Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
Say You Say Me
Lionel Richie Lyrics
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Say it for always
That's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
I had a dream, I had an awesome dream
People in the park playing games in the dark
And from behind the walls of doubt
A voice was crying out
Say you, say me
Say it for always
That's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
As we go down life's lonesome highway
Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two
That helping hand
Someone who understands
That when you feel you've lost your way
You've got someone there to say, "I'll show you"
Say you, say me
Say it for always (oh)
That's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
So you think you know the answers? Oh no
Well the whole world's got you dancing
That's right, I'm telling you
Time to start believing, oh yes
Believe in who you are
You are a shining star
Say you, say me
Say it for always
Oh, that's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
Say it together, naturally
The song "Say You Say Me" is a romantic ballad by Lionel Richie that speaks to the importance of friendship and the challenges of finding true companionship in life. The lyrics suggest that in order to really find happiness in personal relationships, people must be willing to open up to one another and communicate honestly about their feelings. The repeated refrain of "Say you, say me" emphasizes the importance of vocalizing one's emotional needs and of having someone who will listen and understand.
The verses of the song describe a dream in which people are playing games in the dark, wearing masks and hiding their true selves. The voice that cries out from behind the walls of doubt represents the fear and insecurity that can keep people from opening up to others. The chorus offers a solution, encouraging people to say what they really mean and to find someone who will do the same. The second verse describes the difficulty of finding such a person on life's "lonesome highway", but asserts that having a friend who understands can make all the difference in the world. The bridge reassures listeners that they are not alone, and that it is possible to believe in oneself and in the possibility of finding lasting love and friendship.
Overall, the lyrics of "Say You Say Me" are a powerful reminder of the importance of honest communication in personal relationships, and of the need to be open and vulnerable in order to truly connect with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Say you, say me
Tell me that you feel the same way as I feel about you
Say it for always
Promise me that you'll always feel this way
That's the way it should be
This is how a perfect relationship should be
Say you, say me
Affirm that you love me
Say it together, naturally
Say it without any hesitation or pretense, with your heart on your sleeve
I had a dream, I had an awesome dream
I dreamt of a world where people could be truthful and genuine with each other
People in the park playing games in the dark
People are often afraid to be themselves, concealing their true selves in the shadows
And what they played was a masquerade
People were pretending to be someone they are not
And from behind the walls of doubt
People were hesitant to reveal their true feelings due to uncertainty and fear
A voice was crying out
Someone was expressing their need for honesty and authenticity
As we go down life's lonesome highway
Life can be a challenging and lonely journey
Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two
It's difficult to find true friends who are there for you through thick and thin
That helping hand
Someone who offers support in times of need
Someone who understands
Someone who empathizes with your struggles and emotions
That when you feel you've lost your way
When you feel lost and uncertain
You've got someone there to say, "I'll show you"
You have a friend who will guide you and offer encouragement
So you think you know the answers? Oh no
Don't be too sure of yourself, there's still much to learn
Well the whole world's got you dancing
The pressures of society can make you feel like you have to meet certain expectations
That's right, I'm telling you
I'm here to tell you that you are amazing just the way you are
Time to start believing, oh yes
It's time to start believing in yourself
Believe in who you are
Embrace your true self and be proud of who you are
You are a shining star
You have a bright future ahead of you and are destined for greatness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lionel Richie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind