"Tell Me Why" is the eighth track from American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift's second studio album, Fearless, released on November 11, 2008, through Big Machine Records. It is also the eighth track from her debut re-recorded album, Fearless (Taylor's Version), released on April 9, 2021, through Republic Records.
Background[]
The track appeared in an early Fearless tracklist in late December 2007.
In an interview with Associated Press, Swift said[1]:
| “ | I walked into Liz’s house, and I said, ‘I can’t believe what’s going on right now, I’ve got to tell you about this.’ I told her all about it, She goes, ‘If you could say everything you were thinking to him right now, what would you start with?’ so I told her, 'I would say to him, 'I’m sick and tired of your attitude, I feel like I don’t even know you' … and I just started rambling, and she was writing down everything that I was saying, and so, we turned it into a song. | ” |
Hidden message[]
Hidden message: Guess I was fooled by your smile.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
I took a chance, I took a shot
And you might think I'm bulletproof, but I'm not
You took a swing, I took it hard
And down here from the ground, I see who you are
[Chorus]
I'm sick and tired of your attitude
I'm feeling like I don't know you
You tell me that you love me, then, you cut me down
And I need you like a heartbeat
But you know you got a mean streak
Makes me run for cover when you're around
And here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know that you see what you're doing to me
Tell me why
[Verse 2]
You could write a book on how to ruin someone's perfect day
Well, I get so confused and frustrated
Forget what I'm trying to say, oh
[Chorus]
I'm sick and tired of your reasons
I got no one to believe in
You tell me that you want me, then, push me around
And I need you like a heartbeat
But you know you got a mean streak
Makes me run for cover when you're around
And here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know that you see what you're doing to me
Tell me why
[Bridge]
Why do you have to make me feel small
So you can feel whole inside?
Why do you have to put down my dreams
So you're the only thing on my mind?
[Chorus]
Well, I'm sick and tired of your attitude
I'm feeling like I don't know you
You tell me that you want me, then, cut me down
I'm sick and tired of your reasons
I've got no one to believe in
You ask me for my love, then, you push me around
Here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know that you see what you're doing to me
Tell me why
Why? Tell me why
[Outro]
I take a step back, let you go
I told you I'm not bulletproof
Now you know
Lyric video[]
Audio[]
Live performances[]
Swift performed "Tell Me Why" as the third song in on the setlist of the Fearless Tour, beginning on April 23, 2009, in Evansville, Indiana, and concluding on July 10, 2010, in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada. During the Fearless era, she performed this song at an exclusive acoustic gig in Manchester, England. The song was also performed as a second surprise song on the Red Tour in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on September 7, 2013,
"Tell Me Why" was performed twice as a surprise song on The Eras Tour: once on August 25, 2023, in Mexico City, and once on March 4, 2024, in Singapore, as part of a mashup with "Foolish One".
References[]
| Fearless | ||
|---|---|---|
| "Fearless" • "Fifteen" • "Love Story" • "Hey Stephen" • "White Horse" • "You Belong With Me" • "Breathe" • "Tell Me Why" • "You're Not Sorry" • "The Way I Loved You" • "Forever & Always" • "The Best Day" • "Change" | ||
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