Hall & Oates

Released: September 1, 1981

Songwriter: Neil Kernon Sara Allen Daryl Hall John Oates

Producer: John Oates Daryl Hall Neil Kernon

[Verse 1]
When I look in your eyes
I can see there's more than passion there
Something ugly and lovely
Is tuning in just behind your stare
Yeah, I've seen it before
And I think that I'd know it anywhere

[Chorus]
So tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
So tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
You gotta tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
So tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me

[Verse 2]
Grin and bare it
No no, I like what you're wearing
You gotta leave it on all night
As above so below so they say
So can we do the Magick [sic] right
Kiss and tell, when I know you so well
There's no need to be polite
That's right

[Chorus]
Tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
You gotta tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
Oh, tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
So tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me

[Verse 3]
Take a position 'cause you know
I'm gonna listen to you
Tell me
Ain't no conditions
No there isn't, baby
You don't have to sell me
'Cause I love you, love you, love you, love you
And I want you tonight, that's right

[Chorus]
Tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
You gotta tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
Please, tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
So tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me

So tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
You gotta tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
Oh, tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
So tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me

So tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
You gotta tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
Oh, tell me girl what you want
I know, you know
So tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me
Tell me, tell me, tell me
What you want

Hall & Oates released the first of their 18 albums in 1972 on Atlantic Records. They would go on to sell 13 million albums and 6 million singles primarily during the 70’s and 80’s when they recorded their most prolific and profound music. They blended rock, jazz, soul, and pop create a genre they titled rock and soul.

While their technical musicianship, innovative songwriting styles, and popular live performances were praised, they also had a fruitful partnership with their manager Tommy Mottola, who was helped Hall & Oates break into music videos before they were popular and made profitable financial deals by helping them get on the ground level of and corporate sponsorship of tours. Hall & Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

more tracks from the album

Private Eyes

From the albums

Private Eyes (1981)
Private Eyes (Expanded Edition) (2004)

Hall & Oates popular songs

Tell Me What You WantHall & Oates

Hall & Oates

Private Eyes