What'd I Say
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers Feat Eric Clapton Lyrics


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Tell your momma, tell your pa,
Gonna move you back to Arkansas.
All right, baby what'd I say?
Whoa, all right, baby what'd I say?

Oh baby, oh baby.
All right, baby, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Oh, all right, yeah.

Baby, what'd I say?
Yeah, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?
Oh, what'd I say?
Baby, what'd I say?

Ah well, ah hey, yeah, yeah, yeah.




Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
All right, baby.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Mayall's song "What'd I Say" are simple but powerful. They suggest a desire for movement and change, as the singer plans to move back to Arkansas. The repetition of the question "what'd I say?" suggests a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the singer is trying to convince someone else (perhaps a lover?) to come with him. The refrain of "all right, yeah" and "hey, yeah, yeah, yeah" suggest a lively and joyful atmosphere, as if something exciting is about to happen.


While the lyrics don't give a lot of detail, they provide enough ambiguity to allow the listener to fill in the blanks with their own imagination. Are they leaving because of financial hardship? Is the singer trying to escape a bad relationship? The answer is not clear, but the song suggests that whatever the reason, it's time to make a change and move forward.


Overall, "What'd I Say" is a song about taking action and not being afraid to make big changes in your life. It's a call to adventure, a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come from taking risks and embracing the unknown.


Line by Line Meaning

Tell your momma, tell your pa,
Inform your parents that we are moving you back to Arkansas


Gonna move you back to Arkansas.
We are making preparations to move you back to Arkansas


All right, baby what'd I say?
Okay darling, what do you have to say?


Whoa, all right, baby what'd I say?
Gosh, fine love, what is your response?


Oh baby, oh baby.
Oh, darling


All right, baby, what'd I say?
Okay sweetheart, tell me


Baby, what'd I say?
Lovely one, what are your thoughts?


Oh, all right, yeah.
Oh, okay, I see


Baby, what'd I say?
My dear, what did I just say?


Yeah, what'd I say?
Yes, what did I mean?


Baby, what'd I say?
Honey, did you understand my words?


Baby, what'd I say?
Pretty one, please tell me your reaction


Oh, what'd I say?
Oh, what meaning did I convey?


Baby, what'd I say?
My love, please share your thoughts with me


Ah well, ah hey, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Well then, hey, yes, yes, yes


Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hello, yes, yes, yes, yes


All right, baby.
Okay my dear




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RAY CHARLES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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