Tell Me So
Sonny Til & The Orioles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but if you should love me i'll make that love grow. that part makes me stronger but can't last much longer unless you tell me so.
da da da da da do do da da do....
if its only affection that you feel tell me now don't lead me on i'll make a deal, yes or no, tell me so, you're free to go
The song "Tell Me So" by Sonny Til & The Orioles is a plea from a vulnerable individual to their love interest to be honest with them about their feelings. The lyrics urge the person to not lie about their emotions and to be straightforward with the singer regarding their feelings, rather than trying to deceive them. The singer is asking the person to not lead them on and to simply tell them if they do not have the same level of love and devotion. The song recognizes that the singer's emotions are fragile and that they cannot continue living in uncertainty.
The repetition of the phrase "tell me so" reinforces the theme of honesty as being vital to any relationship. The phrase "yes or no" also demonstrates the singer's desire for a clear answer, while the line "you're free to go" shows that the singer is willing to accept any response, even a negative one. However, the singer highlights that if the person loves them, they will continue to grow the love between them. The song's melody is simple and adds to the sincerity of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
if you don't love me tell me so
If you do not have feelings for me, please be honest and tell me directly.
don't tell the people i'm the one to know
Please do not mislead others into thinking that we have a romantic relationship.
if its only affection that you feel tell me now don't lead me on i'll make a deal
If you only have a general fondness for me, do not string me along. Tell me the truth, and I will make an agreement with you either to continue as friends or end things.
yes or no, tell me so, you're free to go
Please give me a definitive answer so that I can move on if necessary.
but if you should love me i'll make that love grow.
If you do actually have romantic feelings for me, I am willing to work on fostering a deeper connection.
that part makes me stronger but can't last much longer unless you tell me so.
Being in a state of uncertainty about our relationship is becoming emotionally taxing, and ultimately unsustainable unless you give me clarity.
da da da da da do do da da do....
Instrumental bridge part of the song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEBORAH CHESSLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mbsunlimited
Wow. He still had that golden voice right up till the end. Definitely one of the greatest voices the world has ever known!
Al D'Antonio
Yes, Sonny Til was uniquely gifted and talented! However, let's not forget that fabulous falsetto tenor in the background herein ... a signature, if you will. of Orioles harmony!
sauquoit13456
On this day in 1949 {September 3rd} the Orioles' "Tell Me So" peaked at #1 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Best-Selling Retail Rhythm & Blues Records in Stores chart; it replaced "Trouble Blues" by the Charles Brown Trio as the #1 record, "Trouble Blues" had been in the top spot for 15 consecutive weeks...
Sadly, Orioles' lead singer Sonny Til passed away at the young age of 56 on December 9th, 1981...
May he R.I.P.
crusher1944
I got to see him in a small club in Long Island 1980, he had just recorded a new album MADE OF VINLY REMBER THAT STUFF. HE SINGED IT FOR ME STILL HAVE TILL THIS DAY
MROSEN62
Since Sonny died in 1981, this had to be one of his last concerts. I saw him singing with the so-called "orioles" at a small club in the Bronx in about 1973. He was trying out an R&B set and did not do any of his classic material. When I asked him about it, he seemed touched that I had asked, but seemed to be saying that this particular group did not really know the material. Too bad.
Margaret Hayes
This is singing , Can you feel it like he singing to YOU .LUCKY LADY whoever she is. George you do your thing men I can dream CAN'NT I.
Austin Casey
Oh my God!!!... the band is WAY off starting at about 1:24 and they stay several measures behind until 2:42 when they finally realize where they're supposed to be! And even the end "that thought me makes me stronger but can't last much longer" the band totally misses those chords. They don't play them at 1:24 either which makes me think that whoever wrote out the arrangement was careless and left it out. Either that or the musicians were just sleeping and forgot to play those measure. I'm guessing Ronnie I hired the band and arranger... the same HORRIBLE musicians who backed all of the UGHA events. This is absolutely disgusting.