“Say Yes” is one of Elliott Smith’s simplest pieces: in an interview with Spin magazine, Smith claimed to have written the song “in five minutes… during an episode of Xena: Warrior Princess with the sound off”. More notably, the song is hopeful, or, as Smith put it, “insanely optimistic”. Counter to the pain that seeps through the first eleven tracks of Either/Or, “Say Yes” indicates the possibility of joy to be had, a poetic conclusion to an emotionally turbulent record.
“Say Yes” was featured alongside Smith’s “Between the Bars” and “Miss Misery” on the soundtrack of 1997 blockbuster Good Will Hunting. The film’s success and Smith’s Oscar nomination for “Miss Misery” would help to bring the singer-songwriter into the spotlight.
Say Yes
Elliott Smith Lyrics
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Through the eyes of a girl
Who's still around the morning after
We broke up a month ago
And I grew up, I didn't know
I'd be around the morning after
It's always been wait and see
And feel like shit the morning after
But now I feel changed around
And instead of falling down
I'm standing up the morning after
Situations get fucked up
And turned around sooner or later
And I could be another fool
Or an exception to the rule
You tell me the morning after
Crooked spin can't come to rest
I'm damaged bad at best
She'll decide what she wants
I'll probably be the last to know
No one says until it shows
See how it is
They want you or they don't
Say yes
I'm in love with the world
Through the eyes of a girl
Who's still around the morning after
Elliott Smith's song "Say Yes" is a beautiful ode to the aftermath of a relationship. The opening lines, "I'm in love with the world, through the eyes of a girl who's still around the morning after," sets the overall tone. The song is about a person who has fallen in love with the world through the perspective of their ex-lover, who they are surprised to find still by their side in the morning, even after their break-up.
Throughout the song, we see a contrast between the singer's past pain and present hope. The lines "A happy day and then you pay, and feel like shit the morning after" seems to communicate the pain of past relationships, where the singer was left with bittersweet memories. But now, they seem to have felt a change around them; instead of falling down they are standing up, feeling different and better than before.
The song ends with the lines "They want you or they don't, say yes," which appears to be a message to take chances, to say yes to the world, and to look forward to the future without fear nor regrets. The song's lyrics offer a glimpse into the complex world of relationships, from the joys and hurt of love and heartbreak, to the awakening of positive emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in love with the world
The singer is feeling particularly happy and optimistic about life in general.
Through the eyes of a girl
This happiness is in part due to a romantic interest in a girl who he thinks has a positive outlook on life.
Who's still around the morning after
They have been together for at least one night and she's still there in the morning, suggesting a level of intimacy and commitment.
We broke up a month ago
This relationship wasn't always perfect, they have previously broken up and gone their separate ways.
And I grew up, I didn't know
Since their last breakup, the singer has had some personal growth and development, which he didn't realize until now.
I'd be around the morning after
He didn't expect to be in this situation again but he's happy to be here.
It's always been wait and see
The singer has learned that relationships are unpredictable, always waiting to see what will happen next.
A happy day and then you pay
Sometimes a relationship will start off great, and then things get difficult, which can come at a cost.
And feel like shit the morning after
When things don't go well, it's easy to feel regretful and sad the next day.
But now I feel changed around
He is now feeling differently about relationships, possibly more optimistic and resilient thanks to personal growth.
And instead of falling down
Instead of getting upset and feeling defeated, he's staying strong.
I'm standing up the morning after
He feels confident and capable of handling whatever challenges come his way in the future.
Situations get fucked up
There will always be problems and issues in relationships that can get complicated.
And turned around sooner or later
These issues can sometimes get resolved, but it might take time, patience, and effort from both people involved.
And I could be another fool
The singer knows that he could potentially make poor decisions and end up hurt again.
Or an exception to the rule
He also believes that it's possible for things to work out differently for him, defying expectations based on past experiences.
You tell me the morning after
He's open to feedback and advice from others about what he should do in his relationship.
Crooked spin can't come to rest
Even when things are going well, there are often underlying issues that haven't been addressed, causing things to feel unstable.
I'm damaged bad at best
The singer acknowledges that he's not perfect and has his own flaws and baggage that he brings to the relationship.
She'll decide what she wants
Ultimately, the girl he's interested in has her own agency and will make her own choices about the future of their relationship.
I'll probably be the last to know
He's aware that he might not always be aware of what is happening in their relationship and might be the last to find out about important decisions.
No one says until it shows
People don't always communicate their feelings or intentions, so important things might not be revealed until later on.
See how it is
The singer is aware that relationships are complicated and there's no one easy solution or answer.
They want you or they don't
People either want to be with you or they don't, there's not always a clear reason why.
Say yes
Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability, the singer is still willing to take a chance and say yes to the possibility of a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the girl he's interested in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Steven Paul Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind