Brannan was cast in 2003 for the movie Shortbus, directed by John Cameron Mitchell. He contributed the song Soda Shop to the film's soundtrack, which he stated was his "first professionally recorded track".
Relatively new to the music world, he has released several songs on iTunes and on his myspace page, has become extremely popular thanks to his YouTube profile, and has been keen on maintaining a self-produced, low-key website.
His songs hold many of the same universal themes other artists acclaim to, but with a more fresh, realistic, sometimes vulgar, understanding. This has made him a hero to other gay men and general audiences alike.
Official Website:
www.jaybrannan.com
Say It's Possible
Jay Brannan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see the lights are turning
And I look outside the stars are burning
Through this changing time
It could have been anything we want
It's fine salvation was just a passing thought
It was just a passing thought.
Don't wait act now
This amazing offer won't last long
It's only a chance to pave the path we're on
I know there are more exciting things to talk about
And in time we'll sort it out
And in time we'll sort it out.
Chorus
And though they say it's possible to me
I don't see how it's probable
I see the course we're on
Spinning farther from what I know
I'll hold on
Tell me that you won't let go
Tell me that you won't let go.
And truth is such a funny thing
With all these people
Keep on telling me
They know what's best
And what to be frightened of
And all the rest are wrong
They know nothing about us
They know nothing about us.
And though they say it's possible to me
I don't see how it's probable
I see the course we're on
Spinning farther from what I know
I'll hold on
Tell me that you won't let go
Tell me that you won't let go.
I'm not alright
I'm not alright
I'm not alright
I'm not alright.
This could be something beautiful
Combine our love into something wonderful
But times are tough I know and the pull
Of what we can't give up takes hold.
The lyrics of “Say It’s Possible” by Jay Brannan are about the changing times we are living in, and the importance of taking action instead of waiting for salvation. The song acknowledges that there are many things that could distract us, and that there are people who claim to know what’s best for us, but ultimately it’s up to us to pave our own path. The chorus expresses doubt about the likelihood of success, and a fear that the path we are on is leading us away from what we know. However, despite this fear, the singer is determined to hold on and not give up, asking for reassurance from someone else to do the same.
The repetition of “they know nothing about us” reinforces the idea that each person’s experience is unique, and that we shouldn’t rely too much on the opinions of others. The repeated refrain of “I’m not alright” expresses the singer’s vulnerability and fear, but also emphasizes the importance of holding on and not giving up. In the final verse, the singer acknowledges the difficulties of the current time, but still expresses hope that by combining love and working together, we can create something wonderful.
Overall, “Say It’s Possible” is an optimistic and empowering song that encourages action and hope, even in times of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the lights are turning
I notice that things are changing
And I look outside the stars are burning
I observe the beauty of the night sky
Through this changing time
During this time of transition
It could have been anything we want
Our possibilities were endless
It's fine salvation was just a passing thought
That hope was fleeting and unattainable
It was just a passing thought.
It was a temporary idea
Don't wait act now
Don't hesitate; take action
This amazing offer won't last long
This opportunity is only available for a limited time
It's only a chance to pave the path we're on
It's an opportunity to shape our future
I know there are more exciting things to talk about
There are other, more interesting topics of discussion
And in time we'll sort it out
We'll figure it out eventually
And though they say it's possible to me
Even though some claim it can be done
I don't see how it's probable
I don't think it's likely to happen
I see the course we're on
I observe the direction we're heading
Spinning farther from what I know
Moving away from what is familiar to me
I'll hold on
I'll keep going
Tell me that you won't let go
Promise me that you'll stay with me
And truth is such a funny thing
The concept of truth can be ironic
With all these people
When everyone around me
Keep on telling me
Insist on saying to me
They know what's best
They claim to understand what's optimal
And what to be frightened of
And what we should fear
And all the rest are wrong
And everyone else is incorrect
They know nothing about us
They don't comprehend our situation
I'm not alright
I'm not doing well
This could be something beautiful
There's potential for something wonderful
Combine our love into something wonderful
We can work together to create something amazing
But times are tough I know and the pull
However, I understand that times are hard and there are pressures
Of what we can't give up takes hold.
Of what we're unwilling to let go of.
Contributed by Cameron G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.