Background
Chris Stapleton was initially only writing songs with Justin Timberlake for the album, before being asked to sing on "Say Something". He told Billboard, "I really just went out to Los Angeles to write songs with him, it's a very fluid process with him, there's a lot going on. That was one of those things where there wasn’t necessarily a plan. He was like 'All right, you hop in there and take a verse,' and I'm like, ‘You want me to do what?' ... It came out great. I had a blast with him, he's a great creative force and one of those guys that if you get a chance to work with him, you should."
Say Something
Justin Timberlake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh (yeah)
Everyone knows all about my direction
And in my heart somewhere, I wanna go there
Still I don't go there
Everybody says, "say something"
Then say something, say something, then say something
I don't wanna get caught up in the rhythm of it
But I can't help myself, no, I can't help myself, no, no
Caught up in the middle of it
No, I can't help myself, no, I can't help myself, no, no, no
Caught up in the rhythm of it
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have
Everyone knows all about my transgressions
Still in my heart somewhere, there's melody and harmony
For you and me, tonight (whoa)
I hear them call my name
Everybody says, "say something"
Say something, say something
Then say something, say something, then say something
I don't want to get caught up in the rhythm of it
But I can't get help myself, no, I can't help myself, no, no
Caught up in the middle of it
No, I can't help myself, no, I can't help myself, no, no, no
Caught up in the rhythm of it
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing
But I can't help myself, no I can't help myself, no, no
Caught up in the middle of it
No I can't help myself, no I can't help myself, no, no, no
Caught up in the rhythm of it
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have (maybe I'm looking for something I can't have)
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing
The song "Say Something" by Justin Timberlake is a reflection on the struggle between expressing oneself and holding back. The lyrics suggest that the singer is torn between the desire to speak up and the fear of getting caught up in the expectations and judgment of others. This is highlighted by the repeated refrain of "say something" while also acknowledging that sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all.
The opening lines suggest that the singer feels restricted by others' perceptions of their direction in life, yet they still yearn to explore new possibilities. The use of the word "transgressions" could indicate that the singer has made mistakes in the past or has been judged harshly by others for their choices. However, the melody and harmony in their heart suggest that there is still hope for connection and understanding.
The chorus emphasizes the conflict between the desire to move forward and the fear of getting lost in the rhythm of life, with the repetition of "no, I can't help myself" indicating a sense of internal conflict. The final lines of the song suggest that sometimes the best way to communicate is to stay silent, as words can be limiting and imperfect. Overall, "Say Something" is a powerful reflection on the tension between authenticity and conformity, and the struggle to navigate that tension in a world that demands both.
Line by Line Meaning
Mmm, yeah, alright
Justin Timberlake starts his song with a casual sound resembling enthusiasm
Everyone knows all about my direction
Justin Timberlake acknowledges that people are aware of his aspirations in life
And in my heart somewhere, I wanna go there
He is certain that he wants to pursue his goals
Still I don't go there
However, he hasn't been able to start his journey towards fulfilling his desires
Everybody says, 'say something'
People around him keep asking him to speak up
Say something, say something
They urge him to express himself
I don't wanna get caught up in the rhythm of it
He doesn't want to follow the trend too closely
But I can't help myself, no, I can't help myself, no, no
But still, he finds himself getting swayed by it
Caught up in the middle of it
He ends up being in the midst of it
Maybe I'm looking for something I can't have
He wonders if he is pursuing something unattainable
Still in my heart somewhere, there's melody and harmony
He still has a passion for music within him
For you and me, tonight (whoa)
He wants to share his music with his listeners
I hear them call my name
He can hear his audience calling out to him
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all
Sometimes, silence is the best response
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Anthem Entertainment, Peermusic Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chris Stapleton, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, Justin R. Timberlake, Larrance Levar Dopson, Timothy Z. Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theharshtruthoutthere
Wordily pleasures for the ears and for the eyes: music, movies, sport.
That kind of entertainment is given by lucifer to mankind, to keep them busy doing and knowing nothing,
When human dies, he or she is surprised that he or she keeps existing.
Yet the only reason for it is, they had their lifetime on earth catching delusions and illusions. Never loved the truth, never cared for it and as some used to say:
1st comes laughter, then turning of the head, then closing of the ears, freezing of the heart, then life in struggle and then regrets and cries. The last 2 shall be there forever. = the life of a ignorant fools.
Creating “perfect” offspring who`s genetic DNA is mixed: human + animal + angel + inverting every soul + posses them with evil spirits = perfect spell casting, look at the public, they all sing and dance along not sensing reality.
The tares and the wheat – a story in the bible. 2 different offspring, growing together, shoulder next to shoulder.
The "rituals" haven`t stopped happening, these got renamed to fit the timelines: in our days, the rituals are:
music concerts
showing off the masonic hand sighs and symbols
becoming "trans"
few more.
@jusemaskatear5354
Anyone here 2024?
@CooperF
Still the best music video
@nadezdapetkovic9249
Always will be ❤
@mehtapmervet5474
Hello
@davonbolton3063
Didn’t even know Chris was in this song 😭😭
@Chaz_Nichole
Yes I just discovered this song today. I absolutely adore it
@user-ie4yd3gz1q
The fact that this was sung live and filmed in one take. These two are the epitome of professionals.
@AmeriTerry
The practice First Take is better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMkwQFlAhMA
@vinylculturemusic
Took months of practice but yes this is awesome!!❤
@Nancy-iu6ow
To the other, the stars I've already had, I'm always saying something.