Say Yes
Andrea Gibson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

when two violins are placed in a room
if a chord on one violin is struck
the other violin will sound the note
if this is your definition of hope

this is for you

for the ones who know how powerful we are
who know we can sound the music in the people around us
simply by playing our own strings
for the ones who sing life into broken wings
open their chests and offer their breath
as wind on a still day when nothing seems to be moving
spare those intent on proving god is dead
for you when your fingers are red
from clutching your heart
so it will beat faster
for the time you mastered the art of giving yourself for the sake of someone else
for the ones who have felt what it is to crush the lies
and lift truth so high the steeples bow to the sky

this is for you

this is also for the people who wake early to watch flowers bloom
who notice the moon at noon on a day when the world
has slapped them in the face with its lack of light
for the mothers who feed their children first
and thirst for nothing when they're full

this is for women

and for the men who taught me only women bleed with the moon
but there are men who cry when women bleed
men who bleed from women's wounds
and this is for that moon
on the nights she seems hung by a noose
for the people who cut her loose
and for the people still waiting for the rope to burn
about to learn they have scissors in their hands

this is for the man who showed me
the hardest thing about having nothing
is having nothing to give
who said the only reason to live is to give ourselves away
so this is for the day we'll quit our jobs and work for something real
we'll feel for sunshine in the shadows
look for sunrays in the shade
this is for the people who rattle the cage that slave wage built
and for the ones who didn't know the filth until tonight
but right now are beginning songs that sound something like
people turning their porch lights on and calling the homeless back home

this is for all the shit we own
and for the day we'll learn how much we have
when we learn to give that shit away
this is for doubt becoming faith
for falling from grace and climbing back up
for trading our silver platters for something that matters
like the gold that shines from our hands when we hold each other

this is for your grandmother who walked a thousand miles on broken glass
to find that single patch of grass to plant a family tree
where the fruit would grow to laugh
for the ones who know the math of war
has always been subtraction
so they live like an action of addition
for you when you give like every star is wishing on you
and for the people still wishing on stars
this is for you too

this is for the times you went through hell so someone else wouldn't have to
for the time you taught a 14 year old girl she was powerful
for the time you taught a 14 year old boy he was beautiful
for the radical anarchist asking a republican to dance
cause what's the chance of anyone moving from right to left
if the only moves they see are NBC and CBS
this is for the no becoming yes
for scars becoming breath
for fear becoming trust
for saying i love you to people who will never say it to us
for scraping away the rust and remembering how to shine
for the dime you gave away when you didn't have a penny
for the many beautiful things we do
for every song we've ever sung
for refusing to believe in miracles
because miracles are the impossible coming true
and everything is possible

this is for the possibility that guides us
and for the possibilities still waiting to sing
and spread their wings inside us
cause tonight saturn is on his knees
proposing with all of his ten thousand rings
that whatever song we've been singing we sing even more
the world needs us right now more than it ever has before
pull all your strings
play every chord
if you're writing letters to the prisoners
start tearing down the bars
if you're handing out flashlights in the dark
start handing out stars
never go a second hushing the percussion of your heart
play loud
play like you know the clouds have left too many people cold and broken
and you're their last chance for sun
play like there's no time for hoping brighter days will come
play like the apocalypse is only 4... 3...2
but you have a drum in your chest that could save us
you have a song like a breath that could raise us
like the sunrise into a dark sky that cries to be blue
play like you know we won't survive if you don't
but we will if you do
play like saturn is on his knees
proposing with all of his ten thousand rings
that we give every single breath
this is for saying--yes





this is for saying--yes

Overall Meaning

Andrea Gibson’s song “Say Yes” is an uplifting ode to hope, love, and activism. The title phrase “Say Yes” tells the listener to take action and to play loud. The song’s title phrase is a call to action, a reminder that life is short, and we must make the most of every moment. The song’s verse talks about the power of music to create hope and inspire others. Gibson’s lyrics celebrate the innumerable ways that people show love and kindness to others, and the verse leads into the song’s rousing chorus.


The song’s chorus is a call to action to all activists to do everything they can for social change. The song calls upon radical anarchists to ask republicans to dance, for those who work low-wage jobs to rattle the cage of slave wage, and for everyone to give away their possessions to those in need. The song also supports those who have struggled with their faith and those who are feeling lost, reminding listeners that love and hope can be found in even the darkest times.


Overall, “Say Yes” is an empowering piece of music that encourages interconnectivity, positive action, and hope in the face of hard times.


Line by Line Meaning

when two violins are placed in a room
In moments of connection, when two souls are brought together, a harmonious energy is created.


if a chord on one violin is struck
When one person expresses their true self, it has the power to resonate and inspire others.


the other violin will sound the note
The impact of our authenticity has a ripple effect, influencing and awakening the potential within others.


if this is your definition of hope
If you believe that hope lies in the ability to inspire and uplift others through your own truth and vulnerability.


this is for you
This message is dedicated to those who understand the profound power they possess to bring light and transformation to the world.


for the ones who know how powerful we are
This is for those who recognize the immense strength and influence we hold and how we can shape the lives of those around us.


who know we can sound the music in the people around us
Those who understand that through our actions and intentions, we have the ability to evoke joy, inspiration, and healing in others.


simply by playing our own strings
By embracing our unique identities and expressing our authentic selves, we can bring forth positive change and transformation in those we connect with.


for the ones who sing life into broken wings
This is dedicated to those who uplift and empower others, breathing new life and hope into those who feel broken or lost.


open their chests and offer their breath
These are the individuals who generously share their love, compassion, and support, breathing life and strength into others.


as wind on a still day when nothing seems to be moving
Like a gentle breeze on a stagnant day, they bring movement, inspiration, and renewal to those who feel stagnant or stuck.


spare those intent on proving god is dead
This is for those who choose to focus on offering love and understanding, rather than engaging in arguments or debates to prove or disprove the existence of a higher power.


for you when your fingers are red
This is for you in moments when you've given your all, pouring your heart and soul into your endeavors, leaving your mark with passion and dedication.


from clutching your heart so it will beat faster
For the times when you embrace vulnerability and allow yourself to be deeply moved, feeling the intensity of emotions that ignite a faster heartbeat.


for the time you mastered the art of giving yourself for the sake of someone else
This is for the occasions when you selflessly devote yourself to others, understanding that true fulfillment lies in acts of genuine kindness and sacrifice.


for the ones who have felt what it is to crush the lies and lift truth so high the steeples bow to the sky
Dedicated to those who have experienced the power of dismantling falsehoods and elevating truth to such a degree that it surpasses religious institutions and societal structures.


this is also for the people who wake early to watch flowers bloom
Acknowledging and celebrating those who find solace and joy in observing the simple yet awe-inspiring beauty of nature, appreciating the miracles of growth and transformation.


who notice the moon at noon on a day when the world has slapped them in the face with its lack of light
For those who, even in the face of adversity and darkness, find solace and beauty in the small moments of wonder and tranquility that offer respite from the harsh realities of the world.


for the mothers who feed their children first and thirst for nothing when they're full
This acknowledges the selfless love and sacrifice of mothers who prioritize their children's well-being and find contentment and fulfillment in their children's happiness.


this is for women
This is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and power of women, recognizing their immense contributions and the unique challenges they face.


and for the men who taught me only women bleed with the moon but there are men who cry when women bleed men who bleed from women's wounds
Dedicated to the men who challenge traditional gender stereotypes and embrace empathy and compassion, shedding light on the shared experiences and struggles faced by women.


and this is for that moon on the nights she seems hung by a noose
This is a tribute to the moon, a symbol of femininity and resilience, shining even in moments when it feels overshadowed or burdened by darkness and challenges.


for the people who cut her loose and for the people still waiting for the rope to burn
Acknowledging those who bravely break free from oppressive systems and those who are patiently waiting for the moment of liberation and transformation.


about to learn they have scissors in their hands
Highlighting the realization among individuals that they possess the means to liberate themselves and create their own paths, symbolized by the metaphorical 'scissors in their hands.'


this is for the man who showed me the hardest thing about having nothing is having nothing to give
Dedicated to the man who taught the artist the intrinsic value of generosity and the profound impact that giving, even in times of personal lack, can have on oneself and others.


who said the only reason to live is to give ourselves away
This is an affirmation of the belief that the true purpose and fulfillment in life lies in selflessly giving, sharing, and offering oneself to others.


so this is for the day we'll quit our jobs and work for something real
This is a call to action, envisioning a future where individuals prioritize meaningful work, driven by passion and the desire to create positive change in the world.


we'll feel for sunshine in the shadows look for sunrays in the shade
Encouraging the mindset of seeking brightness and hope even in the darkest and most challenging times, finding joy and beauty in unexpected places and situations.


this is for the people who rattle the cage that slave wage built
Acknowledging those who stand up against exploitative systems, challenging the oppressive structures that perpetuate inequality and economic injustice.


and for the ones who didn't know the filth until tonight but right now are beginning songs that sound something like people turning their porch lights on and calling the homeless back home
This is in honor of individuals who, through newfound awareness, are inspired to take action and make a difference, symbolized by the image of people collectively illuminating their homes and hearts, extending compassion and welcome to those experiencing homelessness.


this is for all the shit we own and for the day we'll learn how much we have when we learn to give that shit away
Recognizing the importance of detaching ourselves from material possessions and shifting our focus to the abundance we possess when we embrace the power of giving and sharing with others.


this is for doubt becoming faith
Acknowledging the transformative journey from doubt and uncertainty to unyielding faith and belief in oneself and in the potential for positive change and growth.


for falling from grace and climbing back up
This is a tribute to resilience and the ability to rise above adversity, overcoming personal struggles and challenges, and reclaiming one's power and grace.


for trading our silver platters for something that matters like the gold that shines from our hands when we hold each other
This is a celebration of choosing meaningful connections and genuine human interactions over material wealth and superficiality, recognizing the immense value and beauty in the love and support we offer one another.


this is for your grandmother who walked a thousand miles on broken glass to find that single patch of grass to plant a family tree where the fruit would grow to laugh
In honor of the perseverance and sacrifice of ancestors who endured hardships and made significant sacrifices to create a better future, symbolized by the image of a grandmother's arduous journey to find a place to establish roots and nurture a family.


for the ones who know the math of war has always been subtraction so they live like an action of addition
This is for those who understand that war and conflict only result in loss and destruction, choosing to live their lives as agents of peace, harmony, and unity.


for you when you give like every star is wishing on you
This is an acknowledgment of the immense grace and generosity within yourself, recognizing that when you give your love and support, it holds the power to fulfill the deepest desires and dreams of others, much like stars granting wishes.


and for the people still wishing on stars this is for you too
This is a message of hope and encouragement for those who are still longing for their wishes to come true, emphasizing that they are not alone and that their dreams and aspirations matter.


this is for the times you went through hell so someone else wouldn't have to
Dedicated to the moments when you endured difficulties and hardships in order to spare someone else from experiencing the same pain and suffering.


for the time you taught a 14 year old girl she was powerful
This is a tribute to the transformative impact of empowering young individuals, inspiring them to recognize their inherent strength, capabilities, and worth.


for the time you taught a 14 year old boy he was beautiful
Acknowledging the profound influence of affirming and celebrating the beauty and self-worth of young boys, challenging societal expectations and stereotypes.


for the radical anarchist asking a republican to dance cause what's the chance of anyone moving from right to left if the only moves they see are NBC and CBS
This is a tribute to those who challenge social and political divisions, bridging gaps between opposing ideologies and encouraging dialogue and understanding, highlighting the need to move beyond mainstream narratives and seek diverse perspectives.


this is for the no becoming yes
Acknowledging the power of transformation, resilience, and growth, celebrating the moments when 'no' turns into 'yes,' when barriers are overcome, and possibilities are embraced.


for scars becoming breath
This is an acknowledgement of the journey from pain and trauma to healing and renewal, where the wounds we carry become reminders of our strength and resilience, breathing life and wisdom into our existence.


for fear becoming trust
This is a celebration of the transformative journey from fear and doubt to trust and surrender, highlighting the immense courage it takes to open oneself up to vulnerability and connection.


for saying i love you to people who will never say it to us
Recognizing the capacity for unconditional love and selflessness, expressing love and affection to those who may not reciprocate, embracing the power of spreading love without expectations.


for scraping away the rust and remembering how to shine
This acknowledges the process of shedding the weight of past traumas and negative experiences, rediscovering one's inner light and radiance, allowing it to shine brightly once again.


for the dime you gave away when you didn't have a penny
This is a tribute to acts of generosity and compassion, even in moments of personal lack and scarcity, highlighting the immense impact small acts of kindness can have on others.


for the many beautiful things we do
This is a celebration of the countless acts of kindness, love, and compassion that we engage in every day, acknowledging the inherent beauty in our actions and intentions.


for every song we've ever sung
Acknowledging the power of music and artistic expression to convey emotions, tell stories, and unite people, celebrating the profound impact of every song ever created.


for refusing to believe in miracles because miracles are the impossible coming true and everything is possible
This is a proclamation against limiting beliefs and a celebration of the infinite possibilities that exist in the world, emphasizing that what may seem impossible is often within grasp and can become a reality.


this is for the possibility that guides us
Acknowledging the guiding force of hope and possibility in our lives, inspiring us to pursue our dreams, overcome obstacles, and create a better future.


and for the possibilities still waiting to sing and spread their wings inside us
This is a reminder of the untapped potential within ourselves, the boundless opportunities that await us, and the transformative power of embracing and unleashing our true selves.


cause tonight saturn is on his knees proposing with all of his ten thousand rings that whatever song we've been singing we sing even more
Symbolizing a cosmic moment of alignment and abundance, where the planet Saturn, representing structure and discipline, humbly proposes an intensified commitment to our purpose, urging us to expand and amplify our impact in the world.


the world needs us right now more than it ever has before
A call to action, recognizing the urgent need for individuals to step up, bring forth their gifts, and collectively contribute to creating positive change and healing in a world facing unprecedented challenges.


pull all your strings play every chord
An encouragement to fully embrace one's potential and utilize all their talents, skills, and resources to create a symphony of positive impact and transformation.


if you're writing letters to the prisoners start tearing down the bars
This is a call to address systemic injustices and actively work towards liberation and justice, challenging oppressive systems and structures.


if you're handing out flashlights in the dark start handing out stars
Encouraging acts of empowerment and inspiration in times of darkness and uncertainty, helping others find their own inner light and guiding them towards hope and possibility.


never go a second hushing the percussion of your heart
A reminder to always embrace and express the rhythm and beats of your own heart, never silencing or suppressing the innate passions, desires, and inspirations that drive you.


play loud play like you know the clouds have left too many people cold and broken
Encouraging individuals to play their own unique melodies boldly and unapologetically, recognizing the collective pain and longing for warmth and solace that exists in the world.


and you're their last chance for sun
Empowering individuals to be a source of light and hope for those who are desperate and in need, symbolizing their impact as a lifeline and a last opportunity for redemption and joy.


play like there's no time for hoping brighter days will come
This is a call to action, urging individuals to actively create the change they seek instead of passively waiting for a better future, emphasizing the urgency and responsibility to bring forth positive transformation now.


play like the apocalypse is only 4... 3...2
Encouraging individuals to play their melodies with fervor and urgency, as if time is running out and there is a sense of imminent crisis or turbulence.


but you have a drum in your chest that could save us
This is a reminder of the immense power and potential within each individual, symbolized by the metaphorical drum in their chest, capable of bringing salvation, healing, and restoration to a broken world.


you have a song like a breath that could raise us
Recognizing that the unique song and voice within each person hold the power to uplift, inspire, and elevate humanity as if it were a life-giving breath.


like the sunrise into a dark sky that cries to be blue
Emphasizing the transformative and revitalizing nature of one's creative expression, likened to the beauty and hope that emerges as the sun rises and adds colors to a dark and gloomy sky.


play like you know we won't survive if you don't but we will if you do
This is both a plea and a reminder of the collective interconnectedness and dependence on each other for survival and progress, emphasizing that each person's unique contributions and intentions can make a difference.


play like saturn is on his knees proposing with all of his ten thousand rings that we give every single breath this is for saying--yes this is for saying--yes
Symbolizing a celestial union and cosmic alignment, envisioning Saturn, representing commitment and structure, proposing a collective affirmation and dedication to embrace life fully and unconditionally, unifying our voices in a resounding 'yes' to all that life presents.




Contributed by Cole C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@allybritz6288

I have never felt as seen, as filled with hope and as comforted through the darkness as I am right now. Tears for myself, tears for All of us, tears for faith in tomorrow. Thank you Andrea.

@MaximillianApplegate

Why doesn’t this have more views? It’s been a while since just the pure beauty of a poem could make me ugly cry. Everyone needs this.

@jenbeard4245

Thank you for showing up on this one - every cadence struck a chord.

It’s more than a yes from me - it’s an absolutely, 1000% I am counting myself in to show up like this.

@ButtonPoetry

Well said!

@MooshLee

This was my introduction to spoken word and is always the lighthouse when I write through my storms. Truly an honor to bask in the light of their art and their heart.

@majamierzwinska5543

Deserves to be heard so many times

@AbuHuraira-jm5vb

You're more powerful than you know and they fear the day you discover it.

@Supergirl9909

their voice is so sooooothing
i wish them the best w their battle ❤️❤️

@benaiahmoturi8480

Good piece. Gets deep into the nerves. 😊 It makes my heart swing like a struck chord.

@emilyscloset2648

Thank you Andrea, this is beautiful

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