Meaning of "You Tell Me" by Paul McCartney

The lyrics of "You Tell Me" convey a sense of nostalgia and uncertainty as the speaker reflects on a past summer filled with idyllic imagery. The repetition of the phrase "You tell me" throughout the song suggests a reliance on another person to confirm the validity of these memories, hinting at the fallibility of human recollection. The imagery of the bright red cardinal, honey bee, butterflies, and hummingbirds evokes a sense of wonder and beauty, symbolizing fleeting moments of joy and freedom. By questioning the reality of these memories and emotions, the lyrics explore themes of perception, reality, and the passage of time. Ultimately, the song captures the bittersweet longing for a lost moment in time and the uncertainty of memory.