Meaning of "Tell Me Why" by Matthews' Southern Comfort

The lyrics of "Tell Me Why" by Matthews' Southern Comfort seem to reflect the internal struggles and conflicts that come with the passage of time and the experience of growing older. The imagery of sailing hard ships through broken harbors and riding the dark horse in the night can represent the difficult journey through life's challenges and uncertainties. The lines "Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself, When you're old enough to repay, But young enough to sell" hint at the dilemma of balancing responsibilities and personal desires as one matures. The plea to "Tell me lies later come and see me" suggests a desire for temporary comfort and companionship, even if it might be based on falsehoods. Ultimately, the song captures a sense of longing for connection and understanding, as well as a yearning for freedom from inner conflicts. It portrays a complex emotional landscape of loneliness, vulnerability, and the search for authenticity in human relationships.