Tell It Like It Is
Teddy Pendergrass & Friends Lyrics


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If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
'Cause baby, my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy, no, no

If you are serious, little girl, little girl, little girl
Then don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
Ooh, oh, but if want me to love you
Then, baby, I will, girl, you know I that will

Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
But I, lord I know deep down inside of me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride

You know life is too short, lord, to have sorrow, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
You may be here today and gone, gone, baby, gone tomorrow
So you might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby-baby, baby-baby, go on and live

Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with, girl you better find yourself a toy
But I know deep down inside of me
I believe you love me, but I'm not your little boy, oh

Tell it like it is




Oh, and I love you, oh, I love you, oh, I love you
Lord, I love you, my darling, there is nothing I can do about it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Teddy Pendergrass & Friends' song "Tell It Like It Is" tell the story of a man who, tired of being played with, warns his lover to be serious with him if she really wants to be with him. He tells her that his time is too valuable to waste playing games, and that if she really loves him, she should forget her pride and tell him the truth. He emphasizes that life is too short to waste time on sorrow and that they should both live their lives to the fullest.


The singer's passionate delivery adds to the emotion of the lyrics, conveying the frustration and anger of being played while also expressing the depth of his love for his partner. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, urges the listener to always tell the truth and not be ashamed of their feelings.


Overall, the song is a powerful ballad about the importance of honesty and sincerity in a relationship, and the need to embrace life and love without reservation.


Line by Line Meaning

If you want something to play with
If you're looking for a casual fling or someone to toy with


Go and find yourself a toy
Find someone who is willing to play around with you


'Cause baby, my time is too expensive
I am too important to waste my time on casual relationships


And I'm not a little boy, no, no
I am a mature man and not a child to be taken lightly


If you are serious, little girl, little girl, little girl
If you truly want a serious relationship, young lady


Then don't play with my heart, it makes me furious
Don't manipulate my feelings as it makes me very angry


Ooh, oh, but if want me to love you
However, if you want genuine love from me


Then, baby, I will, girl, you know I that will
I am willing to love you if you are serious and sincere


Tell it like it is
Be honest about your feelings


Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
Don't feel embarrassed to follow your heart and do what you think is right


But I, lord I know deep down inside of me
Although I have doubts at times


I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride
I still believe you truly love me and should forget any foolish fears or pride


You know life is too short, lord, to have sorrow, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Life is too brief to be unhappy or to waste on trivialities


You may be here today and gone, gone, baby, gone tomorrow
Life is unpredictable, and you never know when someone may leave you unexpectedly


So you might as well get what you want
Therefore, it's better to pursue what you truly desire


So go on and live, baby-baby, baby-baby, go on and live
Don't be afraid to live your life to the fullest


I'm nothing to play with, girl you better find yourself a toy
I am not a frivolous person, so you should find someone else to play with


Oh, and I love you, oh, I love you, oh, I love you
However, I cannot deny that I love you very much


Lord, I love you, my darling, there is nothing I can do about it
I love you despite any doubts or obstacles, and I cannot change my feelings




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, M. JONES PUBLISHING CO.
Written by: DAVIS, GEORGE / DIAMOND, LEE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Mike BTek

So true. Bear fruit and spread the gospel. Entertainers at their best, expressing God and his love. Truly music for Mother, Father, Sister and Brother.

H loyd

Now we have to spread this song. These words are strong. Twitter, Facebook, everywhere else.

Oneil Mackey

Absolutely, Amen!

Madelene Labonté

Hello how are you ? I hope not to worry you just to know if you are a fan of American music and also get to know you better, if you don't mind join me by email labontemadelene1@gmail.com thank you

PeteTheRealTreat DuRose

Amen to that 🙏🎶🎼🎵☮️❤️🎵🎼🎶

mona cannon

What a timeless classic. I remember riding in the car and hearing this beautiful, beautiful song for the first time as a teenager looking up at the sky. The song spoke to my soul; I was blown away by the music and of course Teddys vocals. And I've been a fan of Teddy P ever since. It really saddens me that the message that is still relevant today. Thank you Philadelphia International Records for sharing. Rest in Paradise Teddy Pendergrass

a1artist

Thank you to the great Gamble and Huff, Jack Faith's superb arrangements, and Mcfadden, Whitehead, great writing as always. PIR Sound of Philadelphia 1976 Gold!!! Al

Elizabeth Dixon

So beautifully done by a brilliant artist as Teddy. R.I.P., .

Marilia Nogueira

Adoroooooo Adoroooooooo. Um dos estilos musicais preferidos R&B

Cindy Weir

His voice was soft and then powerful. His music will live on. Love you Teddy❤️

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