Say You Will
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals Lyrics
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If it takes all night
We won't have to be alone
If you say you will
Like Marie Antoinette
Said to Louis XVI
Man I think we're going down
And I'm afraid slim just left town
Now you've had me hanging
All on your line
But I know all too well
Love ain't nothin' but
A worried mind
I love you like
A candle loves a flame
Like a crying man
That has no shame
When you hit me I feel no pain
Like the last days that remain
Say you will
This song centers around a plea for a lover to commit to a relationship. The singer is asking for reassurance from their partner that they will stick by them even if it takes time to work through any issues they may have. They are willing to put in the effort and time required to make it work if their partner is willing to do the same. The lyrics, "Baby say it's all right, If it takes all night, We won't have to be alone, If you say you will" speak to this willingness to persevere even when the going gets tough.
The reference to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI is interesting as it adds a historical context to the song. The phrase, "Man I think we're going down, Our chances are slim and none, And I'm afraid slim just left town" addresses the idea of impending doom that the couple may be feeling in their relationship. The singer acknowledges that things may not be going well, but they still have hope and want their partner to share that hope with them.
The lines, "I love you like, A candle loves a flame, Like a crying man, That has no shame, When you hit me I feel no pain, Like the last days that remain, Say you will" further cement the intensity of the singer's feelings for their partner. They love them deeply, they feel vulnerable and exposed in their presence, and they are willing to go through anything if their partner will commit to them.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby say it's all right
Assuring your partner that everything is fine and they don't have to worry about anything.
If it takes all night
Telling your partner that you're willing to wait for them even if it takes all night.
We won't have to be alone
Reassuring your partner that they won't have to be alone, and that you'll always be there for them.
If you say you will
Asking your partner to promise you that they will stay with you and be there for you always.
Like Marie Antoinette
Comparing your situation to the doomed love story of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.
Said to Louis XVI
Referring to the conversation Marie Antoinette had with Louis XVI before their imminent downfall.
Man I think we're going down
Expressing the feeling of being hopeless and on the brink of failure.
Our chances are slim and none
Believing that the odds of success are very low or non-existent.
And I'm afraid slim just left town
Feeling as though all hope is lost and the chances of success have vanished.
Now you've had me hanging
Feeling as though your partner has been stringing you along and leaving you uncertain about your future together.
All on your line
Feeling like your partner has all the power and control in the relationship.
But I know all too well
Acknowledging that you're aware of the risks and dangers involved in being in love.
Love ain't nothin' but
Believing that love is challenging and can be difficult at times.
A worried mind
Feeling stressed and anxious about the future and the state of the relationship.
I love you like
Expressing your deep love for your partner.
A candle loves a flame
Using a metaphor to describe the intensity and passion of your love.
Like a crying man
Showing vulnerability and a willingness to express your emotions.
That has no shame
Being unashamed of your feelings and emotions.
When you hit me I feel no pain
Comparing the intensity of love to the lack of physical sensation when being hit.
Like the last days that remain
Feeling as though every moment with your partner is precious and should be cherished.
Say you will
Asking your partner to make a commitment to you and promising to stand by your side always.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: LEON LEWIS MOBLEY, BEN C HARPER, OLIVER FRANCIS CHARLES, MICHAEL B. WARD, JUAN DWAYNE NELSON, JASON CONRAD YATES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind