Hucknall was born in St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, the son of Reg and Maureen Hucknall. Hucknall's mother left the family when Hucknall was 3. He and his father lived very briefly in Bredbury before settling in Denton, where he grew up. Hucknall attended Audenshaw Grammar School for Boys.
Hucknall claims to have been among the people present at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester in June of 1976, where the Sex Pistols were playing. His interest in the music scene led to the launch of his career in the late seventies, when he was part of the formation of the band Frantic Elevators.
The Frantic Elevators released four singles, including a version of "Holding Back The Years", which he would later record with Simply Red.
As lead singer and core member of Simply Red, he has become the identifiable face of the band. His face, including his long curly red hair, was featured prominently on album artwork and in videos.
Hucknall is also one of the founders and financial backers of the successful reggae label Blood and Fire. He also manages the record label "simplyred.com".
Hucknall is active in politics, and is a prominent celebrity supporter of the UK Labour Party and is a close friend of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
It has been claimed Hucknall's resentment for former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is evident in three of Simply Red's songs; "She'll Have To Go" on the Simply Red album A New Flame, Your Mirror and Wonderland on the Stars album.
Following the Asian Tsunami, Hucknall made a public statement of support for the charity SOS Children and asked his fans to consider following his lead by supporting the charity.
During much of the 1980s and 1990s, Hucknall gained a reputation as a ladies' man. A Daily Mail article indicated that he had dated Catherine Zeta-Jones, Helena Christensen, and a number of other models, actresses and dancers in the UK.
He and partner Gabriella Wesberry had a baby daughter, Romy True Hucknall, together in June 2007.
Tell It Like It Is
Mick Hucknall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy
If you are serious
Don't play with my heart
It makes me furious
Then a baby I will, girl you know that I will
Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride
Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby go on and live
Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
But I... Tell it like it is
Baby My time is too expensive
And I'm not
I'm not your little boy
Tell it like it is
Oh...
Tell it like it is
The lyrics to Mick Hucknall's song Tell It Like It Is are a straightforward message to a lover: don't play games with my heart or waste my time. The opening lines make this message clear - if you want something to play with, go and find yourself a toy. It's a warning that the singer is not interested in being toyed with or treated as a little boy, but instead wants a serious relationship.
The chorus, "Tell it like it is", is an invitation to the lover to be honest with their feelings and not let their pride get in the way. The singer believes that deep down the lover loves him, but that they need to be open and honest about it. The message is clear - life is too short to waste time with games and sorrow, and if you want something, go and get it.
Overall, the lyrics are a call to be honest and direct in relationships, and not to let our fears and pride get in the way of love or happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want something to play with
If all you're looking for is amusement
Go and find yourself a toy
Get yourself an actual toy or someone who isn't looking for a serious relationship
Baby my time is too expensive
I have important things to do that I can't waste on temporary flings
And I'm not a little boy
I am grown and responsible and not willing to settle for childish behavior
If you are serious
If you actually want something real
Don't play with my heart
Don't mess around with my emotions or lead me on
It makes me furious
It really upsets me when people don't take my feelings seriously
But if you want me to love you
If you're ready for a real relationship and want me to be a part of that
Then a baby I will, girl you know that I will
I'm ready to give love a chance if you're ready too
Tell it like it is
Be honest and straightforward in what you really want and how you feel
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
Don't let social norms or expectations keep you from following your heart
But I know deep down inside me
I have a strong feeling within me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride
I think you really care for me, even if you're afraid to admit it due to your ego
Life is too short to have sorrow
Life is too brief to waste on sadness and negativity
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You never know when life will end, so live in the moment and make the most of it
You might as well get what you want
You have nothing to lose by pursuing your desires
So go on and live, baby go on and live
Enjoy life to the fullest
I'm nothing to play with
I'm not someone you can use as a toy or take for granted
Oh...
An interjection expressing emotion or emphasis
Tell it like it is
Be truthful and honest in your communication
Contributed by Gavin T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jwhitham2743
Vocal perfection. Great record and song❣️
@silviaellero6491
Me encanta esta cancion
@tanjaberges3332
TOP!