The Zombies
Tell Her No Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

And if she should tell you "come closer"
And if she tempts you with her charms

Tell her no no no no no-no-no-no
No no no no no-no-no-no
No no no no no
Don't hurt me now for her love belongs to me

And if she should tell you "I love you", whoa-oh-oh
And if she tempts you with her charms

Tell her no no no no no-no-no-no
No no no no no-no-no-no
(Don't let her love for your arms)
No no no no no
Don't hurt me now for her love belongs to me

I know she's the kind of girl
Who'd throw my love away
But I still love her so
Don't hurt me now, don't hurt me now

If she tells you "I love you"
Just remember she said that to me

Tell her no no no no no-no-no-no
No no no no no-no-no-no
(Don't let her love from my arms)

No no no no no
Don't leave her now for her love belongs to me

Overall Meaning

The song "Tell Her No" by The Zombies is a plea to a potential love interest to not give in to the advances of the singer's ex-girlfriend. The lyrics begin by addressing the listener directly, telling them that if the ex-girlfriend tries to get closer or use her charms, they should simply say "no". The singer reminds the listener that the ex-girlfriend's love belongs to him and that she should not hurt him by pursuing someone else.

As the song continues, the singer acknowledges that he knows the ex-girlfriend is the type of person who would throw love away, but he still loves her. He begs the listener to not hurt him now, even if the ex-girlfriend tells them she loves them. The chorus repeats the plea to tell the ex-girlfriend "no", as her love still belongs to the singer.

Overall, the song is a poignant appeal to a potential love interest to not betray the trust of the singer. It is a testament to the strong emotions felt after a relationship has ended and the fear of being hurt once again.

Line by Line Meaning

And if she should tell you "come closer"
If she tries to lure you with her physical presence...

And if she tempts you with her charms
...or with her seductive behavior...

Tell her no no no no no-no-no-no
Make it clear that you're not interested...

No no no no no-no-no-no
Reinforce your rejection...

No no no no no
And repeat it several times...

Don't hurt me now for her love belongs to me
Don't pursue her because she's already taken by me...

And if she should tell you "I love you", whoa-oh-oh
Even if she confesses her love to you...

No no no no no-no-no-no
...reject her advances...

No no no no no-no-no-no
...firmly and explicitly...

(Don't let her love for your arms)
...and don't let her steal my love away from me...

No no no no no
...because I still want her by my side...

Don't hurt me now for her love belongs to me
...and I don't want to lose her to someone else.

I know she's the kind of girl
I'm aware that she's not faithful...

Who'd throw my love away
...and she could easily break my heart...

But I still love her so
...yet, I still have feelings for her...

Don't hurt me now, don't hurt me now
...so please don't make me suffer...

If she tells you "I love you"
If she confesses her love to you...

Just remember she said that to me
...remember that she's already told me the same thing...

Tell her no no no no no-no-no-no
...so reject her advances...

No no no no no-no-no-no
...emphatically and resolutely...

(Don't let her love from my arms)
...because I want her to stay with me...

No no no no no
...and I don't want to lose her to anyone else...

Don't leave her now for her love belongs to me
...because I know that she's mine and I don't want to share her.

Contributed by Ethan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@smutjunkies559

4y↑139

This song has such a jazzy/cool vibe but the lyrics are so sad, which some people tend to overlook. He's literally begging the "other guy" not to take his wandering girl.

@milkshakebabies2010

3y↑17

Yeah, heard this song a million times....But never paid too much to the lyrics...You’re right.

@23Skeetoo

2y↑11

Kinda like Dolly Parton's "Jolene" (just different gender.)

@badoocee1967

1y↑4

Exactly. The pop sound, yearning vocals, mixed with the melancholic lyrics, make quite a Classic song.

@oliverkalamata2753

1y↑2

It's definitely Bossa Nova

@AntwhaleNearfar

48w↑3

Simpin’ in the 60’s

7 More Replies...

@drse2546

2y↑42

The UK in the 60s was phenomenal. The music you guys put out will forever be classics!

@princeofcupspoc9073

Yeah, the violence between the mods and the rockers was so wonderful. Don't forget the race riots, Viet Nam, food rationing, terrible economy. Yeah, sure, great place.

@PinemartenMusic

1y↑6

@@princeofcupspoc9073 You know what he meant..

@oliverkalamata2753

1y↑4

@@princeofcupspoc9073 glass half empty....

@mrconfusion87

34w↑1

The Beatles walked so the others could run during a time when the UK traded away their political empire for that of a musical empire!

@not-so-smartaleck8987

34w

Couldn't disagree more. The so-called "British invasion" involved 2, maybe 3-4, classic rock bands (Beatles, R. Stones, arguably The Who and 1-2 others), and a bunch of lame pop-music bands of which the Zombies are typical...SMH

1 More Replies...

@lunaluck1060

5y↑62

Colin Blunstone has a haunting, intimate voice that I never tire of listening to. Their songs were wonderful.

@don1023512008

5y↑34

Newly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame ...It's about time!

@bobbyd9531

5y↑2

I just watched it last night Rock and Roll Hall of Fame I'm 68 boy that brings back memories all their songs were great

@michaelgalietta5623

3y↑27

The three hits from the radio.. She's not there and Time of the season plus this gem are just songs you never tire of..and way ahead of their time...just really really sophisticated and cool tunes. Just learned this one on bass!

@lnoft97

52w↑2

I so agree. They were just great.

@DRock-zd8gl

6y↑351

I was in Wal Mart this a.m. and heard this song while I was in self checkout. Hadn't heard this song in about 25 years and I just had to come to YouTube to hear it again! Fantastic song by The Zombies!!

@christinelc61

5y↑7

it's weird when you hear Stones in a store too!

@cyotacorolla1489

5y↑2

You heard this in Walmart? How depressing. Whole damn county is trying to blow smoke up the asses of the baby boomer age.

@obbor4

5y↑6

@@cyotacorolla1489 Why are you even here then?

@cyotacorolla1489

5y↑1

@@obbor4 My comment went over your head didn't it?

@whipsplash6943

5y↑6

Question is, did you sing along to it while in line? It's hard not to sing along to this song.

10 More Replies...

@rainstein3680

2y↑15

I have long had a love affair with the iconic Zombies!!!! Every time I hear them, even after all these years, it brings chills!!!!

@ledsith

2y↑1

Well said .

@anitasmith4559

4y↑21

This song has endured the test of time. Timeless classic.

@josemoreno3334

7y↑22

Songs like these will never fade away from our hearts and soul.

@johnnykid13561

6y↑366

This song brings on a certain feeling to me that I can’t explain. It’s just beautiful.

@chinaphone

5y↑17

A beautiful, aching, melancholy.

@scotnick59

5y↑11

Lovely nostalgia!

@gaskellr44

5y↑5

I can’t explain - another great song but by who?

@neverlostforwords

4y↑9

It's the feeling of young love - can never be matched.

@glowgirl8171

4y↑3

@@neverlostforwords Young love,! What a potion.So wonderful to have had, so wonderful to remember now.

15 More Replies...

@Devachandra9

4y↑45

"Tell Her No" is one of their best. The guitar intro and chord variations are a beautiful complement to the lyrics, and the soulful singer's interpretation is a perfect match. Thank you.

@joechich9815

2y↑5

It is their best song !!!!!!

@bradynorris1653

5y↑66

“Time of the Season” is their signature song, but I like this one much better.

@jennifursun3303

4y↑1

me too

@juliereminiec4937

She's not there is more of a signature song than TIme of the season

@danielgolus4600

4y↑2

"Time" was their last real hit, in the spring of 1968 in the UK (spring 1969 in USA). But this was a late-career aberration as the bulk of their charting hits were in 1964 thru 1965. Very little success in the years before - and after - "Time".

@mickey3424

8y↑235

This song was ahead of its time.

@charlesaguilar1708

6y↑3

mickey mcconnell I agree! I believe Rod ARGENT wrote this song and I commend him for this masterpiece

@57highland

6y↑9

So was "Time of the Season" .... way ahead of its time.

@ethanstanley9766

Susan

@josefernandovillanuevahida8620

5y↑2

It sounds like a 70s hit

@johnvickery8554

5y↑2

The Zombies were ahead of their time. I saw them when they were current. Still love them today!

4 More Replies...

@rr7firefly

4y↑30

The first 10 seconds of this song always puts me in a better frame of mind. It's a song that I refuse to deconstruct for musical analysis -- I am plenty happy just knowing it is wonderful.
If only there were more songs that affected me that way.

@82luft49

5y↑11

The opening cords and the same ending refrain always moves me. Great song, unbelieveable era.

@doorswhofan

4y↑6

That ending, the very end. What a chord, and the mood it creates.

@vidargranit338

5y↑8

60s was the BEST time for music. So much skill and craftmsanship.

@jameswilliams8568

7y↑34

I love this song. The beat to this song is amazing.

@babebuzz5101

5y↑6

So good to hear them again. So much memories, I love this era!
Congratulations!!! Induction into R&R Hall Of Fame, 2019!!!!

@robbpowell194

36w

I have always loved them. Yet, their inclusion into the RRHOF is curious considering their brief time on the charts and the great bands forbidden from the charts

@buddylove346

13w↑3

Tell Her No by The Zombies is a smash hit and got a lot of radio air play, if you got to grow up in the 50's through the 90's with all the golden classic music, movies and concerts, YOU were very blessed!

@jarodcarnarvon5198

2y↑8

One of many awesome hits of the 60s!!

@diegogonzalezz4724

10y↑38

They should really release this song again! I swear it would be a hit!

@shirleypena4133

8y↑181

Utterly exquisite. This song is timeless!

@jimmypage2138

9y↑8

What a fantastic song!!! Andto think we took this greatness for granted back in the day

@6scar911

3y↑4

I used to jam to this on my iPod when I was in high school. Reminds me of the cold days from 2010 - 2012, some of the best days I had at that age.

@bjclark1017

7y↑7

Colin had one of the greatest voices Rock or Pop has ever been blessed with.

@ronkoestlinger1172

2y↑78

I was born in 59' and I feel like I and others of my generation were truly blessed to be alive in the 60s and 70s when music was at its apex. Wouldn't trade my timeline for anything in the world.

@klassicrocker721

2y↑4

1962 here man and I feel the same

@raylombardo4186

2y↑4

Every generation feels that same way.

@rentslave

2y↑4

The death of music occurred when artists began to emphasize video over audio.

@glenzaczkowski8438

9 9 59 yes sir

@michellemclaughlin7003

2y↑1

@@raylombardo4186 my kids think my music was better than theirs.

13 More Replies...

@TABBYMUSIC

5y↑6

Born in the early 2000s and yet this managed to be part of my childhood

@lindabrown7374

9y↑7

Colin has such a beautiful voice! I was 5 when The Zombies first got together.

@karenalbeck4043

Same. But it still feels like teenage years....

@jimmypage2138

10y↑28

One of the best songs, ever.

@franktroiano1381

6y↑2

This is my favourite Zombies song! I was fortunate enough to be a teenager in the 60's and I experienced the British invasion--what great times! I saw the Zombies in Toronto earlier this year--a real treat! Cheers--Frank

@samuelpajoa215

5y↑5

Great Song!🎵😎 one of my all time sixties songs.

@HughMartell

9y↑96

This great song came out when I was in my teens. When I hear it now it makes me feel young. Thanks for posting.

@jacobwhorley

9y↑1

***** your looking for the song too much time on my hands lol j/k

@josephinecua8488

Yeah, me too. Way back when. Oh la la .tnx

@kmslegal7808

7y↑133

very ahead of its time. Nice jazzy feel

@charlesaguilar1708

6y↑2

kmslegal I agree! I stated the same thing about "the Guess Who's " song "Undun" Good jazzy feel but, some guy didn't know the diif. between rock and jazz.

@charlesaguilar1708

5y↑1

Colin Blunstone is great on vocals! GOD BLESS YOU.

@marksgmail66

5y↑3

Their use of minor keys creating tension and release was groundbreaking amidst the other British Invasion groups...

@zenobardot

5y↑2

Rod Argent (the songwriter and keyboard player) has said he was heavily influenced by Burt Bacharach on this one. Songs by Bacharach he would have been hearing in 1964 in include "Don't Make Me Over", "Walk on By", and "You'll Never Get to Heaven If You Break My Heart". When you compare "Tell Her No" to these tunes, it seems very much of its time. But an unusually graceful melody and set of chord changes for any young British musicians not named "Lennon" or "McCartney".

@gloriagrace59

5y↑1

@@marksgmail66 Excellent observatiion, agreed, they stood out

2 More Replies...

@mashellahumphrey262

8y↑362

I love the music of the 60's.

@jameswilliams8568

7y↑11

I love this song.

@Sofia-vu5ig

6y↑6

Same.

@charlesserecka8287

6y↑7

I also love the music of the 60s and I was only 5/6 years old

@elperroreggae

6y↑6

I do too, I'm over 19

@Mai-sx3yf

5y↑2

Same I grew up on it because of my parents.

5 More Replies...

@nigelbobinski5798

4y↑5

One thing I can’t stand about this song is that I have to press replay every two friggin minutes!

@anthonymayor5171

7y↑91

Only one problem. this song is too short

@jrockofages5413

4y↑5

Radio play requirement of the day

@marcusbrown1767

And the ronnetts/the chi lites/commodores-and supremes.

@lawrenceburgesssr7938

4y↑1

I know! Remember, back in the 60's, "so they cut it down to 3:05".😀

@lowlowseesee

maybe, its kind of perfect too though

@Gustavsnaf

That's what makes it amazing

@sony3694

5y↑10

Best 2 minutes and 8 seconds!!! Love this song!!!

@mikemccreary4966

45w

I was born in 59 too and i believe we are blessed

@briansalmon1666

5y↑5

a pure masterpiece in every way...it’s magical. Their my favorite band

@KireSivat

4y↑7

such a great song. My father used to play the record often as it was one of his favorites, They don't really make music like this anymore.

@Legoairborne101

10y↑172

The mix of the guitar, and the keyboard, its just so unique, so beautiful. The way this song is sung is soft, smooth, almost vulnerable sounding. It is sung perfectly, makes it feel relate-able, and almost intimate. Its just perfect. I love this song. If this song came out today, I would believe you. It sounds ahead of it's time.

@amarmot3635

5y↑3

Legoairborne101 The keyboard is a Fender Rhodes electric piano. They have a very distinctive sound.

@ranranh.3365

5y↑1

yes it's hard to believe that this song came out when I was 12. Really fresh and contemporary.

@peterzang

Legoairborne101 well played sir

@MrMarkstyles

4y↑1

Legoairbome - good observation. 'vulnerable sounding'.. That's a phrase I never thought of, but it really defines them.. I think it was something about the keyboard. Their electric piano, (possibly a pianonette) It was a thinner sound other electric piano's.. wow. I gotta go research that. Your observation about them is right on.

@crimsonking70

4y↑1

@@amarmot3635 Rod Argent played the Hohner Pianet N electric piano.

@EviMlcak

26w↑2

We saw them in concert a year ago. Still performing!! The audience LOVED THEM!

@richardbwanika2166

25w

I love these guys! I grew up listening to my dad's LPs from his youth, and i must say the music of his time was something. He is 80 and I just turned 51.

@busterbonacci7503

What a great song . But a hurtful song too . Just loved this era of music . “ She said that to me” .

@ARTalive01

8y↑17

I have such lovely memories of this song and another from them. Might not be part of my generation but still moves me.

@youforget1000thingsaday

8y↑24

One of my favorite songs of the 60s. :')

@philiptucci2458

7y↑3

very beautiful song, great music & memories of life, fan since 1964

@shuntalmccants4285

3y↑5

This song was made 20yrs before my time, this is my first time hearing it and I like it, nice song

@VintageMeh

8y↑22

That keyboard riff gives me hope

@josepha.sojajr.2725

25w↑1

1965. The best year ever !

@lanadale1479

7y↑14

My Very favorite Zombies ..Colin Blunstone song!

