“Tell Me What You Want”: A Powerful Hard Rock Anthem of Frustration and Yearning for Clarity.
For those who navigated the electrifying landscape of 1980s hard rock, the band Zebra holds a special, almost mythical place. Hailing from Long Island, New York, and forged in the vibrant live music scene of the Northeast, their sound was a formidable blend of Led Zeppelin’s majestic sprawl, Yes’s progressive intricacy, and a raw, muscular power that was uniquely their own. While not always receiving the mainstream attention their talent deserved, Zebra commanded a fiercely loyal following. Among their most definitive tracks, the potent “Tell Me What You Want,” released in 1983 as a single from their eponymous debut album, is a prime example of their masterful ability to combine blistering rock energy with deeply felt emotional expression. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of seeking honesty and understanding in the face of confusion, resonating with a timeless urgency that still commands attention today.
Upon its release in 1983 as the second single from their debut, Zebra’s “Tell Me What You Want” quickly became a fan favorite and a significant track in the band’s burgeoning career. While it didn’t crack the top echelons of the Billboard Hot 100, it received considerable airplay on Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) stations across the United States. Its impact was more deeply felt on the Billboard Top Tracks chart (now Mainstream Rock), where it became a recognizable hit, alongside its predecessor, “Who’s Behind The Door?”. The self-titled debut album, Zebra, was a remarkable success, becoming the fastest-selling debut album in Atlantic Records’ history at the time, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard 200 album chart and eventually achieving Gold certification. This success was built on years of relentless touring and a fervent grassroots following, which finally exploded onto the national scene, with “Tell Me What You Want” serving as a powerful introduction to their dynamic sound.
The story of “Tell Me What You Want” is intrinsically linked to the long, arduous journey of Zebra itself. Formed in 1975 by guitarist and vocalist Randy Jackson, bassist Felix Hanemann, and drummer Guy Gelso, the band honed their craft for nearly a decade in clubs and venues, building an almost legendary reputation for their live performances. Their blend of hard rock, progressive elements, and Randy Jackson’s distinctive, high-pitched vocals, often compared to Robert Plant, created a unique niche. When they finally signed with Atlantic Records in late 1982, the anticipation was immense. “Tell Me What You Want” was written by Randy Jackson, the band’s principal songwriter, and like many of their early tracks, it was a song that had been road-tested and perfected through countless live shows. Produced by the acclaimed Jack Douglas (known for his work with Aerosmith and John Lennon), the recording perfectly captured the raw power and emotional depth that defined Zebra’s sound. The accompanying music video, a staple on the then-new MTV, further amplified the song’s reach, allowing audiences to connect visually with the band’s intense performance.
The meaning of “Tell Me What You Want” delves into the raw frustration and desperation of a relationship teetering on the edge, characterized by a profound lack of communication and emotional clarity. The lyrics express the narrator’s fervent plea for honesty: “I’ve been wasting my time, I am losing my mind / My head’s on the floor forevermore / I have given you all, all that I had / But with a slam of a door.” It paints a picture of someone who has poured everything into a connection only to be met with silence and ambiguity, leading to a desperate cry for their partner to articulate their desires, even if it means acknowledging an end: “Tell me what you want / Tell me what you need / Tell me all the answers / And if you want to leave / Tell me that you’re lonely / Tell me that it’s over now.”
For older readers, particularly those who remember the intensity of the early 80s hard rock scene, this song resonates with a powerful sense of lived experience. It evokes memories of emotional struggles, of seeking answers in confusing relationships, and the sheer exasperation that comes from being unable to decipher another’s true intentions. Randy Jackson’s impassioned vocals, especially his signature falsetto wails, convey the torment and urgency of the lyrics, turning the song into an almost visceral experience. “Tell Me What You Want” stands as a testament to Zebra’s enduring power – a band that channeled complex human emotions into electrifying rock anthems, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, passion, and music that continues to speak directly to the heart.