HOW TO SCREW UP ONE OF HISTORY’S GREATEST SONGS by adding one word.

I’ve been on an April Wine binge lately only to listen to AW’s version of John Lennon’s “Tell me Why”.  It’s amazing how inserting one additional word can absolutely mess up a great song.  Perhaps one of The Beatles greatest songs ever.

Here are John’s original lyrics:

Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me
Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me

Well I gave you everything I had
But you left me sitting on my own
Did you have to treat me oh so bad
All I do is hang my head and moan

Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me
Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me

If there’s something that I’ve have said or done
Tell me what and I’ll apologize
If you don’t I really can’t go on
Holding back these tears in my eyes

Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me
Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me

Well I beg you on my bended knees
If you’ll only listen to my pleas
Is there anything I can do
Cos I really can’t stand it, I’m so in love with you

Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to me
Tell me why you cried, and why you lied to
***************************************************************

In the 2nd verse “Tell me what and I’ll apologize” Myles Goodwyn inserts the word “Baby” Tell me what and I’ll apologize.  As if he’s making a contrite and remorseful request of his girlfriend or lover.  This is easily over looked because the music is so beautiful.  But adding the word “Baby” changes the POV horrifically.

Clear your mind and think about the song from this perspective.

John said that “Tell me Why” was a song he wrote for all of the children who were the collateral damage of divorced parents. Sure it’s still a love song, but not in the “Eros” meaning of the word.  It’s from the point of view (POV) of a child who thinks that he or she is responsible for their parents breaking up.  The line: “If it’s something that I said or done tell me what and I’ll apologize”.  This cuts to the heart.  The guilt children of a divorce feel is so destructive not to mention unfair while planting the seeds of destruction for a future fucked up adult life. The children feel responsible for the tears being cried.  “Tell me what I did and I’ll apologize”.

Those of you with children, think about the unintended consequences before you say: “I’m out of this marriage”.  Unless you’re being physically abused by your spouse, don’t bail out, stick it out until the kids are old enough to start their own lives.   Or at least until they can understand.  The biggest lie you’ll hear from others when YOU are getting divorced is: “Oh the kids will get over it”.  Right!
<cough Bullshit>