After finishing high school, Kem dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family. He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, "My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people. That's one of the things that I am most proud of." He has also stated that he does not create music marketed to the mainstream hip-hop-dominated R&B crowd but to people who enjoy his soul/jazz adult contemporary sound and lyrical content. He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, by singing in a wedding band and waiting tables. He was later signed by Motown Records, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003. The album's first single, "Love Calls", became a hit at urban adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio. He followed his debut release with a sophomore album, Album II, released May 17, 2005. It included the hit single "I Can't Stop Loving You", a #1 at urban adult contemporary radio, and the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
Say
Kem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's on your mind
What's on your mind
I've been here all mornin' waitin'
For your answer, I'm waitin'
I've been sober long enough to remember
How good love is, how sweet your love is
Notwithstanding my crime
Say, yeah you remember
How good love can be baby
Say, yeah you'll never lose
Your faith in me baby, yeah
Ooh, yeah
You fall to pieces
And I destroy what we have
Is this how our story will end baby?
I can't live for tomorrow and I surrender today
With all of its heartache, all it's pain
Baby, baby, love of mine
Say, yeah you remember
How good love can be, baby
Say, yeah you'll never lose
Your faith in me, baby, yeah
Say, you'll never leave me
Here in the dark, oh, baby
Say, but don't walk away, yeah
Don't leave me here
'Cause' I don't wanna stay here
Don't wanna stay here
Girl say, say what's on your mind
Don't walk away
Leave me hangin' on, baby
Say, you'll never leave me hear
In the dark baby, baby, baby, baby
Please send me your love
I wanna hear what you have to say baby
Say, what's on your mind, yeah, baby
Say that I still hold my place in your heart baby
Say what's on your mind baby
Say what's on your mind baby
Oh, yeah, say
The lyrics of Kem's song "Say" speak about a desperate plea from the singer to his lover to reveal her thoughts and feelings about the state of their relationship. The song begins with Kem asking his partner to express what is weighing on her mind, as he anxiously waits for her answer. He admits to having been sober for long enough to remember the sweetness of their love and how good it can be, despite any past mistakes or wrongdoings.
The chorus of the song contains a repeated phrase of Kem urging his lover to say that she remembers how good their love can be, and to never lose faith in him. He acknowledges that they have both had their share of heartache and pain, but implores her to stay with him and not walk away. Kem declares that he does not want their story to end this way, with them falling apart and destroying what they have. He pleads for her to speak up and not leave him in the dark.
The bridge of the song includes Kem begging his lover to send him her love and to tell him what is on her mind, assuring her that he wants to hear it all. The song closes with Kem once again asking his lover to say what is on her mind.
Overall, "Say" is a raw and emotional declaration of love, vulnerability, and desperation. It highlights the importance of communication and honesty in any relationship, and the fear of losing someone you love.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, say
What's on your mind
What's on your mind
Asking the significant other to speak their thoughts and feelings about their relationship.
I've been here all mornin' waitin'
For your answer, I'm waitin'
I've been sober long enough to remember
How good love is, how sweet your love is
He has patiently waited for her response, while being clear-headed enough to understand the value of their love.
Notwithstanding my crime
Say, yeah you remember
How good love can be baby
Say, yeah you'll never lose
Your faith in me baby, yeah
Ooh, yeah
He acknowledges his mistake but is pleading for her not to lose faith in their love and for them to work things out.
You fall to pieces
And I destroy what we have
Is this how our story will end baby?
I can't live for tomorrow and I surrender today
With all of its heartache, all its pain
Baby, baby, love of mine
Their relationship is deteriorating, and he now realizes how much he wants to save it because he can't bear to lose her.
Say, yeah you remember
How good love can be, baby
Say, yeah you'll never lose
Your faith in me, baby, yeah
Say, you'll never leave me
Here in the dark, oh, baby
He wants reassurance that their love can overcome their current problems and that she won't give up on him or their love.
Say, but don't walk away, yeah
Don't leave me here
'Cause' I don't wanna stay here
Don't wanna stay here
He pleads for her to stay and work through their relationship problems because he can't bear the thought of losing her.
Girl say, say what's on your mind
Don't walk away
Leave me hangin' on, baby
Say, you'll never leave me hear
In the dark baby, baby, baby, baby
He begs her not to leave him stranded in uncertainty without telling him what she feels, as he wants to know where they stand with each other.
Please send me your love
I wanna hear what you have to say baby
Say, what's on your mind, yeah, baby
Say that I still hold my place in your heart baby
Say what's on your mind baby
Say what's on your mind baby
Oh, yeah, say
He is desperate for her to express her love for him and clarify where they stand in their relationship, even if it means facing the truth that things may end.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Kim L. Owens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind