Tell Me Why
Neil Young And The Stray Gators Lyrics
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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
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
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
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
In "Tell Me Why," Neil Young reflects on the complexity of the human condition, and how we often find ourselves battling inner demons and searching for answers to seemingly unanswerable questions. The metaphor of sailing through broken harbors and riding a dark horse in the midst of the night captures the feeling of being lost and alone in the world. However, Young also acknowledges that finding meaning and connection with others is possible through honesty and vulnerability.
One of the central themes of the song is the struggle to make sense of our emotions and life experiences as we transition from youth to adulthood. The lines "Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself / When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?" suggest that it's difficult to know who we are and what we want when we're caught between the desire for independence and the need for security.
The repetition of "Tell me why" throughout the song emphasizes the urgency and importance of finding answers and connections. When Young sings "Tell me lies later, come and see me," he's acknowledging that we often seek comfort in falsehoods, but he's also implying that genuine human connection is possible if we're willing to be truthful with ourselves and each other.
Overall, "Tell Me Why" is a powerful meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning and connection in the midst of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Sailing hardships through broken harbors
Traveling difficulties despite unfavorable circumstances
Out on the waves in the night
Navigating through challenges in uncertain times
Still the searcher must ride the dark horse
The explorer must continue on the difficult path
Racing alone in his fright
Struggling through fear and uncertainty alone
Tell me why
The singer seeks answers to life's mysteries
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
Finding it difficult to make plans and decisions for oneself
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
When you have the resources to pay your debts, but still have the temptation to make quick sales for profit
Tell me lies later, come and see me
The singer requests temporary relief from painful truths
I'll be around for a while
The singer is open to company and companionship
I am lonely but you can free me
The singer is seeking comfort and support from someone else
All in the way that you smile
The singer is comforted by the positive energy of those around them
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Linares Studios
LYRICS:
Sailing hardships through
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
Is it hard to make 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?
Kathryn Molesa
Neil's brilliance was so apparent at this young age.
WhatWouldHouseDo
Neil never seems to get much accord for his acoustic playing. It's always fairly simple and understated, but there's also a lot going on- continual fills and accents and it's always super clean. Great player.
Browns Town1155
I definitely prefer when someone plays to the song instead of being all flashy and showing off in the song. Sometimes simple is better
Ben Dagostino
His rhythm is one of the best.
M B
Accord? I think you mean acclaim.
WhatWouldHouseDo
@M B Accord can mean recognition.
Claudia Gibson
I think as brilliant as his electric solo stuff is, his acoustic playing is even better. Very clean, interesting fills and chord forms, and he’s a metronome. Love this song.
Laurie Bezilla
I am lonely but you can free me all in the way that you smile!! Love you Neil!!
Sal Lopresti Invasion 65
I lost touch with a dear friend and this line hits me like a freight train in my heart ❤️ and life goes on ✌️❤️
Laurie Bezilla
So sorry.