tell to?

[FATE91]

Hi! As far as I know the verb "tell" must be followed by the indirect object i.e. to tell smb sth. So why in a song a singer sings "don't believe the lies that they told to you"?Or I confuse sth?

 

[Tdol]

In songs, people often add extra words to fit. In a well-known example, Paul MacCartney managed to use the preposition in three times- But in this ever changing world in which we live in. In songs, grammar can be very flexible and people can add or remove words to fit the tune.

 

[emsr2d2]

In songs, people often add extra words to fit. In a well-known example, Paul MacCartney managed to use the preposition in three times- But in this ever changing world in which we live in. In songs, grammar can be very flexible and people can add or remove words to fit the tune.

That line always drives me mad when I hear Live and Let Die. However, I just checked a lyrics website or two, and they say it's apparently "But IF this ever-changing world in which we live in, makes you give in and cry...". Now, that still means he has two "ins" but it's marginally better than 3. Having said that, thinking about how it sounds, I believe he does say "in", not "if".

He could have solved the grammar problem, and kept the rhythm by writing "But if this ever changing world in which we're living, makes you give in and cry..."

See - I write better lyrics than one of The Beatles!! :lol:

 

[Tdol]

I've checked and there are also some who favour the max strength in line, which is what it sounds like. :-D