Tusk
Fleetwood Mac Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴Why don't you ask him if he's going to stay?
Why don't you ask him if he's going away?
Why don't you tell me what's going on?
Why don't you tell me who's on the phone?

Why don't you ask him what's going on?
Why don't you ask him who's the latest on his throne?
Don't say that you love me

Just tell me that you want me

Tusk
Just say that you want me
Just tell me that you

Tusk (real savage like)

Tusk
Tusk

Overall Meaning

In Fleetwood Mac's song "Tusk," the lyrics appear to be addressing a person who is unsure of their relationship status. The singer urges them to ask their partner if they are going to stay or leave, and to reveal who they are speaking to on the phone. There is a sense of frustration and confusion on the part of the singer, who wants clearer communication from their partner. However, the singer also acknowledges that they do not just want to be told that they are loved, but they want to be wanted.

The use of the word "Tusk" in the chorus seems to be somewhat enigmatic, but it may be a reference to the marching band that plays throughout the song. The song features the University of Southern California's marching band, and the use of brass instruments helps to give the song a distinct sound. The juxtaposition of the brass with the typical rock instrumentation of Fleetwood Mac creates a unique musical texture.

Line by Line Meaning

Why don't you ask him if he's going to stay?
Why don't you question his commitment to you?

Why don't you ask him if he's going away?
Why don't you ask him about his intentions to leave?

Why don't you tell me what's going on?
Why don't you disclose the current situation to me?

Why don't you tell me who's on the phone?
Why don't you reveal the identity of the person on the other end of the line?

Why don't you ask him what's going on?
Why don't you inquire about his plans and actions?

Why don't you ask him who's the latest on his throne?
Why don't you question him about his latest conquest?

Don't say that you love me
Don't just utter words of love deceitfully

Just tell me that you want me
Just express your desire for me honestly

Tusk
The sound of a trumpet-like instrument

Just say that you want me
Just be forthright about your feelings for me

Just tell me that you
Just tell me what you truly feel

Tusk (real savage like)
The sound of a fierce, aggressive horn

Tusk
Repeating the sound of a trumpet-like instrument

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lindsey Buckingham

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it