Don't Tell Me
Steve Ryan Lyrics
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When we first met
There was a fire
Between us
And those images
Of our desire
Promised sweet love
I watched what happened
Who is this person
You turned out to be
Chorus:
Don't tell me that you want me
When you lie to me so endlessly
Don't tell me you'll be with me
When you plan to leave me lonely
Don't tell me that you love me
Don't say those words that you really don't mean
Don't tell me
I'm not a fool, I won't believe
What you tell me
Verse 2
I don't understand
I really cared for you
My love was true
I remember when
I first met you
When we were new
And from the start
I gave you my heart
Why'd you do this to me
It hurt me deep
Chorus:
Don't tell me that you want me
When you lie to me so endlessly
Don't tell me that you'll be with me
When you plan to leave me lonely
Don't tell me that you love me
Don't say those words that you really don't mean
Don't tell me
I'm not a fool, I won't believe
What you tell me
Bridge
I will be strong through this pain
I will move on to another day
I won't stay down or settle for less
I know my worth, I deserve the best
I will find a love that's honest with me, so..........
Chorus:
Don't tell me that you want me
When you lie to me so easily
Don't tell me that you'll be with me
When you plan to leave me lonely
Don't tell me that you love me
Don't say those words that you really don't mean
Don't tell me
I'm not a fool, I won't believe
What you tell me
The lyrics of Steve Ryan’s song “Don’t Tell Me” illustrate the angst and frustration of someone struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship that started off with so much promise. The first verse, with its nostalgic reference to the “fire” that burned between the two people when they first met, sets up an idealized vision of love that is ultimately betrayed when one partner starts to change inexplicably. This idea is reinforced in the chorus, which rejects any further attempts at feigned affection from the partner who has been dishonest: “Don’t tell me that you want me / When you lie to me so endlessly...Don’t tell me that you love me / Don’t say those words that you really don’t mean”.
The second verse further explores the sense of betrayal and hurt felt by the singer, who still struggles to understand why their love wasn’t enough to keep the relationship going. The bridge offers a moment of respite from the negative emotions, as the singer declares their determination to move on and find a true love who won’t deceive them again. This final declaration of independence sets up an empowering conclusion to the song, reinforcing the idea that anyone dealing with a difficult break-up can come out of it stronger and more resilient.
Line by Line Meaning
When we first met
At the start of our relationship
There was a fire
Intense feelings of attraction
Between us
Shared by both of us
And those images
Our fantasies of being together
Of our desire
The strong emotional longing we felt
Promised sweet love
We thought we would have a happy, loving relationship
I watched what happened
I observed the changes that took place
As you changed on me
As your behavior towards me changed
Who is this person
You are not the same person I fell in love with
You turned out to be
Your true self was revealed over time
Don't tell me that you want me
Don't express your desire for me falsely
When you lie to me so endlessly
When you deceive me repeatedly
Don't tell me you'll be with me
Don't promise to be with me
When you plan to leave me lonely
When you intend to abandon me
Don't tell me that you love me
Don't speak of loving me insincerely
Don't say those words that you really don't mean
Don't express your feelings falsely
Don't tell me
Don't communicate in a deceitful way
I'm not a fool, I won't believe
I am not naive, I won't trust you blindly
I don't understand
I am confused
I really cared for you
I loved you deeply
My love was true
My feelings for you were genuine
I remember when
I recall a specific moment
I first met you
The beginning of our relationship
When we were new
At the start of our relationship
And from the start
From the beginning
I gave you my heart
I was vulnerable and open with you
Why'd you do this to me
Why did you hurt me like this
It hurt me deep
It caused me significant emotional pain
I will be strong through this pain
I will endure the pain bravely
I will move on to another day
I will continue to live my life
I won't stay down or settle for less
I won't let this experience bring me down or accept a subpar relationship
I know my worth, I deserve the best
I value myself and believe I deserve a fulfilling relationship
I will find a love that's honest with me
I will search for a partner who is truthful and sincere
so.........
The bridge concludes here
Don't tell me that you want me
Repeating the earlier chorus
When you lie to me so easily
Repeating the earlier chorus
Don't tell me that you'll be with me
Repeating the earlier chorus
When you plan to leave me lonely
Repeating the earlier chorus
Don't tell me that you love me
Repeating the earlier chorus
Don't say those words that you really don't mean
Repeating the earlier chorus
Don't tell me
Repeating the earlier chorus
I'm not a fool, I won't believe
Repeating the earlier chorus
Lyrics © Steve Ryan, STEVE RYAN
Written by: Steve Ryan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind