Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: ska
Song Meaning of “How Can I Tell You” by Madness
This song by Madness is a heartfelt plea for the singer to be able to communicate how they feel about the person they love. The lyrics suggest the singer is struggling to find the words to express their emotions, but nonetheless they want the other person to know the depth of their love. The chorus conveys a sense of emotional urgency: “How can I tell you that I love you, that I think about you all of the time?”
The song contains a mix of feelings of longing, frustration, and hope. The singer is hesitant to put their heart on the line but knows that they have to try in order to convey the emotion and affection that they feel. At the same time, they feel resigned to the fact that they may not be able to find the right words. The final lines of the chorus reflect this ambivalence: “How can I tell you that I love you, when words don’t come easily?”
It is clear from this song that communication and expressing love to someone is not always easy. The singer may not be sure if their love will be met with the same emotion but nevertheless believes that they need to try.