Tell Me Why
Matthews Southern Comfort Lyrics
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Thru broken harbors
Out on the waves in the night
Still the searcher
Must ride the dark horse
Racing alone in his fright.
Tell me why, tell me why
Arrangements with yourself,
When you're old enough to repay
But young enough to sell?
Tell me lies later,
Come and see me
I'll be around for a while.
I am lonely but you can free me
All in the way that you smile
Tell me why, tell me why
Is it hard to make
Arrangements with yourself,
When you're old enough to repay
But young enough to sell?
Tell me why, tell me why
Tell me why, tell me why
In Matthews Southern Comfort's song Tell Me Why, the lyrics describe a person sailing through broken harbors on heart-ships, searching for something. The searcher rides the dark horse and races alone in fright. The lyrics pose the question "Tell me why," repeatedly, which seems to express a desire for understanding or explanation. The second verse switches the perspective to the first person, with the singer asking if it is hard to make arrangements with oneself when one is old enough to have responsibilities but still young enough to consider selling out. The last two lines indicate a longing for companionship and a possible solution to the loneliness--through the way someone smiles.
The song's lyrics suggest a sense of confusion, uncertainty, and restlessness, reflecting the social and political turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The line about being old enough to repay but young enough to sell could be interpreted as a reference to Vietnam War conscription, which required young men to serve their country in exchange for potentially losing their lives. The song's emotional resonance strengthened when Neil Young released his equally mournful version some years later.
Line by Line Meaning
Sailing heart-ships
Embarking on a journey with passion and emotion
Thru broken harbors
Navigating through rough times and difficult circumstances
Out on the waves in the night
Venturing into the unknown and uncertain future
Still the searcher
Despite challenges, striving to find clarity and purpose
Must ride the dark horse
Facing fear and overcoming obstacles on a challenging path
Racing alone in his fright.
Moving forward in a solo journey despite fear and doubt
Tell me why, tell me why
Questioning the challenges and difficulties faced on the journey
Is it hard to make
Questioning the struggle of making
Arrangements with yourself,
Important decisions and commitments for oneself
When you're old enough to repay
At an age where one should be responsible and accountable for their actions
But young enough to sell?
Despite being responsible, still vulnerable in decision-making and easily influenced by external factors
Tell me lies later,
Preferring to hear comforting words later rather than hard truths now
Come and see me
Wanting company and support during a difficult time
I'll be around for a while.
Despite being lonely, the singer will be present and available for support
I am lonely but you can free me
Desiring to be free from loneliness through companionship
All in the way that you smile
Finding comfort and happiness in the positive actions of others
Tell me why, tell me why
Continuing to question the struggles faced in life
Tell me why, tell me why
Reiterating the desire for an understanding of life's difficulties
Contributed by Jayden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.