The line 'Tell me lies later, come and see me' suggests a desire for temporary relief from the hardship of facing oneself. In the second verse, the singer acknowledges their loneliness and vulnerability, reaching out to someone who could provide comfort and support. This conflict is reflected in the phrase 'young enough to sell', which suggests a willingness to give up personal values and convictions for immediate gratification.

The phrase 'Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself when you're old enough to repay, but young enough to sell?' speaks to the dilemma of feeling both responsible and impulsive, facing the pressure of society's expectations while still experiencing the desire for freedom.

The chorus of the song refers to the difficulty of making decisions and commitments to oneself.

The 'broken harbors' and 'dark horse' images suggest that this person is battling with inner demons and fears as they try to find their way. The lyrics describe someone who is sailing through a challenging journey alone, searching for meaning and purpose in their life. 'Tell Me Why' by Neil Young is a contemplative song that explores the struggle of self-reflection.

Tell me why lyrics neil young meaning