@bobrabe5946

Mine Too!!!

@charlesaguilar1708

8y↑1

When I play this song for people, they say they don't really like it.Well too bad! This is one of the first "Zombie" songs I heard and I like it!

@wstks-fmworldwide5390

2y↑5

One of the most beautiful tunes from the 1960s. Why hasn't a current jazz artist recorded a rendition?

@anitathompson5828

7y↑2

One of my old favorites! sigh They are awesome and STILL touring! Yahh!

@andybenitez

Hi Anita

@SuperLaiah

4y↑57

The Zombies are definitely legendary. Everyone in the early to mid-1960s has been obsessively focused on the Beatles and the Rolling Stones when they are just as good as two bands during the British Invasion era.

@courtneyphillips8395

2y↑9

Lennon adored them❤️

@mrconfusion87

2y↑8

@@courtneyphillips8395 A statement in itself!

@nidhishshivashankar4885

I like this a lot more than those bands personally, & this is my first time hearing of them.

@brenthaymon667

6y↑1

Another great zombies song. Love the music of the 60's and 70's. Thanks

@mikefoley3785

8y↑34

Brilliant song on so many levels. The drumming is so simple and so complex and unusal at the same time.

@karenalbeck4043

5y↑4

There's a place in She's Not There that drops a beat and picks it up later on the bridge. Amazing and subtle.

@raylombardo4186

But, you have to ask why the drummer did not set up the bridge. Why?

@jenniecosio3654

3y↑2

Still listen to this song thanks again guys ❤️

@lonehorseman09

7y↑3

great! when i last heard blunstone less than 10 years ago, he still had these pipes.

@nikkotroyvoski1060

3y↑1

The last serious relationship I had (which seems like a eternity ago) me and her were parked on a mountain at a public overlook, all the lights of town below us, that signature green glow that old radios give off, and this song on "95.7fm the ride" I'll never be able to hear this song without thinking of how happy I was at that point in time.

@kmslegal7808

8y↑15

this song is very much ahead of its time

@charlesaguilar1708

6y↑1

kmslegal Yes! I agree! The fact that it was the flipside to" she's not there" on my 45 collection reinforces my thoughts about the Zombies!

@jenniecosio3654

3y↑4

Still listen to this song thanks guys

@Lifesallgoood

10y↑280

Zombies.Beatles.Beach Boys. The perfect trifecta.

@jimmypage2138

9y↑3

Lilian Vasquez such genius

@goosemcgee6247

7y↑1

Ummm...Beach Boys were from England? From what part? The lovely beaches of the north coast?

@TooCooFoYou

7y↑22

Titts McGee I think he means that they were the greatest when it came to vocal harmony. lol

@vlaekershner7305

7y↑9

The English Beach Boys is a great concept. Like one of their hits was "The Chill of the Fog."

@wildsmiley

6y↑1

Goddamn right. 100% perfect pop music.

18 More Replies...

@pattibrooks1907

2y↑1

I love 60s music and really love The Zombies music ! Im 65 years old and love 60s music !

@jenniecosio3654

5y↑5

I love this song. My playlist Remember it very well when it came out awesome

@andybenitez

Hi Jennie

@monnyxbbg

2y↑4

The magic of the 60s!

@maryanndixon3354

3y↑2

Love the percussion and the jazzy sound. Zombies are great!

@joepedroza4707

6y↑2

GOD PLEASE WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN HAVE THIS SONG PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND. Its so good.

@georgeralph8031

6y↑1

Joe, the Devil plays it daily....just in case.

@julissabrown8599

6y↑2

I love this music , never old beautiful , beautiful !...

@BLONDONEWOMAN

8y↑50

great song Love the Zombies

@jeffm9662

7y↑1

Loved the Zombies, very underrated and overshadowed perhaps

@mhartung8335

Great drink as well......

@geronimomendivil953

Donna Sharp U GO DONNA. BOOMERS TO THE END.

@marcdumont2401

5y↑3

This was the best music in the sixties this band was awesome.

@jackwessels9189

7y↑1

Grew up in the 60's but not yet in my teen years. I remember the years well and I can still smell the clean fresh air of that time.

