Tell Him

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where one person is consistently giving, yet their words fall on deaf ears. The narrator, Moonchild, repeatedly offers support – "I give him the food I'm making, I give him the money I'm saving" – but the recipient remains unresponsive. This creates a palpable sense of frustration, as the narrator's efforts to "make it right" are met with silence, highlighting a profound communication breakdown. The central tension lies in the futility of the narrator's actions. Despite her deep investment, expressed through repeated "listen and listen and listen" and giving "the love I'm saving," the other person is described as not hearing "a thing I'm saying." This disconnect is amplified by the chorus, which suggests an external force, "a kiss," has rendered the narrator's words powerless. It’s a painful realization that her voice no longer carries weight in this dynamic. The most striking lyrical device is the repetition of the phrase "Crazy how a kiss / Takes the power from your lips." This suggests a moment or influence that has fundamentally altered the recipient's perception, making him immune to the narrator's pleas. The bridge, sung by Lalah Hathaway, then shifts the focus to the necessity of direct communication, "You gonna have to tell him," implying that the narrator's current indirect approach, or perhaps the recipient's unwillingness to listen to her, necessitates a more forceful intervention. Ultimately, the song's effectiveness stems from its raw portrayal of emotional exhaustion and the quiet desperation of being unheard. The contrast between the narrator's generous actions and the recipient's apparent obliviousness creates a heavy, melancholic atmosphere. The repeated assertion that "He won't hear a thing I'm saying" lands with a weary finality, underscoring the painful reality of a one-sided effort.