Tell'em Like It Is

Rag'n'Bone Man's song 'Tell'em Like It Is' delves into the gritty and often unsettling aspects of toxic masculinity and control within relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a domineering figure who demands subservience and loyalty, while simultaneously engaging in morally questionable activities. The repeated commands to 'tell'em like it is' serve as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play, where the protagonist expects absolute obedience and respect without offering the same in return.

The song's narrative is filled with raw and unfiltered language, which underscores the harsh realities of the protagonist's world. Lines like 'Fry my chicken and pour my rum' and 'Wash my crack up and load my gun' highlight a life steeped in vice and violence. The protagonist's demands for loyalty and silence, especially towards women, reveal a deep-seated need for control and dominance. This is further emphasized by the instructions to 'only speak when you're spoken to' and to 'keep your hair and your nails looking fine,' which reflect societal expectations placed on women to conform to certain standards while remaining submissive.

Rag'n'Bone Man's gritty vocal delivery and the song's raw production amplify the sense of urgency and desperation in the lyrics. The protagonist's paranoia and mistrust are evident in lines like 'Where's my loving when I was low? You was fucking with my money, yo,' which suggest a constant fear of betrayal. The song ultimately serves as a critique of the toxic behaviors and attitudes that can arise from a need for control and power, shedding light on the destructive impact these dynamics can have on relationships and individuals.