@jess4metoo

9y↑31

Such a cool song.

@juliawatson460

2y↑2

My favourite Zombies tune. Cool as **

@andybenitez

Hi Julia

@josephbenne8686

My favorite Zombies song. Another great British Invasion song from the best decade of music... the 1960's of course! Thank you for posting this Groovy60sJukebox.Health and Blessings to all!

@jackpijjin4088

42w

This song makes me super nostalgic for some reason. The chorus especially.

@jackpijjin4088

15w

Came back to say that my "girlfriend" literally got engaged behind my back, didn't tell me, dumped me, and left me wondering what I did wrong.

Don't do that to people please.

@nickymango5709

10y↑15

40 years ahead of their time

@t.c.bramblett617

3y↑2

That light bossanova beat makes this something extra special

@iamtenderhearted5192

5y↑1

His voice has so much emotion,makes me choke up every time 😢💔❤️😢😢😢😢

@denisemiller5654

39w

Such a gem - only wish it were longer!

@Bioniking

4y↑3

I’ve always loved this song. One more for the Bloomer playlist

@57highland

6y↑6

Masterful vocal performance .....

@michaelfolchetti736

4y↑2

Love the MAJOR 7 CHORDS! Lends a jazzy feel to it!

@derrickcrump9617

6y↑2

it's always cool when old music feels more original than whatever's current

@spoonful1018

1y↑1

The UK 1965 sound was the coolest and happiest sound ever

@buddycushman2851

2y↑1

Fave Zombies song ever. Amazingly cool.

@panzerabt.5094

5y↑2

I loved this long as a little boy early 70,s.

@lnoft97

52w

Dang. They were SO good. Loved them then, and still do!

@HeyPattiana

5y↑1

Rock~N~Roll Hall Of Fame! Yes!

@tommythomason6187

2y↑1

A total Gem of a tune, almost lost in the crush of the British Invasion, as they called it in the U.S.
Great vocals...very plaintive, with good harmony, a strong beat, and spare instrumentation. It's my favorite of all the band's tunes.

@pamsalyer9684

Those were the days. Nothing better. Listen to this all the time. British rock is timeless!

@catherinefrumerman2451

2y↑1

Zombies -- always top of the pops! I love everything they do.

@rosemaryginger494

4y↑41

Their tunes and melody are quite ahead of their time. What makes them stand out form songs nowadays is that they have no auto tunes and all those modern technology and equipment to help with their music, so it sounds really natural and pleasant. I really like psychedelic pop and folk in the 60s, pure masterpieces! Thanks!

@charlesbosse9669

1y↑3

I couldn't agree more, people still made the music not machines like record scratching crap.

@WalterDrayton

1y↑2

Well said. When people actually used to take time to compose and write proper songs!

@pagejames8754

38w

That makes every band more than 15 years ago stand out lol ... Auto tune is a very recent invention

@jackzaccardi1896

5y↑3

If this song came out now...it would be a #1

@wannawatchu66

8y↑60

This seemed like one of their "forgotten" tunes probably because everybody seems to remember the Zombies for "Time Of The Season."

@victorpetrishin8555

wannawatchu66 never forgotten

@jenniferrogers2492

5y↑1

wannawatchu66: Also “She’s Not There”

@LindyK

She’s Not There is probably their biggest.

@danielgolus4600

Which is odd because "Time" was a late-career fluke that charted in the UK in the spring of 1968, and the USA in 1969. The bulk of their chart hits was 1964-1965.

@jerryjohnson28

8y↑10

I received this album thru the mail from record club way back when

@MrGracian49

8y↑11

Oh, my youth...permanent in love...

@luislopez7125

8y↑8

I was born in the 80's but I love this music long live the zombies

@marvack1852

8y↑7

+LUIS LOPEZ
In every generation there are a few lucky ones who recognize great music when they hear it.

@luislopez7125

8y↑4

Marv Ack this kinda music is timeless never gets old

@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy

1y↑1

Always great to hear jazz chords in a rock or pop song.....awesome tune!

@allennelson6985

7y↑1

All-time classic. Perfection.

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