About the song
Cat Stevens’ “How Can I Tell You?” is a deeply evocative song that stands as a testament to the singer-songwriter’s exceptional ability to express the complexities of love and longing through music. Released in 1970 on his album *Tea for the Tillerman*, this track showcases Stevens’ skill in blending poignant lyrics with tender melodies, creating a piece that resonates profoundly with listeners.
The song unfolds as a gentle and heartfelt exploration of the difficulties in articulating the depth of one’s emotions. With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, “How Can I Tell You?” captures the essence of vulnerability and the often unspoken struggle of conveying true feelings to a loved one. Stevens’ delicate acoustic guitar work forms the perfect backdrop for his emotive vocals, allowing the song’s themes of love and uncertainty to shine through.
Stevens’ lyrical approach in “How Can I Tell You?” is both intimate and contemplative. The song reflects the internal conflict of wanting to express one’s feelings but grappling with the challenge of finding the right words. This universal experience of emotional introspection and communication is portrayed with a sincerity that makes the song particularly relatable and touching.
The melody itself is simple yet hauntingly beautiful, characterized by Stevens’ gentle guitar strumming and his soothing voice that seems to carry the weight of unspoken sentiments. The arrangement is minimalistic, allowing the lyrics to take center stage and engage the listener on a deeply personal level.
For many, “How Can I Tell You?” is more than just a song; it is a reflective piece that captures the essence of emotional expression in relationships. Cat Stevens’ ability to convey such profound emotions with simplicity and grace ensures that this track remains a cherished part of his musical legacy. It continues to resonate with those who have experienced the quiet struggle of expressing heartfelt emotions, making it a timeless classic in the realm of folk and acoustic music.
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Lyrics
How can I tell you
That I love you
I love you
But I can’t think of right words to say
I long to tell you
That I’m always thinking of you
I’m always thinking of you
But my words just blow away
Just blow away
It always ends up to one thing, honey
And I can’t think of right words to say
Wherever I am girl
I’m always walking with you
I’m always walking with you
But I look and you’re not there
Whoever I’m with
I’m always, always talking to you
I’m always talking to you
And I’m sad that you can’t hear
Sad that you can’t hear
It always ends up to one thing, honey
When I look and you’re not there
I need to know you
Need to feel my arms around you
Feel my arms around you
Like a sea around a shore
Each night and day I pray
In hope that I might find you
In hope that I might find you
Because heart’s can do no more
Can do no more
It always ends up to one thing, honey
Still I kneel upon the floor
How can I tell you
That I love you
I love you
But I can’t think of right words to say
I long to tell you
That I’m always thinking of you
I’m always thinking of you
It always ends up to one thing, honey
And I can’t think of right words to say