<… Read Full Bio ↴Rag'n'Bone Man is London-based, Brighton-raised musician Rory Graham.
After a stint as personal assistant carer, looking after people with Aspergers' and Down's syndrome, Rory released the Bluestown EP in 2012. Rapper Gi3mo, shipped Graham's vocal talents into his hip-hop crew, Rum Committee. Next came a meeting with the prolific beatmaker Leaf Dog, resulting in the six track Dog 'n' Bone EP released through High Focus records in 2013, followed by Put that soul on me the following year.
The 2014 Sony Music debut album, Wolves, was produced by friend Mark Crew and it features Kate Tempest on Rain; Vince Staples on Hell yeah and Stig Of The Dump on Wolves. The Disfigured EP was launched in 2015 via Best Laid Plan Records, including Perfume and Bitter End.
2016 saw the release of the Cadenza produced Healed and the lead single of his first long play of the same name Human. It was announce at the end of the year that Rag'n'Bone Man would the BRITs 2017 Critics' Choice Award as well as included in the longest of BBC Sound Of Poll 2016.
After being nominated for a second Brit award, the single Skin was released as an advance of the album Human, released on 10 February 2017 via Columbia Records / Best Laid Plans. The album counts with three different producers; long time collaborator Mark Crew (Wolves EP, Disfigured EP), Jonny Coffer (Beyoncé) and Two Inch Punch.
http://www.ragnbonemanmusic.com
Tell'em Like It Is
Rag'n'Bone Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And pour my rum
Wash my crack up and load my gun
Hold me now when im feeling low
Fuck with my money no
Spend my cash
dont ask where it came from
Tell my mother in respectable
Tell em like it is
Tell it like it is
Tell it like it is
Tell em like it is
Only speak when you're spoken to
Tell your mother the same
Tell your sister better watch her mouth
Cuz i aint the one to blame
Keep your hair and your nails looking fine
Dont dress like no hoe
Dont be talking to any other guys
Baby tell em how it is
Tell it like it is
Tell it like it is
In "Tell'em Like It Is," Rag'n'Bone Man delivers a message about being honest and upfront about who you are and what you want. The song opens with a series of seemingly unrelated commands, ranging from frying chicken and pouring rum to washing up and loading a gun. These directives are delivered with a sense of urgency and determination, suggesting that the singer is someone who knows what they want and is not afraid to demand it. Despite these tough exterior, the song offers a more vulnerable side when the singer acknowledges the need for comfort and support when feeling low.
As the song progresses, the singer transitions from self-directed commands to addressing others in their life. They encourage others to speak up for themselves and not tolerate mistreatment or disrespect. The theme of honesty and authenticity is reinforced throughout the song, with the repeated refrain urging listeners to "Tell'em Like It Is."
Line by Line Meaning
Fry my chicken
Take care of my basic needs and desires like cooking my food.
And pour my rum
Provide me with the alcoholic drinks that I request.
Wash my crack up and load my gun
Handle my weapons and drugs in a careful and cautious way.
Hold me now when im feeling low
Be there for me and give me support when I'm down.
Fuck with my money no
Do not mess with my finances or try to take advantage of me.
Spend my cash
Use my money as I see fit without being questioned.
dont ask where it came from
Do not question the source of my finances or how I obtained it.
Tell my mother in respectable
Let my mother know that I am handling my responsibilities and behaving appropriately.
I wash my clothes and clean my house
I take care of my own personal hygiene and household chores.
Tell em like it is
Speak honestly and directly without sugarcoating the truth.
Only speak when you're spoken to
Do not speak out of turn or interrupt others when they are speaking.
Tell your mother the same
Encourage your mother to also speak her mind and be honest.
Tell your sister better watch her mouth
Warn your sister to be careful with what she says as it could have consequences.
Cuz i aint the one to blame
Don't put blame on me for something that isn't my fault.
Keep your hair and your nails looking fine
Take care of your personal appearance and hygiene.
Dont dress like no hoe
Do not dress in a promiscuous or revealing way.
Dont be talking to any other guys
Do not communicate with other guys in an inappropriate way.
Baby tell em how it is
Be honest and direct in communicating your thoughts and feelings.
Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.