Before he started his solo career, he was in indie rock band The Junes, and he was in the band of the popular Dutch singer Ilse deLange.
Signed to the 8Ball record label, Bertolf released his first album For Life in early 2009, followed the next year by Snakes And Ladders. 2012 saw the release of the epnymous Bertolf album. 2015's First & Then was his final album for 8Ball.
Between 2014 and 2018 a large chunk of Bertolf's time was devoted to touring as a member of the tribute band, Her Majesty. Named after the closing track of The Beatles' Abbey Road album, they especially gained prominence when they started performing the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (and other artists from their scene), to rave reviews in the Dutch press.
In the mean time, Bertolf signed with Excelsior Recordings, where his fifth and sixth solo albums were issued: the somewhat gloomy Big Shadows of Small Things (2019) and the very sunny, colorful, upbeat and particularly well-received Happy in Hindsight (2021).
say something
Bertolf Lyrics
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Let's go back before I lose my mind
Now's the time, band a drum and shake your tambourine
Either way, we are both out of line
I'd go all the way, to start again
Not to let this end, so
I'll try to listen this time, so scream and shout
Say something, show me what your silence is all about
You've gotta save me from being too loud
I'll hear you out
I'm always loud when you're whispering
You're insecure, while I'm proud
I might not be as thought as I think I am
And you're more than a face in the crowd
Come on, we haven't come this far, just to let this end, so
Talk to me now, help me turn this around
I'll try to listen this time, so scream and shout
Say something, show me what your silence is all about
You've gotta save me from living in thought
Talk to me now, help us turn this around
I'll try to listen this time, so scream and shout
Say something, show me what that silence is all about
You've gotta save me from being too loud
Talk to me now, help me turn this around
I'll try to listen this time, so scream and shout
Say something to me, what's wrong, let it out
You've gotta save me from living in thought
I'll hear you out
Say something, just
say something
In this song, Bertolf addresses issues of communication and misunderstanding in a relationship. It is clear that the two individuals are having trouble hearing and understanding each other, leading to feelings of frustration and insecurity. Bertolf urges his partner to speak up and communicate their thoughts and feelings so that they can work together to turn things around and avoid letting their relationship fall apart.
The lyrics are rich with imagery of music and instruments, such as the line "band a drum and shake your tambourine," which emphasizes the need for both individuals to actively participate and contribute to the conversation. Bertolf also acknowledges his own flaws and the potential for him to be "too loud" and overpowering, while recognizing his partner's strengths and value as more than just a "face in the crowd."
Line by Line Meaning
Be aware, before you lose your self-esteem
Realize what's happening before it damages your confidence
Let's go back before I lose my mind
Let's fix things before it drives me insane
Now's the time, band a drum and shake your tambourine
Act now and celebrate
Either way, we are both out of line
Regardless of who's right or wrong, we need to address this
I'd go all the way, to start again
I'd do anything to fix this and start anew
Not to let this end, so
To prevent this from coming to a close
Talk to me now, help me turn this around
Communicate with me and let's change things
I'll try to listen this time, so scream and shout
I'm willing to listen and hear your concerns
Say something, show me what your silence is all about
Speak up and let me know what's really going on
You've gotta save me from being too loud
Stop me from hurting the situation with my own loudness
I'm always loud when you're whispering
I overpower you when you're trying to be quiet
You're insecure, while I'm proud
You lack confidence while I am overly confident
I might not be as thought as I think I am
I may not be as intelligent as I believe
And you're more than a face in the crowd
You are important and have your own unique qualities
Come on, we haven't come this far, just to let this end, so
We've come too far to simply give up on this situation
Say something, show me what that silence is all about
Tell me what's really on your mind instead of keeping quiet
You've gotta save me from living in thought
Help me avoid overthinking and make progress
Say something to me, what's wrong, let it out
Tell me what's going on and don't keep it bottled up
I'll hear you out
I'm willing to listen and understand
Say something, just one word
Any communication, even if small, can make a difference
Can change it all, don't let it go unheard
Small communication can make a big impact, so don't ignore it
Lyrics © Red Brick Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: BERTOLF LENTINK, DIEDERIK NOMDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind