Meaning of "Tell Everybody" by Róisín Murphy

"Tell Everybody" explores the emotions surrounding a reunion with a former lover and the uncertainty that comes with it. The opening lines, "Hey, where'd you learn to fly? / So you shoot your rocket up into the sky" suggest that the person has achieved success and moved on in their own way. The narrator is both impressed and taken aback by their return, expressing disbelief that they are back in their life.

The lyrics convey a yearning for stability and commitment from the former lover, as seen in the lines "Are you here to stay? / I never thought I'd see the day." The narrator contemplates the possibility of a future where they are together, but acknowledges the fragility of their relationship, stating "Maybe in another lifetime / I'd see you walking away from me." There is a sense of longing for reassurance and a desire to share their love with others, as expressed in the repeated lines "Tell everybody you're my baby / Tell everybody we're not fading."

The song also touches on power dynamics within the relationship. The verse "Hey, I heard you set the tone / The day you changed the world you were alone" suggests that the former lover is a strong and influential figure. The line "I'm at your command / You only have to clap your hands" signifies a willingness to comply and please their partner.

The closing lines of the lyrics reveal the fading memory of the former lover, indicating that despite the desire for a stable relationship, there is an understanding that it may not last. The line "It's a memory with a life to last" conveys both the bittersweet nature of the love they once shared and the acceptance that it has become a distant memory.

Overall, "Tell Everybody" delves into themes of longing, uncertainty, and the desire for public recognition and commitment. It navigates the complex dynamics of a past relationship resurfacing, highlighting the narrator's hopes and fears.