I Tell It Like It Used to Be
Blue-eyed soul singer T. Graham Brown (born Oct. 30, 1954) became a major p… Read Full Bio ↴Blue-eyed soul singer T. Graham Brown (born Oct. 30, 1954) became a major presence on country radio in the mid '80s, scoring nine consecutive top 10 hits between 1985 and 1989, including the No. 1 singles "Hell and High Water," "Don't Go To Strangers" and "Darlene." He left Capitol Records after the release of the 1991 album "You Can't Take It With You." Personal problems kept him out of the spotlight for the next few years, but he returned to the charts in 1998 with the autobiographical "Wine Into Water." He continues to tour and to record for independent labels.

More information: www.tgrahambrown.com.

I Tell It Like It Used to Be
T. Graham Brown Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

They say that I'm the kind of man who always speaks his mind
To me there's nothing stronger than the truth
You can ask me almost anything and I'll tell you like it is
But darling when they ask me about you

I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be

I wish that I was stronger, I could tell them that you've gone
But that's one thing that I may never do
If they want to hear about our love and how it all went wrong
Then darling they will just have to talk to you

I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be

I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new




I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to T. Graham Brown's song "I Tell It Like It Used to Be" are about a man who is known for always speaking his mind and telling the truth. When it comes to questions about his past relationship, he can't help but tell it like it used to be, before his partner stopped loving him and decided to move on. He wishes he could be stronger and just tell people that she's gone, but he can't deny the pain he still feels inside. The truth hurts, but he can't hide it.


The singer of the song is struggling to come to terms with the end of his relationship. He misses his former partner and wishes things could be like they used to be when they were in love. He knows that things have changed, but he can't help but look back fondly on what they once had. However, he also knows that he can't stay stuck in the past forever, and that he needs to move on even if it hurts. For him, telling the truth about his relationship is a way of reconciling his feelings and coming to grips with the pain that he's experiencing.


Overall, "I Tell It Like It Used to Be" is a song about the complicated feelings that come with the end of a relationship. The singer is grappling with his own emotions and the truth of the situation, and he can't help but tell it like it is. Through this process, he is trying to find a way to move forward and heal from his pain.


Line by Line Meaning

They say that I'm the kind of man who always speaks his mind
People describe me as someone who is honest and straightforward with their opinions.


To me there's nothing stronger than the truth
I believe that honesty is one of the most important values in life.


You can ask me almost anything and I'll tell you like it is
I am willing to answer any question truthfully and without hesitation.


But darling when they ask me about you
However, when people ask me about you specifically...


I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
I describe our relationship in the past, when you still loved me.


Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
Before you became too familiar with me and desired something different.


I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
I share the ideal version of our relationship, since the reality of our current situation is causing me pain.


When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be
Whenever someone asks me about our past relationship, I share how it was before things changed.


I wish that I was stronger, I could tell them that you've gone
Although I wish I had the courage to tell people that you are no longer with me...


But that's one thing that I may never do
...I may never be able to bring myself to say it.


If they want to hear about our love and how it all went wrong
However, if someone is interested in hearing about the downfall of our relationship...


Then darling they will just have to talk to you
...they will have to ask you, since I am not comfortable discussing it.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CTM Publishing
Written by: BUCKY JONES, MICHAEL GARVIN, RON HELLARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Inkfliktedtattoosandpiercings

They say that I'm the kind of man who always speaks his mind
To me there's nothing stronger than the truth
You can ask me almost anything and I'll tell you like it is
But darling when they ask me about you

I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be

I wish that I was stronger, I could tell them that you've gone
But that's one thing that I may never do
If they want to hear about our love and how it all went wrong
Then darling they will just have to talk to you

I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be

I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be



All comments from YouTube:

@chrismccurdy5842

This is wonderful country music by T Graham Brown that was played on radio back then 1980’s. This song will stand the test of time and T Graham does a wonderful job of singing this hit song.

@renekackline2377

Sing it, T Graham!!! Great voice!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@t.grahambrown9049

@rene kackline That's so sweet of you to say Dear🤠. Well thanks once again for the love and support you've shown towards my music career 😉 it really means a lot, I'm so overwhelmed🤠 may I know how long you’ve been a fan of my music 🎶

@nancyk1054

This is real music.......rich voice......so easy to listen to......

@t.grahambrown9049

@Nancy K That's so sweet of you to say Dear🤠. Well thanks once again for the love and support you've shown towards my music career 😉 it really means a lot, I'm so overwhelmed🤠 may I know how long you’ve been a fan of my music 🎶

@ruthdaniel1501

I heard an interview with T, and he's just as nice as his music. Sometimes, they're just singing to make a buck, but he's truly a genuine person.

@annas4807

Just came across this and love as much now as I did when it came out. Wish I had a nickel for everytime I danced to this song! ❤️

@renekackline2377

Man, he is singing his butt off! Got a set of pipes on him!!! You are awesome, T!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@t.grahambrown9049

@rene kackline That's so sweet of you to say Dear🤠. Well thanks once again for the love and support you've shown towards my music career 😉 it really means a lot, I'm so overwhelmed🤠 may I know how long you’ve been a fan of my music 🎶

@murph3001

Just discovered this soulman . Terrific vocalist

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