Karima Francis (born 1987) is a singer-songwriter from Blackpool, UK. More … Read Full Bio ↴Karima Francis (born 1987) is a singer-songwriter from Blackpool, UK. More recently she has been based in Manchester. In 2009 she was named by The Observer as the number 1 act to watch. She released her debut album "The Author" on 23 March, 2009. Her single 'Again' was single of the week on iTunes in March 2009.

Originally a drummer also providing backing vocals for alternative/indie band Litterbug in her home town, she had only recently became a singer, and also plays the guitar. This change of direction has revealed a singer of enormous range and power who has been likened by some to a young Joan Armatrading, but who has a unique style of her own. This is coupled with a small number of lyrical and powerful self-written songs.

During the 2006 In the City event in Manchester, Karima Francis performed no less than six times and generated a great deal of both local and industry interest. During early 2007 Karima toured extensively, both as a headline act and in support of other musicians including Seth Lakeman and James Morrison during January and February. She has also performed at showcase events at the SXSW festival in Austin Texas.

In Spring 2007 Karima Francis was signed to the Newcastle based independent label, Kitchenware Records. She is to start work on the recording of her first album in June following the end of her May 2007 tour. The album is to be produced by Ken Nelson who has many major credits (Coldplay, Badly Drawn Boy, Ray Lamontagne...).

Say
Karima Francis Lyrics

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I′ve been digging a hole around you
These cobble stones won't do
I′m hanging around like a lead balloon
Try to make some sense of what I can do

Winter is comin' I can hardly feel my face
Another further mile running are we running out of pace
N' I′m walkin′ around like I'm drunk but I′m sober

I can't wait for this to all be over

Say if you want me to go
Say if you want me to leave
Say if you want me to go, away

I′ve been building a wall around you
To keep you from the wolves and the wild moon
Like a freight train carriage and over and over
Is our love built on a four leaf clover?

Say if you want me to go
Say if you want me to leave
Say if you want me to go, away

I'm walkin′ around like I'm drunk but I'm sober
I can′t wait for this to all be over

Say if you want me to go
Say if you want me to leave
Say if you want me to go, away

Say if you want me to go

Say if you want me to fight
Say if you want me to go, away

Overall Meaning

In Karima Francis's song "Say," the singer is struggling with the uncertainty of a relationship. The lyrics suggest that they have been trying to protect their partner by building walls and digging holes around them, but they feel as though their efforts may be in vain. The imagery of "cobble stones" and "wild wolves" convey a feeling of unease and danger, as if there are external forces working against the couple's love.

As winter approaches, the singer is consumed with anxiety and doubt. They feel as though they are running out of time and their love may be coming to an end. Additionally, the use of the metaphor "built on a four leaf clover" suggests that the relationship may have been founded on chance or luck rather than solid ground, leaving the singer feeling insecure and uncertain about the future.

The chorus of the song is a plea for clarity and honesty. The singer is asking their partner to speak openly about how they feel and what they want from the relationship. The repetition of the line "Say if you want me to go, away" suggests that the singer is prepared to accept whatever answer they receive, even if it means the end of their relationship.

Overall, "Say" is a melancholic but powerful exploration of the uncertainty of love and the importance of communication in relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been digging a hole around you
I have been surrounding you with my own issues and problems.

These cobble stones won't do
Whatever I've been doing so far is not helping the situation.

I'm hanging around like a lead balloon
I feel heavy and stuck in place, unable to move forward or improve things.

Try to make some sense of what I can do
I am struggling to find a solution to our problems.

Winter is comin' I can hardly feel my face
Things are getting worse, and I am feeling the full effects of it.

Another further mile running are we running out of pace
I feel like we've been trying to fix things for a long time, and we're running out of energy and motivation.

And I'm walkin' around like I'm drunk but I'm sober
I am going through the motions, but I feel lost and confused.

I can't wait for this to all be over
I am tired of the pain and want to move on from it.

I've been building a wall around you
I've been trying to protect you from the outside world and our problems.

To keep you from the wolves and the wild moon
I have been shielding you from the dangerous and unpredictable aspects of life.

Like a freight train carriage and over and over
Our issues keep repeating themselves, without any resolution in sight.

Is our love built on a four leaf clover?
I am questioning whether or not our love can survive these challenges.

Say if you want me to go
I am willing to leave if that's what you want.

Say if you want me to leave
I am open to whatever decision you make regarding our relationship.

Say if you want me to go, away
I will give you space if that's what you need right now.

Say if you want me to fight
I am willing to fight for our love, if that's what you want.

Writer(s): Karima Cuniliffe

Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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