In 1999 Jazz legend Joe Sample collaborated with Lalah on the album The Song Lives On, which became a staple on both Jazz and Smooth R&B radio, as well as topping the Jazz charts. However, it would not be until 2004 that Lalah Hathaway would resurface with her own project. She had her biggest hit single in years with an inspired cover of the late Luther Vandross' Forever, For Always, For Love, topping the Urban AC Chart and reaching Top 40 on Billboards mainstream R&B chart, a feat repeated by Outrun the Sky, Hathaway's first solo album in a decade, which was released late in the year.
So They Say
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
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And the suns gunna shine come what may, so they say
What goes around comes around and silence is the sweetest sound,
And April brings the flowers here in May
We don't know what we have, till its gone, gone away
And tomorrow brings a brand new day, so they say
But what if this is all a dream and things are not the way they seem
What about the things they say
Is there really good in everyone? Will we ever know?
Love lives through time, and theres no place like home
And I may be all alone….
But I believe what they say
The lyrics of Lalah Hathaway's song "So They Say" are about the common advice we receive from others as we go through life. The song mentions various cliches, for example, "time heals all wounds" and "what goes around comes around." The singer comes across as someone who has heard these sayings before, but is questioning whether they are true. The song is reflective and contemplative, and the lyrics suggest that life is not always as simple as these sayings suggest.
The song brings up the idea that people often do not appreciate what they have until it is gone. This idea is conveyed in the line "we don't know what we have, till it's gone, gone away." It suggests that we need to be more mindful of what we have in our lives and cherish it while we have it. The chorus of the song suggests that the singer believes in the sayings, even though life can be unpredictable and challenging.
The overall message of the song is the importance of thinking critically about the advice we receive from others. While we may be able to take comfort in some of these common sayings, it is important to remember that life is complex, and we need to be open to the possibility that things may not always be as simple as they seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Time heals all wounds, so they say, so they say
It is believed that with the passage of time, all pain and suffering will eventually fade away.
And the suns gunna shine come what may, so they say
Regardless of the obstacles or challenges we may face, it is thought that the sun will continue to shine and bring light and warmth to our lives.
What goes around comes around and silence is the sweetest sound,
People believe that our actions, whether positive or negative, will come back to us eventually, and that sometimes silence can be more comfortable than words.
And April brings the flowers here in May
It is commonly known that springtime brings new life and growth, including the blossoming of flowers.
We don't know what we have, till its gone, gone away
We may not fully appreciate or value something until we no longer have it in our lives.
And tomorrow brings a brand new day, so they say
It is believed that every new day presents a new opportunity to start fresh and make positive changes in our lives.
But what if this is all a dream and things are not the way they seem
Despite what we believe or accept as reality, there is always the possibility that it may not be entirely true or accurate.
What about the things they say
It is important to consider the validity and accuracy of what others say, rather than simply accepting it as truth.
Is there someone for everyone? Do we reap what we sow?
Are there soulmates or perfect matches for everyone? Does our actions determine what we receive in return?
Is there really good in everyone? Will we ever know?
Despite the flaws and imperfections of individuals, is there ultimately good and kindness in every person? And will we ever be able to truly understand or know this?
Love lives through time, and theres no place like home
Love is enduring and can exist throughout many years and experiences, and home is a unique and special place for each individual.
And I may be all alone….
Despite the uncertainty and isolation that may come in life, there is always hope and something to believe in.
But I believe what they say
Although there may be doubts or uncertainties in life, this individual chooses to have faith and trust in the common beliefs or sayings of others.
Contributed by Mason B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.