Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Tell Me Why

"Tell Me Why" is a really interesting song--it's rather sad and tense (the singer asks why his partner lied to him), but instead of being slow and solemn, it's a brave vocal assault. Its sound kind of mimics the way someone might confront their loved one when they're desperate for answers, getting right in their face. 

Though credited to Lennon/McCartney, John apparently wrote it himself. Paul later gave some insight into John's mindset during this period in his life. From Wikipedia: "I think a lot of these [Lennon's] songs like "Tell Me Why" may have been based in real experiences or affairs John was having, or arguments with Cynthia [Lennon’s wife] or whatever, but it never occurred to us until later to put that slant on it all." Lennon himself didn't mention that aspect; instead he simply likened the tune to "a black New York girl-group song". Music critic Ian MacDonald said that the structure of the song and doo-wop chord changes "creates an illusion of sincerity through its sheer attack." 

It's a song with attitude, but it's also meant to be suspenseful and a bit anxious. The questions, strong words that lend imagery to the song ("lied", "tears", "beg", "pleas", etc.), and the barrage of voices coming at us (John's singing was accompanied by the harmony vocals of both Paul and George) all keep us on edge and trying to figure out just what happened between the two characters. The lyrics can take on new meanings when you listen to them from different perspectives (e.g. the singer cheated on his partner; the partner cheated on the singer; the partner is/was pregnant; etc.). The fact that we as listeners can assume an omniscient role--we can know something the singer does not (or at least pretend to)--serves to further draw us into the drama... And who doesn't enjoy listening to other people's drama? ;)

That's about it for today... Tomorrow is the last song from the A-side, so I'll be watching the movie at some point thereafter and reviewing it here. :)


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Heard It Tally: 4
Songs Completed: 43

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