The song "Tears To Tell" by Howard Jones explores the theme of letting go and expressing love even in painful circumstances. The lyrics describe a deep bond between two people who have faced difficult times together. The singer expresses shock and surprise upon hearing that their loved one is leaving, and the loss is likened to the depth of love lost on the inside. The greatest expression of love, according to the song, is to let go and wish the other person well. This means accepting their decision to leave and allowing them to pursue their own path, even though it may cause pain and sadness. The singer acknowledges that these finer feelings of love have left them with tears to tell, emphasizing the emotional impact of the situation. The singer couldn't be the one to stop or hold onto the person leaving because it would feel like stripping their own soul. The metaphor suggests that forcing someone to stay goes against the nature of love, which should be free and unrestricted. The singer is willing to let go and release the finest pieces of the relationship, despite the difficulty. There is a sense of secrecy and mystery in the lyrics, with references to old secrets and deeply felt emotions that the other person will never know. This might imply that there were unexpressed feelings or intimate experiences shared between them, now forever hidden. The singer is left with anecdoted and private jokes, reminiscing on the memories of their friendship. Ultimately, the song reflects on the bittersweet nature of love and the complexity of letting go. Despite the pain caused by the separation, the singer acknowledges that the greatest expression of love is to release the other person and wish them well. However, these finer feelings have left them with tears to tell, signifying the emotional aftermath of the situation.
