Released in the summer of 1965, "You Tell Me Why" was the Beau Brummels' third and final U.S. top 40 hit, reaching number 38 in August.

[3] SF Weekly journalist Justin F. Farrar said the song was "so prescient of the lush, melancholic vibe of early Jefferson Airplane that Marty Balin must have been digging it.

Music critic and author Richie Unterberger said it was "as good as any song the Beau Brummels ever did, with its dense humming harmonies and spellbinding melody.

[6] Australian surf rock band The Atlantics released a cover version of the song as the B-side to their 1967 single "Come On.

"[7] Acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke included his rendition of the song on his 1974 album, Ice Water.