Tell me why, Charlene
You're bamboozlin' me
You broke my heart in a thousand parts
Every cut hurt worse than the first
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene

Tell me why, Charlene
You're so mean to me
Like a cat with a mouse it gives you a thrill
To play around before you make the kill
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene

Tell me why
You got the monkeyshines
You'd like to give me the slip, it's sad but true
I can't seem to get a grip on you

Tell me why, Charlene
You're so mean to me
I took you to the dance, we were hand-in-hand
Last call - you were with another man
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene

(instrumental)

Tell me why
You got the monkeyshines
You'd like to give me the slip, it's sad but true
I can't seem to get a grip on you

Tell me why, Charlene
You're bum-fuzzlin' me
You broke my heart in a thousand parts
Every cut hurt worse than the first
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why, Charlene
Tell me why