“Little Lies” is Track 7 on Tango in the Night (1987), Fleetwood Mac‘s 14th studio album. Written by Christine McVie and Eddy Quintela, the track was the third single from the album, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Adult Contemporary. The single was a commercial success, reaching Top 20 in many countries. (Lyrics | Discography)
About the Song
Christine McVie: “I co-wrote ‘Little Lies’ with my husband, Eddy Quintela. It was one of those times where we’d written the music but couldn’t decide on a hook. I said to Ed, ‘See if you can come up with something’ and he came up with that ‘tell me lies, tell me lies’ line. There’s not much to say about the song except that it sold very well both here and in the States and ended up on Tango in the Night which sold ten million. I know it’s always quoted that I’ve written more hits than anyone else but it’s only because I’ve been in the band longer — 23 years, in fact!”
Dominic Sena directed a promotional music video for “Little Lies,” including a “Rock America Remix,” which featured alternate edits.
Versions
DJ John “Jellybean” Benitez (Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson) remixed “Little Lies” for club play.
“Little Lies” (Extended Version) – 6:07
“Little Lies” (Dub) – 4:04
“Ricky” (Non-LP) – 4:21
Lyrics
If I could turn the page
In time then I’d rearrange
Just a day or two
Close my, close my, close my eyes
But I couldn’t find a way
So I’ll settle for one day
To believe in you
Tell me, tell me , tell me lies
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you can’t disguise
(You can’t disguise, no you can’t disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
Although I’m not making plans
I hope that you understand
There’s a reason why
Close your, close your, close your eyes
No more broken hearts
We’re better off apart
Let’s give it a try
Tell me, tell me, tell me lies
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you can’t disguise
(You can’t disguise, no you can’t disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
If I could turn the page
In time then I’d rearrange
Just a day or two
Close my, close my, close my eyes
But I couldn’t find a way
So I’ll settle for one day
To believe in you
Tell me, tell me, tell me lies
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you can’t disguise
(You can’t disguise, no you can’t disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you can’t disguise
(You can’t disguise, no you can’t disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me, tell me lies)
(Christine McVie/Eddy Quintela) © 1987 Fleetwood Mac Music (BMI)
Live Version
Recorded live at the Isle of Wight Festival on Sunday, June 14, 2015.
Reference
Fleetwood, M. & McVie, C. (1992, February 1). Across the tracks: Fleetwood Mac. Mac the Life. Vox.
