Say Something
James（英国） Lyrics
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Hidden well, what are you concealing
Poker face, carved in stone
Amongst friends, but all alone
Why do you hide
Say something, say something, anything
I've shown you everything
Say something, say something, anything
Your silence is deafening
Pay me in kind
Take a drug to set you free
Strange fruit from a forbidden tree
You've got to come down soon
More than a drug is what I need
Need a change of scenery
Need a new life
Say something, say something anything
I've shown you everything
Give me a sign
Say something, say something, anything
Your silence is deafening
Pay me in kind
Say something
I'm open wide, open wondering
Have you swallowed everything
Pay me in kind
The lyrics of this song appear to be aimed at someone who is being very secretive and hard to figure out. The first verse describes this person as being as tight as a hunter's trap, suggesting that they are not willing to reveal anything about themselves or their innermost thoughts. The next line asks, "what are you concealing?", further emphasizing the idea that this person is hiding something. The poker face that is "carved in stone" implies that this person is good at concealing their emotions, even among friends, which leaves the singer feeling as though they are "all alone".
The chorus asks this person to "say something, anything," as the singer has "shown you everything" and is looking for some sort of response or sign. The silence is described as "deafening", highlighting the frustration and sadness that the singer feels as they struggle to understand this person who is so guarded. The second verse references taking drugs to find freedom, which could be a metaphor for their attempts to find a way to connect with this person. They are searching for something more than just a temporary escape through a drug, but something deeper that can provide a "change of scenery" and a "new life".
Overall, the song captures the feeling of wanting to break through to someone who is difficult to understand, to get them to reveal something about themselves, to offer some sort of connection. It's a sad, hopeful plea for communication and understanding with someone who feels almost unapproachable.
Line by Line Meaning
You're as tight as a hunter's trap
You're guarded and secretive, like a trap set by a hunter to catch prey.
Hidden well, what are you concealing
You're concealing something and doing it very well.
Poker face, carved in stone
You have an emotionless face and don't show any signs of what you're feeling.
Amongst friends, but all alone
You're surrounded by friends, but you still feel lonely and isolated.
Why do you hide
The artist is questioning why the person is hiding and not being open with them.
Say something, say something, anything
The singer is urging the person to speak up and say something.
I've shown you everything
The singer has been very open with the person, but they still aren't speaking up.
Give me a sign
The artist is asking the person to give them some sort of indication of what they're thinking or feeling.
Your silence is deafening
The person's silence is loud and noticeable, and is making the artist feel uncomfortable.
Pay me in kind
The artist is asking the person to reciprocate and be open with them, in the same way the artist has been open with them.
Take a drug to set you free
The person may feel trapped or stuck, and taking a drug might help them feel free or escape their problems temporarily.
Strange fruit from a forbidden tree
The artist is referencing the song 'Strange Fruit,' which is about the lynching of Black people in the US. They may be suggesting that the drug the person needs to take could have severe consequences.
You've got to come down soon
The singer is telling the person that they can't stay high or intoxicated forever, and will eventually have to face reality.
More than a drug is what I need
The singer is indicating that they need more than just a temporary escape from reality, and that they may need something more long-lasting like a change in lifestyle or mindset.
Need a change of scenery
The singer may feel like they need to leave their current environment and start fresh somewhere else.
Need a new life
The artist feels like they need a significant change in their life for things to improve.
I'm open wide, open wondering
The artist is very open and curious, and is waiting for the person to open up to them too.
Have you swallowed everything
The singer is asking if the person has really taken in everything that they've been told or shown.
Pay me in kind
The singer is asking the person to return the openness and honesty that they've been given.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JON LEVINE, GERALD EATON, JASON LEVINE, BRIAN WEST, JAMES MCCOLLUM, CRAIG HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind