What'd I Say
Bluesbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna move you back to Arkansas.
All right, baby what'd I say?
Whoa, all right, baby what'd I say?
Oh baby, oh baby.
All right, baby, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Yeah, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Oh, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Ah well, ah hey, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
All right, baby.
At its core, "What'd I Say" is a classic example of the blues genre, with an emphasis on call-and-response vocals and soulful, bluesy instrumentation. The lyrics themselves are fairly straightforward, with the singer expressing their desire to move their lover back to Arkansas, and repeatedly asking them "What'd I say?".
But like many blues songs, there's a deeper emotional resonance beneath the surface. The repetition of "What'd I say?" could be interpreted as the singer wondering what they did wrong, or questioning their partner's true feelings. The sense of longing and vulnerability in the lyrics is further underscored by the raw, powerful vocal performance and evocative guitar playing.
Overall, "What'd I Say" is a prime example of the emotional depth and rich storytelling that characterizes the best blues music. It may be a simple song on the surface, but it has the power to tap into something deep within the listener's soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell your momma, tell your pa,
Inform your parents, let them know
Gonna move you back to Arkansas.
Intending to relocate to Arkansas
All right, baby what'd I say?
Alright, my dear, what have I stated?
Whoa, all right, baby what'd I say?
Wow, okay, darling, what did I mention?
Oh baby, oh baby.
Oh my dear, oh my dear
All right, baby, what'd I say?
Okay, darling, what have I expressed?
Baby, what'd I say?
Darling, what did I state?
Oh, all right, yeah.
Okay, that's good, yes.
Baby, what'd I say?
Darling, what did I state?
Yeah, what'd I say?
Yes, what did I mention?
Baby, what'd I say?
Darling, what did I state?
Baby, what'd I say?
Darling, what did I state?
Oh, what'd I say?
Oh, what did I mention?
Baby, what'd I say?
Darling, what did I state?
Ah well, ah hey, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Oh well, oh hello, yes, yes, yes.
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hello, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
All right, baby.
Okay, my dear.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ray Charles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind