doubt and skepticism that has crept into their bond. The repeated refrain "There's two sides to every story, why should I believe you?" underscores the singer's struggle to reconcile conflicting accounts and decide where the truth lies.


The verses paint a vivid picture of a partner who is frequently absent and provides questionable explanations for their whereabouts. The lyrics depict a scenario where the partner claims to have been ill, yet their absence extends beyond reason, leaving the singer feeling ignored and betrayed. The discrepancy between the partner's words and actions creates a sense of frustration and disbelief for the singer, leading to a growing sense of mistrust in the relationship.


As the song progresses, the partner's excuses become increasingly flimsy and inconsistent, further eroding the foundation of trust between them. The mention of a supposed business trip that turns out to be a lie adds another layer of deceit to the narrative. The interaction with the partner's boss, who calls to confirm their absence from work, serves as a breaking point for the singer, exposing the depth of deception and dishonesty in their relationship.


The emotional climax of the song comes when the singer confronts their partner about the lies and infidelities that have come to light. The anger and hurt in the singer's voice are palpable as they express their disappointment and resolve to end the relationship. The repeated refrain of "Three times your story fell through" emphasizes the pattern of deception and betrayal that has pushed the singer to the brink of their patience and tolerance.


In the final verses, the singer reflects on the toll that the deception has taken on them, expressing a mix of resignation and empowerment. The realization that they deserve better and the acknowledgment of their own strength in facing the truth highlight a sense of self-awareness and growth. The song ends with a sense of closure and finality, as the singer asserts their worth and declares their independence from the cycle of lies and deceit.


Line by Line Meaning

There's two sides to every story
People often have different perspectives and interpretations of the same events or situations


Why should I believe you?
Questioning the credibility and honesty of the other person's version of events


You've been gone for two or three days or more
You have been absent for an extended period of time


Called and said you had a flu
Provided an excuse for your absence


Why didn't you bring your body home, boy?
Expressing frustration and disappointment that you did not return home


So I could doctor on you
Take care of you and provide comfort


Why should I believe you?
Reiterating skepticism towards the other person's story


Three times your story fell through
Your excuses or explanations have not been convincing or truthful on multiple occasions


Said you were goin' out of town for business
Stated that you were traveling for work purposes


Got a new deal you're tryin' to make
Attempting to negotiate and secure a business agreement


Well, your boss called here and asked me, honey
Your employer contacted me inquiring about your whereabouts


If you were comin' in today
If you were planning to come into work as expected


Oh, there's two sides to every story
Emphasizing the existence of differing accounts of the same events


Tell me, why should I believe you?
Requesting a valid reason to trust your version of events




Writer(s): Ronald Tyson, Edward Moore

Contributed by Chase G. 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