Dag Nasty(1985 - 1991)
Dave Smalley - vocals on #19
Peter Cortner - vocals on #26
Brian Baker - guitar
Roger Marbury - bass on #19
Doug Carrion - bass on #26
Colin Sears - drums
Can I Say
Dag Nasty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why should I try?
I tried to love
What I knew I hated
I took a lie and I made a truth
I defended
What I should have denied
I never gave a second thought
I never gave
I never gave a second thought
I followed blindly part of the lot
How can I say I'm really free?
How can I say I'm really me?
What can I say?
The opening lines of Dag Nasty's song "Can I Say" express a sense of resignation and defeat. The singer seems to be struggling with his own inability to break free from the constraints that he feels are holding him back. He questions the point of even trying, as his attempts to love something that he knows deep down he hates have led him down a path of self-deception. He has taken a lie and turned it into a truth, defended something that he should have rejected, and followed others blindly instead of thinking for himself.
Despite this self-awareness, the singer still feels trapped and unable to escape the expectations of others. He has never given a second thought to his actions and has simply gone along with the crowd. He recognizes that he is not truly free and that he is not being true to himself. The repeated question "What can I say?" is a plea for understanding and a sign of frustration at his own inability to express himself.
Overall, "Can I Say" is a song about the struggle to find freedom and authenticity in a world that often demands conformity and obedience. The singer is wrestling with his own demons and trying to come to terms with his own limitations, but he is also calling out to others who may be feeling the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
What can I say?
I am at a loss for words and don't know how to express myself.
Why should I try?
I am questioning the point of attempting to articulate my emotions.
I tried to love
I made an effort to feel affection for someone or something.
What I knew I hated
Despite my deep dislike, I attempted to love what I knew I could not.
I took a lie and I made a truth
I transformed a falsehood into something I believed to be true.
I defended
I protected and advocated for something or someone, even if it was wrong.
What I should have denied
I supported something that I should have refused and rejected.
I never gave a second thought
I didn't consider the consequences of my actions and followed blindly.
I followed blindly part of the lot
I went along with the crowd without questioning or analyzing my decisions.
I never gave
I didn't put in the effort or thought necessary to understand my true feelings.
I never gave a second thought
I continued to act without deliberation or consideration of my emotions.
I followed blindly part of the lot
I remained passive and compliant with the majority without questioning my choices.
How can I say I'm really free?
I am unsure whether I possess true freedom and autonomy over my actions.
How can I say I'm really me?
I am uncertain whether I truly know myself and my own desires.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PowerSonicBurp
0:00 Values Here
2:27 One to Two
4:43 Circles
7:30 Thin Line
10:01 Justification
12:54 What Now?
15:10 I've Heard
(absent) Under Your Influence
16:54 Can I Say
18:54 Never Go Back
21:48 Another Wrong
24:08 My Dog's a Cat
26:28 (live)
@Johnjohn-gq3du
Man, I cranked this album with extreme viciousness. The angry type. I got one good one left in me me you little pricks.
I like to, you know, ummm, errr,
Stay away from me.
But I may kill you in a dagnasty way.
Love,
Me.
@sergiosarnicola2365
Makes me remember those hot summer days when I was 16 and I spent every afternoon skateboarding with my friends. No smartphones, no social media, just real life and big dreams.
@Kenji_Hirai
How did those big dreams turn out? Genuine curious.
@jakethemistakeRulez
Could this comment be any more cliche...
@joedent3323
It's simple to live those glory days - you just stay off Social Media and keep away from the nonsense and news online. If I can do it? Then so can you.
"LiL'JpD."
@Jimmy-oq9zq
@Jake the mistake Guy watched too many Wisdom in Chains videos
@dang2443
@Jake the mistake could yours?
@demolazer
The riffs on this album are phenomenal! So tight, catchy and punk at the same time.
@skinheadyouth66
ITS PERFECTION
@michaellewandowski6469
Green Day stole a lot of the riffs lol.
@matthewhogan2285
@fucu rt