With one of her first singles turning into a national hit, 1962's "Let Me Down Easy", Detroit-raised LaVette would seem a natural soul star, but she was never able to cut an album deal. In 1972 her album A Child of the Seventies was shelved by Atlantic Records, then thought lost forever in a fire. She eked out a living on the European festival circuit, occasionally surfacing such as with the disco single "Doin' the Best that I Can", but remained obscure until French soul collector Gilles Petard tracked down the lost masters and persuaded Atlantic to let him release them on his vanity label as Souvenirs. A live album and 2005's cover album I've Got My Own Hell to Raise followed.
With the release of The Scene of the Crime, Bettye Lavette inches closer to the mainstream, or at least a much bigger cult following. Backed by The Drive-by Truckers and released on -Anti, The Scene of the Crime is recorded at the legendary FAME studios in Muscles Shoals, Alabama. The same place as her lost album. The connection doesn't end there - Patterson Hood of the Drive-by Truckers is the son of David Hood, who played on the 1972 album.
In 2009, she appeared at President Barack Obama's Inaugural Celebration, singing "A Change Is Gonna Come" with Jon Bon Jovi. It was televised globally.
Just Say So
Bettye Lavette Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you want me to turn down the light
Just let me know
If it's music you wanna hear
I can slip some on
If you can hold me tenderly
Just say so
If I'm wastin' my time
You've gotta let me know
If you're hidin' inside
And your sweet love has died
And you want me to go
Daddy say so
C'mon here darlin'
Don't you think it's bout time?
You told me exactly
What's on your mind
Cause if something has changed
Just say so
If you don't feel the same
Just let me know
If it's freedom you want
I can soon be gone
If you can go right on without me
But if I can pour us a drink
Daddy say so
If you need a little time to think
Just let me know
After thinkin' the whole thing through
If you find you still love me too
And you wanna hold me close daddy
Say it, say it, say it, say it
Just say so
The song "Just Say So" by Bettye Lavette is about communication and honesty in a romantic relationship. The singer is asking their partner to be open and honest about their feelings and desires, whether it's wanting to be close and intimate or needing space and distance. The lyrics encourage transparency and directness, even if it means potentially ending the relationship.
The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer telling their partner that if they want to be together and have a romantic evening, all they need to do is say so. This is followed by a series of scenarios where the partner can express their needs and desires, such as turning the lights down low or listening to music together. However, the singer also acknowledges that sometimes things don't work out and if the partner is no longer interested, they should just say so. Finally, the song ends with the singer asking their partner to be honest about whether or not they still love them and want to be together.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want me tonight, just say so
If you desire my company this evening, please communicate that clearly to me.
If you want me to turn down the light, just let me know
If you would like me to adjust the illumination level, simply inform me and I will do so.
If it's music you wanna hear, I can slip some on
If you have a specific desire for auditory entertainment, I am capable of accommodating your request.
If you can hold me tenderly
If you are able to embrace me in a gentle, affectionate manner.
But if somethin' ain't right, just say so
However, if there is any issue or discomfort, please express it clearly to me.
If I'm wastin' my time, you've gotta let me know
If I am devoting my energy to a futile endeavor, it is imperative that you inform me of this fact.
If you're hidin' inside and your sweet love has died, and you want me to go, daddy say so
If you are harboring internal turmoil and have lost affection for me, it is necessary that you communicate this to me directly.
C'mon here darlin', don't you think it's 'bout time? You told me exactly what's on your mind
My love, is it not the opportune moment for you to speak openly and directly about your thoughts and emotions?
Cause if something has changed, just say so
In the event of a shift or alteration occurring, please be candid with me and disclose said changes.
If you don't feel the same, just let me know
If you are no longer experiencing the same level of sentiment, it is crucial that you reveal this to me.
If it's freedom you want, I can soon be gone
Should you crave independence or autonomy, I can quickly and effortlessly remove myself from your presence.
If you can go right on without me
If you are capable of contextualizing my absence and functioning effectively in spite of said absence.
But if I can pour us a drink, Daddy say so
In the event that I am able to attend to serving beverages, please clearly express this desire to me.
If you need a little time to think, just let me know
If you require a period of contemplation or reflection, please inform me and I will honor this need.
After thinkin' the whole thing through, if you find you still love me too and you wanna hold me close daddy, say it, say it, say it, say it
Following careful consideration and reflection, if it is determined that you continue to harbor affection for me and desire close connectivity, verbalize this sentiment openly and repeatedly.
Just say so
Overall, absolute transparency in communication is the key to a successful relationship. Please do not hesitate to vocalize your emotions and desires, as I am here to listen and respond accordingly.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MAJESKI, SHERRILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind