Say Say Something
James Lyrics


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You're as tight as a hunter's trap
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
give me a sign
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of James's song "Say Something" convey a sense of desperation and frustration towards someone who is hiding their true feelings and thoughts. The first verse describes this person as being "tight as a hunter's trap," suggesting that they are difficult to read or understand. The use of the phrase "hidden well" implies that they have consciously chosen to keep their emotions concealed. The line "poker face, carved in stone" emphasizes this notion, indicating that this person is unwilling to reveal any vulnerability or weakness. Despite being surrounded by friends, they feel alone and isolated.


The chorus begs this person to open up and communicate: "Say something, say something, anything / I've shown you everything, give me a sign." The singer has been transparent about their own feelings and intentions, but the other person remains unresponsive. Their silence is described as "deafening," reflecting the frustration the singer feels. They are willing to be patient and continue waiting for a response, but they want to see some sort of effort in return.


The second verse introduces the idea of using drugs as a means of escape, but the singer recognizes that this is not a sustainable solution. They need more than a temporary fix to their problems. This is reflected in the lines "more than a drug is what I need / need a change of scenery / need a new life." The final repetition of "Say something" reinforces the urgency of the situation and the singer's desire for communication.


Overall, the lyrics of "Say Something" explore the difficulty of trying to connect with someone who is not open or communicative. The singer's frustration and desperation are palpable, and the use of vivid imagery and repetition enhances the emotional impact of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

You're as tight as a hunter's trap
You're extremely guarded like a hunter's trap.


hidden well, what are you concealing
You're hiding something well, what is it that you're keeping a secret?


poker face, carved in stone
Your face doesn't give anything away, it's like it's carved in stone.


amongst friends, but all alone
Even though you're surrounded by friends, you seem lonely.


why do you hide
What is the reason that you're hiding?


Say something, say something, anything
Just speak up, anything at all.


i've shown you everything
I've been completely open with you.


give me a sign
Show me some indication of what's going on with you.


your silence is deafening
Your lack of response is incredibly loud.


pay me in kind
Respond in a way that is similar to what I've shown you.


Take a drug to set you free
Try taking a drug to help you feel less trapped.


strange fruit from a forbidden tree
The drug may be illegal or taboo.


you've got to come down soon
You can't stay high forever, you'll have to come back to reality.


more than a drug is what i need
I need something more substantial than just a drug to escape my problems.


need a change of scenery
I need to switch up my environment.


need a new life
I need a complete fresh start.


Say something
Speak up and communicate.


I'm open wide, open wondering
I'm receptive and curious.


have you swallowed everything
Have you taken everything that I've shown you in?


pay me in kind
Respond in a way that matches what I've done for you.




Writer(s): James Patrick Glennie, Tim Booth, Lawrence Gott, Saul Davies, David Baynton-Power, Mark Hunter Copyright: Stage Three Music Publishing Limited

Contributed by Reagan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@manuelgpgarcia9059

You're as tight as a hunter's trap
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
Give me a sign
Say something, say something, anything
Your silence is deafening
Give me a sign
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
Give me a sign
Say something, say something, anything
I've shown you everything
Give me a sign
I'm open wide, open wondering
Have you swallowed everything
Pay me in kind



@hola-wv4ob

You're as tight as a hunter's trap
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
give me a sign
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.



All comments from YouTube:

@3vogaming221

Most underrated band of a generation sadly ,
Their songs hit home and are from the heart .

@mikedarby3977

Agreed

@Carpingabout

20 years old. We didn't realise just how lucky we were.

@patriciamays8244

It's new if you think about all the wonderful music that came out in the 1960''s before most of us were born or in preschool

@violet4462

This song is about loving someone with a drug addiction and not being able to tap into there mind and set them free, I love someone with a drug addiction, but I also suffer from a drug addiction to. This song has been making me cry for 21 years, maby one day there,ll be happy tears. James are one of the most underrated bands ever, and certainly in my top 3 favourites of all time along with the stone roses and Richard ashcroft /verve 💙💚💛

@gregmyers5611

Wish you both nothing but freedom and happiness... or happiness which will lead to freedom... either way, be happy kidda.

@violet4462

@@gregmyers5611 thankyou brother x

@jamesrooney1905

Stay strong girl, x, 👍💚🇮🇪

@gazscott4102

Suffering is a widely, common problem. Your not alot😊

@gazscott4102

Alone, sorry 😊

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