Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
Say It Isn't So
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say it isn't so,
Everyone is saying
You don't love me,
Say it isn't so.
Everywhere I go,
Whispers that you're growing tired of me,
Say it isn't so.
People say that you,
Found somebody new,
And it won't be long
Before you leave me,
Say it isn't true,
Say that everything is still okay,
That's all I want to know,
And what they're saying,
Say it isn't so
The song Say It Isn't So by Irving Berlin expresses the feeling of uncertainty and a deep sense of loss when rumors of a breakup start to emerge. The narrative of the song is driven by the singer's desperate plea for a confirmation that the rumors about their lover's growing disinterest in them are untrue. The opening line is a direct appeal to the lover to dispel the rumors by confirming that they still love them. The second line reiterates the sense of collective opinion from everyone around them.
Throughout the song, the singer tries to rationalize their lover's supposed infidelity, dismissing the rumors as hearsay while still hoping their lover will prove the rumors to be false. The chorus captures the essence of the singer's emotional turmoil. It serves as a final appeal to the lover to dispel the rumors that everyone seems to have heard. The repetition of the phrase "Say it isn't so" elevates the sense of desperation while still showing the singer's vulnerability.
In summary, Say It Isn't So portrays the emotional pain that comes with a potential breakup, the hope that love can survive, and the unrelenting need for clarification in the face of rumors.
Line by Line Meaning
Say it isn't so,
Please deny what others are saying.
Everyone is saying
All people talk about is this.
You don't love me,
You have stopped loving me.
Everywhere I go,
In every place I visit.
Everyone I know,
All the people I associate with.
Whispers that you're growing tired of me,
They say you are getting fed up with me.
Say it isn't so.
Please deny what others are saying.
People say that you,
Others claim that you.
Found somebody new,
You have discovered someone else.
And it won't be long
It will happen very soon.
Before you leave me,
Before you walk out of my life.
Say it isn't true,
Please deny what others are saying.
Say that everything is still okay,
Tell me that everything between us is still fine.
That's all I want to know,
That's the only thing I want to hear.
And what they're saying,
What others are telling me.
Say it isn't so
Please deny what others are saying.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Manuel Cabral
Say it isn't so
Say it isn't so.
Everyone is saying you don't love me,
Say it isn't so.
Everywhere I go,
Everyone I know
Whispers that you're growing tired of me,
Say it isn't so.
People say that you
Found somebody new,
And it won't be long before you leave me,
Say it isn't true.
Say that everything is still okay,
That's all I want to know.
And what they're saying,
Say it isn't so.
People say passing by
Say he's younger than i
And it won't be long before you leave me,
Tell me it's a lie.
Say that everything is still okay,
That's all I want to know.
And what they're saying,
Say it isn't so.
Barry Curtis
She is so subtle - almost conversational, hits every note and her timing is impeccable - no wonder all the great musicians of her day enjoyed the sessions where she sang.
Sage Darwin
Instablaster.
Kirk Barkley
Annette was very hard on herself in life and never thought her work was up to par. Records like this prove otherwise!
Juan Manuel Espinosa Vera
First version I heard Was
Frank Ifield's in the sixties. I was 12. This version is beautiful.
Margot Blanchette
I was very young, but I actually liked Frank Ifields version.
With Annette here, it's lovely, but to me lacks a little more passion in her voice. However, the musical arrangement is beautiful & has that romantic slant. Which I'm so partial too
These old classic, while yet before my time. I remember 99% of them, as my parents played them, then my older sister played piano, like Mother & I heard them all. Then my time came, so on remembering them, I too played piano.
You're either a romantic, or you're not. Sadly hubby isn't
Janette Walker
The inimitable Annette - just wonderful - nobody could do it better than this charming singer.
Ryland Langan
❤one of the greatest irving berlin ballads of all time.annette delivers a most unique rendition.the pictures are just lovely.
jb hamblen
So nice to hear the voice and message that is told... Annette THANKS!!!!
Tom Guraro
Have to believe Annette.could have been a major movie star if she wanted. She may have been too shy to pursue that avenue. One of the best female singing voices I've ever heard.
andy moran
what a gem this is--thanks