Dillon Carmichael was born in Burgin, a small town in Kentucky, and grew up with a family that was passionate about music. Both of his grandfathers, Harold Carmichael and Harold Montgomery, were professional musicians (the former was a gospel singer and the latter a country picker who appeared on the Grand Ole Opry). Both of Dillon's parents had been singers who often performed in public. And he also had two uncles who rose to fame in country music; John Michael Montgomery enjoyed a handful of hits in the '90s, while Eddie Montgomery was a co-founder of the rowdy, Southern rock-inspired act Montgomery Gentry. Dillon got his first guitar from his father when he was 11 years old, and he taught himself to play. Once he became comfortable with the instrument, teenaged Dillon put together a band with his friends, and they played talent shows and informal gigs around town. The band broke up, and Carmichael struck out on his own, writing songs and playing solo shows at bars throughout Kentucky.
When he was 18, Carmichael's talent came to the attention of a representative of a Nashville publishing house, who offered to strike a deal with Dillon once he graduated from high school. Four days after he got his diploma, Carmichael packed his bags and moved to Nashville, where he signed that publishing contract and began making his way into the Music City music community. As Carmichael honed his talent, his style began to reflect his early influences, which included the home truths of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings and the outlaw rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Eventually, Carmichael found a sympathetic collaborator in producer Dave Cobb, who had developed a reputation for his work with Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and Chris Stapleton. Working together in the studio, Cobb helped Carmichael cut his debut single, an homage to classic country titled "Old Songs Like That," which was released in October 2017. A second single, "Made to Be a Country Boy," followed in February 2018. The two singles received positive notices in the country music press, as did Carmichael's first full-length album, Hell on an Angel, which was released by Riser House Records in October 2018.
When You Say Nothing at All
Dillon Carmichael Lyrics
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Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah you say it best when you say nothing at all
All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah you say it best when you say nothing at all
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah you say it best
Oh you say it best
You say it best when you say nothing
In Dillon Carmichael's song "When You Say Nothing at All," the lyrics express the profound impact of non-verbal communication in a relationship. The opening lines highlight the power of understanding and connection that transcends spoken words. The singer acknowledges the ineffable way in which their partner can reach their heart without uttering a single word, illustrating the depth of their emotional bond. This sentiment speaks to the idea that true understanding often lies beyond what can be articulated verbally.
The lyrics then delve into the physical and emotional cues that convey love and reassurance in a relationship. The smile on the partner's face, the truth in their eyes, and the touch of their hand all communicate a sense of security and support. These gestures reassure the singer of their partner's unwavering presence and commitment, providing a sense of comfort and safety. The contrast between the noise of the outside world and the intimate connection shared with a loved one emphasizes the unique power of non-verbal communication to create a sanctuary of understanding amidst the chaos of daily life.
The reference to "Old Mr. Webster" highlights the limitations of language in capturing the depth of emotions shared between two people. Despite the dictionary's attempt to define and explain every word, it falls short in capturing the nuances and subtleties of the unspoken communication between hearts. The song suggests that some things are better understood through gestures, expressions, and unspoken moments that convey a myriad of emotions without the need for words.
The repetition of the chorus underscores the central theme of the song – that sometimes the most profound expressions of love and connection occur in moments of silence. The partner's ability to convey love, support, and understanding without speaking exemplifies the idea that actions often speak louder than words. By saying nothing at all, the partner is able to communicate the deepest sentiments and emotions, creating a bond that transcends language. Overall, the song celebrates the beauty and power of non-verbal communication in fostering intimacy, connection, and emotional understanding in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Your ability to communicate with me on an emotional level is truly remarkable.
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Your presence alone has the power to bring light into my life without the need for words.
Try as I may I could never explain
No matter how hard I try, I could never fully articulate or describe...
What I hear when you don't say a thing
...the profound impact you have on me even when you're silent.
All day long I can hear people talking out loud
Throughout the day, I hear the noise of others speaking loudly.
But when you hold me near you drown out the crowd
However, when I am close to you, your presence overpowers all other distractions.
Old Mr. Webster could never define
Even the most well-known definition or explanation provided by a dictionary...
What's being said between your heart and mine
...could never accurately capture the unspoken connection we share.
Yeah you say it best when you say nothing at all
Your silence speaks volumes and conveys your feelings more effectively than any words could.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Donald Schlitz, Paul Overstreet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind