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Tell It Like It Is
The Arcadian Wild Lyrics
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I keep coming on too strong
Every time I try to let you know what I've been thinking
What I've been thinking turns out to be wrong
Ooh, here we go again
Ooh, how can I defend myself when your mind's made up?
Say it to my face, tell it like it is
How clearly you can see all that's ailing me
And how I can fix the crack within my soul
'Cause you've heard everything you need to know
Make the call to set me straight, don't let me get a word in
It's clear that I'm in need of serious help
Recite your list, go down the line of all my fears and failures
Give me some advice on getting well
Ooh, cut me down to size
Ooh, and I'll apologize for having an opinion
Put me in my place
Say it to my face, tell it like it is
How clearly you can see all that's ailing me
And how I can fix the crack within my soul
'Cause you've heard everything you need to know
I've got news for you
What you are saying isn't news to me
You are just an echo
Of the voice in my head whispering
"Buddy, I've got news for you
Give it time and everyone will see
You're the great pretender
Of this host of sinners, you are king
The cursed, the lost, the last and least of these"
Put me in my place
Say it to my face, tell it like it is
How clearly you can see all that's ailing me
And how I can fix the crack within my soul
'Cause you've heard everything you need to know
So tell me something that I do not know
The Arcadian Wild's song Tell It Like It Is begins with a confession of regret for initiating an unpleasant conversation. The singer admits to coming on too strong every time they try to share their thoughts, which often turn out to be incorrect. It's a relatable experience to many who struggle with expressing themselves without offending others. As the song progresses, the singer asks the other person to criticize them, cut them down to size, and tell them what's wrong with them. They are desperate for their flaws to be pointed out so that they can fix them. The bridge section of the song features an interesting contrast between the negative criticism coming from the other person and the nagging voice in the singer's head that echoes the same insecurities. The conclusion of the song leaves an open invitation to the other person to tell them something that they don't already know.
The lyrics of this song highlight the tension that arises when an individual tries to convey their thoughts and feelings, but the other person doesn't understand them. The song expresses the need for candid communication and the importance of introspection in achieving personal growth. It's also a reminder to be kind to ourselves and embrace our flaws to develop as individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sorry for starting an unpleasant conversation
I apologize for initiating an uncomfortable dialogue
I keep coming on too strong
I tend to be overly forceful in my communication
Every time I try to let you know what I've been thinking
When I express my thoughts and feelings to you
What I've been thinking turns out to be wrong
It is often discovered that my thoughts are incorrect
Ooh, here we go again
Oh, another situation where the same pattern is recurring
Ooh, how can I defend myself when your mind's made up?
How can I justify my position when you have already formed a fixed opinion?
Put me in my place
Make me aware of my shortcomings
Say it to my face, tell it like it is
Speak the truth directly to me, without holding back
How clearly you can see all that's ailing me
You have a clear understanding of my struggles and problems
And how I can fix the crack within my soul
You know how I can recover from my emotional wounds
'Cause you've heard everything you need to know
You have gathered all the necessary information to provide advice
Make the call to set me straight, don't let me get a word in
Take the initiative to correct my misunderstandings, without interruption from me
It's clear that I'm in need of serious help
It is evident that I require significant assistance
Recite your list, go down the line of all my fears and failures
List out my anxieties and shortcomings one by one
Give me some advice on getting well
Recommend solutions to help me get better
Ooh, cut me down to size
Oh, reduce me to my proper proportions
Ooh, and I'll apologize for having an opinion
And I will say sorry for holding a viewpoint
I've got news for you
I have information that may surprise you
What you are saying isn't news to me
Your words are not new to me
You are just an echo
You are simply a repeat of something I already know
Of the voice in my head whispering
A voice inside my mind that speaks quietly
"Buddy, I've got news for you
My friend, I have important information for you
Give it time and everyone will see
Over time, everybody will become aware
You're the great pretender
You are acting falsely
Of this host of sinners, you are king
Amongst a group of wrongdoers, you stand out as the biggest sinner
The cursed, the lost, the last and least of these"
The unfortunate, the misguided, the forgotten, and the least important individuals
So tell me something that I do not know
Provide me with new insights and information that I haven't already obtained
Writer(s): Isaac Wayne Horn, Lincoln Mick
Contributed by Grace E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.