Tell It Like It Is
Otis and Carla Lyrics
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Go and find yourself a toy
Baby my time is so expensive, girl, yeah
And I'm not just a little little bitty baby boy, no no
Otis, if you are
Don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Tell it like it is, yeah
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
Tell it like it is
I want you to forget your foolish pride, oh yeah
Life is too short to have sorrow (oh, yes it is)
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, Carla honey, baby, go on and live
I'm just tell it like it is
Just you can threat me right, go and find yourself a little little baby boy
I'm just tell you like it is
Cause I'm to good to you forget, don't you mess over me
In Otis and Carla's song Tell It Like It Is, the lyrics speak to an individual in a relationship who is tired of playing games. The first verse warns the woman that the singer is not a toy to be played with, and that his time is valuable. He asserts that he is not a little boy to be taken lightly. The chorus then follows, urging the woman to be honest and not be ashamed of her feelings. The singer wants her to forget her pride, as life is too short to hold back what you want. The final verse speaks to the woman, letting her know that the singer is not one to be messed around with, and she needs to treat him right.
The song's message is clear: be truthful about your feelings and desires, and don't waste your time playing childish games. Otis and Carla's soulful vocals bring this message home in a powerful way. The pairing of Otis Redding's grittier style with Carla Thomas's smoother tone also adds to the emotional depth of the song. Overall, Tell It Like It Is is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt fed up with relationships that don't prioritize honesty and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want something to play with
If you are just looking for a fling
Go and find yourself a toy
You should look for someone else
Baby my time is so expensive, girl, yeah
I value my time and don't want to waste it
And I'm not just a little little bitty baby boy, no no
I am a mature man who can't be fooled easily
Tell it like it is, yeah
Be honest and straightforward
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
Don't be afraid to speak the truth
I want you to forget your foolish pride, oh yeah
Let go of your ego and be truthful
Life is too short to have sorrow (oh, yes it is)
Life is brief and shouldn't be marred by regret
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
Life is unpredictable and you never know what will happen
You might as well get what you want
Make the most of the time you have
So go on and live, Carla honey, baby, go on and live
Don't waste your time worrying, just live your life fully
I'm just tell it like it is
I'm being honest about the situation
Just you can threat me right, go and find yourself a little little baby boy
Treat me fairly or find someone else
I'm just tell you like it is
I'm being truthful with you
Cause I'm to good to you forget, don't you mess over me
Don't take me for granted or treat me badly
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: George Davis, Lee Diamond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ThomHappy
If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby my time is so expensive, girl, yeah
And I'm not just a little little bitty baby boy, no no
Otis, if you are
Don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Baby, you know I will, honey, you know I will
Tell it like it is, yeah
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
Tell it like it is
I want you to forget your foolish pride, oh yeah
Life is too short to have sorrow (oh, yes it is)
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, Carla honey, baby, go on and live
I'm just tell it like it is
Just you can threat me right, go and find yourself a little little baby boy
I'm just tell you like it is
Cause I'm to good to you forget, don't you mess over me
@willieschick7315
19 year old light skin Hispano kid from New York , I am so glad I have this sensitivity to music. Especially Motown, Bitter sweet that not a lot of people my age appreciate these tunes man.
@johnevans1952
DO IT DUO TELL IT LIKE IT THE PIANO PLAYER
HORNS
THE INCREDIBALE
OTIS REDDING
-- CARLA THOMAS
@clydedahler9572
About the best blues singers i love to hear, The King and Queen, Otis and Carla, had their album many years ago, they past to young in their life's but will Always be remembered.
@samueleversley3956
CARLA THOMAS IS ALIVE.
@anuncolonizedmind6296
Beautiful!
@nelsonlugo45
Friggen Otis, mannn...
@ErrorhMakro
The horns hit the soul as soon as Carla comes in. Good cover !
@rmor93
this song got me out of bed
@kelea-sarpong121
Heard this on grace and frankie so glad I found it I'm in love
@weldonharper4901
This song is so siulful!!!