Lyrics of Neil Young's 'Tell Me Why' - Deciphering a Frustrating Chorus

Neil Young's iconic song 'Tell Me Why' is a fan favorite, but for many listeners, including the artist himself, one particular lyric has long been a source of frustration. The chorus, 'Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself, when your old enough to repay, but young enough to sell', has left many scratching their heads and wondering what Neil Young was trying to convey.

One interpretation is that the song's writer was attempting to explore the theme of personal responsibility, using the metaphor of paying off a debt (whether literal or figurative) to illustrate the struggle between selfishness and maturity. The lyrics seem to suggest that as one ages, they should be able to overcome their younger, more impulsive tendencies and take control of their lives. However, this idea is never fully fleshed out, leaving the listener with more questions than answers.

Interestingly, Neil Young himself has expressed dissatisfaction with this very chorus in his autobiography 'Shakey'. He reportedly doesn't like the song because he doesn't think the lyrics make sense. This lack of clarity has undoubtedly contributed to the frustration many fans feel when trying to connect with the song on a deeper level.

Despite these reservations, 'Tell Me Why' remains a beloved track in Neil Young's discography. For those who have always loved the song, but struggled to grasp its meaning, it may be worth revisiting and exploring different interpretations of the chorus. Perhaps by doing so, we can gain a greater understanding of what Neil Young was trying to convey, and find new ways to relate to his music.

Ultimately, 'Tell Me Why' is a powerful example of how music can evoke strong emotions and spark meaningful conversations, even when its meaning remains ambiguous. As fans, we are left to ponder the mystery of this chorus, and continue to find our own connections with Neil Young's timeless song.

Lyrics neil young tell me why