Tell me - Aton O’Cat 

Release information about “Tell me”

• Artist: Aton O’Cat

• Release date: May 6, 2022

• Genre: Rock 

• Theme: Communication breakdown, cultural differences, relationships 

• Music : Joseph J Nota 

• Lyrics: Joseph J Nota

• Mood: Tense, introspective, questioning, sincere 

• For fans of: Thoughtful rock songs, bass-driven rock, emotionally honest songwriting 

About “Tell me”

“Tell Me” centers on a relationship caught in misunderstanding, not because of lack of effort, but because of different ways of expressing emotions, conflict, and honesty. The song portrays two people who want clarity but keep missing each other due to tone, expectations, and cultural habits.

A defining feature of the track is its distinctive bass guitar riff, which carries much of the song’s emotional weight. Rather than staying in the background, the bass actively drives the tension forward, mirroring the persistent questions raised in the lyrics.

The arrangement remains focused and restrained, allowing the conversation within the song to stay front and center.

Song meaning / interpretation “Tell me”

“Tell Me” is about the frustration of wanting answers but receiving explanations that don’t translate emotionally. The lyrics explore:

• How tone can outweigh intention

• Cultural differences in directness versus subtlety

• Feeling excluded within family or relational dynamics

• The exhaustion of repeatedly asking for clarity

The repeated plea “Tell me” functions both as a request and a demand, not for victory, but for understanding. The song does not point fingers; instead, it exposes how easily people talk past each other even when they care.

Musical DNA “Tell me”

Musically, the song stands out through its rhythm section:

• Prominent bass guitar riff, melodic and driving

• Rock foundation, steady and grounded

• Mid-tempo groove, reinforcing tension without aggression

• Clear vocal phrasing, emphasizing lyrical content

• Minimal ornamentation, keeping focus on interaction

The bass acts almost like a second voice, persistent, questioning, and emotionally charged.

Full lyrics “Tell me”

Music and lyrics : Joseph J Nota ©

Tell me what are we gonna do now

Is there any chance we will survive this

Tell me how to break out somehow

We both did not deserve this

Tell me please about the good times

There must be some credit left

Tell me must I always be in line

Breaking up is similar to theft

Listen I learned your language

But sometimes I don’t understand you

You say it’s all about the tone pitch

And how expression comes through

Help me I’m from another culture

At home we simply are more direct

We don’t like too much structure

To accept each other has the best impact

Tell me why don’t I see it

Your side of the story frustrates me

Tell me about the problem explicit

Make me understand what you see

Tell me why he always does that

Doesn’t he really like me

Tell me why he makes me so mad

He can’t be the head of our family

Listen I learned your language

But sometimes I don’t understand you

You say it’s all about the tone pitch

And how expression comes through

Help me I’m from another culture

At home we simply are more direct

We don’t like too much structure

To accept each other has the best impact

Tell me he doesn’t feel superior

His methods seem to divide us

Tell me is it really humor

I just need to be gracious

Tell me I don’t need to fear him

It is just another culture

Tell me the problem was just interim

And we just finished the pressure

Listen I learned your language

But sometimes I don’t understand you

You say it’s all about the tone pitch

And how expression comes through

Help me I’m from another culture

At home we simply are more direct

We don’t like too much structure

To accept each other has the best impact

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