The Autumn Defense is an American indie rock band composed of multi-instrum… Read Full Bio ↴The Autumn Defense is an American indie rock band composed of multi-instrumentalists John Stirratt and Pat Sansone.

The band began as a side project for John Stirratt, who is best known for his work as bassist for alt-country bands Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. Stirratt collaborated with Pat Sansone, who had been known for his work with Joseph Arthur and Josh Rouse, to produce a 1960s-style rock/pop album. This album, The Green Hour, was released in 2001 on Stirratt's own Broadmoor label, with Stirratt doing the bulk of the writing while Sansone focused on the technical recording aspects. The band did some light touring around the United States in between other projects.

The duo reconvened in 2002 to begin work on a follow-up. This album, Circles, was released to critical acclaim in 2003 on the Arena Rock Recording Co. label. The band received press in the Chicago Tribune and the magazine No Depression following its release, and the band had a successful club tour behind it.

Broadmoor Records released the band's self-titled record on January 16, 2007.

Tell Me What You Want
The Autumn Defense Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In the morning of the day
There's a letter on the way
To my baby, my baby
Who's flown so far away

Well, I remember, I remember what she said
All the words still ring inside my head
She said, "Ooh, my darling

Don't let me be so mislead"

Tell me what you want and I will find it
I'll find it in my heart and I'll bring it 'round
Tell what's in your heart and I will mind it
'Cause it's not in my plans to let you down

There's a message for my machine
That we're not exactly all that we seem
And ooh, my darling
This time I'm saying just what I mean

Tell me what you want and I will find it
I'll find it in my heart and I'll bring it 'round
Tell what's in your heart and I will mind it
'Cause it's not in my plans to let you down

Tell me where you are and I will find you
And I'll call you when I'm close to let you know
I'll listen to your voice and then rewind it
'Cause I don't ever wanna let you go

In the morning, in the sun
In the garden when our bitterness has begun
She says, "Ooh, my darling
Just look at those clouds on the run"

Tell me what you want and I will find it
Find it in my heart and I'll bring it 'round
Tell what's in your heart and I will mind it
'Cause it's not in my plans to let you down

Tell me where you are and I will find you
And I'll call you when I'm close to let you know

I'll listen to your voice and then rewind it
'Cause I don't ever wanna let you go

Overall Meaning

The Autumn Defense's song "Tell Me What You Want" is a romantic ballad about a man trying to please his lover who is far away from him. The song starts with the man reminiscing about writing a letter to his lover who has flown far away. He remembers the words she said when they were together, and tries his best to fulfill her wishes. He urges his lover to tell him anything she desires, and he promises to find it in his heart and bring it around. He does not want to disappoint her, and he wants to be sure that he is always meeting her needs. The song builds up from a gentle ballad into a soft rock sound, adding to the emotions portrayed in the lyrics.

The lyrics of the song are very poetic and express a deep feeling of love and longing. The chorus is particularly powerful, where the man promises to find what is in his lover's heart and mind it. He is determined to keep his relationship with his lover strong and ensure that they stay connected no matter how far apart they are. The song ends on a positive note, with the couple spending time together in the garden, looking at the clouds while the bitter moments in their relationship are behind them.

Line by Line Meaning

In the morning of the day
At the start of the day

There's a letter on the way
A letter is being sent

To my baby, my baby
To my loved one

Who's flown so far away
Who is far away

Well, I remember, I remember what she said
I recall her words

All the words still ring inside my head
Her words still resonate with me

She said, "Ooh, my darling
She expressed affection

Don't let me be so mislead"
Don't deceive me

Tell me what you want and I will find it
Let me know your desires and I'll fulfill them

I'll find it in my heart and I'll bring it 'round
I'll search within myself and deliver

Tell what's in your heart and I will mind it
Share your feelings and I'll pay attention