Biography
Prior to her music career, Tennison worked as a prison guard in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in addition to performing in various Texas bands. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee and worked as a demo singer, eventually signing to Asylum Records in 1999. She recorded two albums on Asylum, both albums producing minor chart entries. In 2002, she moved to DreamWorks Records and recorded her Parading in the Rain album on that label. Although she has not recorded any albums since, she made an appearance on Leland Martin's 2006 single "Same Old Song and Dance" from his self-titled album.
You Can't Say That
Chalee Tennison Lyrics
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I'm slowly dying inside
Knowing this might be our last goodbye
Don't stop me, if I try to stop you
Don't tell me, not to tell you I love you
I'm only trying to save my heart
You can say that my tears are gonna end
And you can say that we'll be better off as friends
Praying you'll come back to me
And the day will come I won't want you back
No you can't say that
Don't hold me, don't hold me so close
If only, you're only letting me go
Just leave me, if this is your goodbye
You can say that my tears are gonna end
And you can say that we'll be better off as friends
But you can't say I won't be on my knees
Praying you'll come back to me
And the day will come I won't want you back
No you can't say that
The lyrics to Chalee Tennison's "You Can't Say That" are about a heartbreak that a person is experiencing as their partner is leaving them. The singer is begging their partner not to stop them if they try to stop them from leaving, but also not to tell them not to say "I love you." The singer is trying to protect their heart by not revealing their true feelings but is still hoping for their partner to come back to them. The song is about the struggle of trying to let go of someone you love but finding it impossible to do so without any emotions attached.
The line "You can say that my tears are gonna end" is a reflection of the partner's words trying to console the singer that they will stop crying eventually. Similarly, "you can say that we'll be better off as friends" is the partner's attempt to maintain a cordial relationship but without any romantic connection. However, the singer maintains that the partner cannot say that they won't be praying for their lover's return feeling that time heals everything but their love for their partner.
The song ultimately showcases the struggles of moving on while holding on to the possibility of a future together. The emotions of heartbreak, hope, and despair are all evident in the lyrics of "You Can't Say That."
Line by Line Meaning
Your taxi is waiting outside
You are leaving and the mode of transportation that will take you away is already outside.
I'm slowly dying inside
The thought of you leaving is affecting me emotionally and causing me pain.
Knowing this might be our last goodbye
I am aware that we may never see each other again, which makes this moment even more difficult for me.
Don't stop me, if I try to stop you
If I make an attempt to prevent you from leaving, please don't stand in my way.
Don't tell me, not to tell you I love you
I want to be honest with my feelings and express my love for you, even if it may not change anything.
I'm only trying to save my heart
By confessing my love and letting you go, I am trying to protect myself and prevent further pain.
You can say that my tears are gonna end
It is possible that I will eventually stop crying over you.
And you can say that we'll be better off as friends
Perhaps it is better if we remain friends instead of pursuing a romantic relationship.
But you can't say I won't be on my knees
I will still have hope that you will come back and I will be on my knees praying for it.
Praying you'll come back to me
I am hoping that you will have a change of heart and return to me.
And the day will come I won't want you back
There may come a point in time where I no longer have feelings for you and do not desire your presence anymore.
No you can't say that
But as of now, you cannot say for certain that will happen because my feelings are still strong.
Don't hold me, don't hold me so close
As you prepare to leave, please do not hold onto me too tightly because it will only make it harder for me to let go.
If only, you're only letting me go
If the reason for your departure is because you feel it is best for us to part ways, then it is something that I cannot change.
Just leave me, if this is your goodbye
If this truly is our farewell, then please don't linger and just leave.
Lyrics © CAROL VINCENT & ASSOC LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CAMPBELL, O'DONNELL, TENNISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind