"Tell Tale" by Joan Armatrading is a song about uncovering someone's deceitful actions and revealing their true character. The song's protagonist, possibly Armatrading herself, sees the person in question every morning, appearing innocent and unaffected by any wrongdoing. However, the protagonist has witnessed this person engaging in questionable behavior during the night, waiting for the opportunity to confront them. The lyrics describe witnessing this person kissing both boys and girls, indicating a promiscuous lifestyle. The person becomes fixated on boys, which may suggest a preference or obsession. The protagonist acknowledges the lies being spread about them and urges the person to consider the consequences of their actions before their story is exposed. The song also hints at the protagonist having incriminating evidence about the person's actions, which could potentially harm their reputation when revealed to their friends. Overall, "Tell Tale" addresses themes of deceit, betrayal, and consequence.
