I Tell It Like It Used to Be
T Graham Brown Lyrics
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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
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
In "I Tell It Like It Used to Be," T Graham Brown sings about his penchant for speaking his mind and telling the truth, except when it comes to his past relationship with someone. He admits that the truth hurts him too much to reveal - that she's moved on and no longer loves him. Instead, he tells others about the way things used to be when they were in love, before she found someone new. Brown longs to stay in the past, to bask in the memory of a love that was once strong and true, before it all fell apart.
The chorus repeats itself, emphasizing Brown's desperation to hold onto what was once his. He wishes he were stronger and able to tell people that she's gone, that they've moved on, but he's not ready to let go of the past just yet. At its core, "I Tell It Like It Used to Be" is a song about heartbreak, nostalgia, and the different ways we cope with the end of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
They say that I'm the kind of man who always speaks his mind
People say that I am always honest and straightforward in expressing my thoughts and feelings.
To me there's nothing stronger than the truth
I believe that nothing is more powerful than being truthful and honest.
You can ask me almost anything and I'll tell you like it is
I am always willing to speak my mind and be brutally honest.
But darling when they ask me about you
But when people ask me about you, my feelings are more complicated.
I tell it like it used to be when you were still in love with me
I describe our past relationship as it was when we were in love and happy together.
Before you got to used to me and wanted someone new
Before you became accustomed to me and decided you wanted someone else.
I tell it like it ought to be 'cause how it is, is killing me
I describe our past relationship the way it should have been because the truth of our current situation is too painful for me to bear.
When they ask about you and me, I tell it like it used to be
When people ask about our relationship, I tell them about how it was in the past and avoid discussing our current situation.
I wish that I was stronger, I could tell them that you've gone
I wish I were emotionally strong enough to tell people that you have left me and moved on.
But that's one thing that I may never do
However, I may never be able to admit the truth to others.
If they want to hear about our love and how it all went wrong
If people want to know about our failed relationship and how it fell apart,
Then darling they will just have to talk to you
they will have to talk to you since I cannot bring myself to speak about it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BUCKY JONES, MICHAEL GARVIN, RON HELLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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
@bharris7483
I was so stupid in 1966. I was madly in love but a year ahead of him in school. Went off to college and it wasn’t fair to leave him behind. I thought I was doing the right thing so I let him go. I met someone else and married him. A little piece of my heart always loved my first true love. After my husband died four years later my first love and I got back together. I was so happy during this time. The problem was, his daughter hated me and my son hated him. We parted ways because blended families just don’t work. We now talk weekly, I get flowers on birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and our special occasions. Sure do miss the companionship we had together. I will always love love him no matter what. After all he was my first true love.
@Belinda-lm3ol
Old loves seldom die nothing like young love thank God for memories 🙏
@Mr.NoName1972
The first top 10 for Tony Graham Brown. "I Tell It Like It Used To Be" hit #7 on the Billboard country singles chart late winter 1986.
@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 🎶
@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.
@lindaphillips4286
He is an amazing singer and he tells like it is this song his home for a lot of people.
@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! ❤️
@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.
@edbarker8636
T Graham is awesome