Certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, the song was promoted with a music video directed by Bob Giraldi. The video, filmed in Santa Ynez Valley, California, featured cameo appearances by Linda McCartney, and La Toya Jackson. The short film centered around two con artists, "Mac and Jack", and introduced dialogue and storylines to music videos. Upon its release, the video was considered too violent by the National Coalition on Television Violence. "Say Say Say" was covered by the Dutch music group Hi-Tack in early 2006. They took the song to number four on the UK singles chart.
Recording
Prior to the release of "Say Say Say", McCartney had collaborated with Jackson on "The Girl Is Mine", for Jackson's Thriller album. In return, Jackson agreed to include "Say Say Say" on McCartney's Pipes of Peace.[1] The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios from May to September 1981. During this time, McCartney was also recording Tug of War, his first solo album since splitting from Wings.[2] Jackson stayed at the home of McCartney and his wife Linda during the recording sessions, becoming friendly with both. One evening whilst at the dining table, McCartney brought out a booklet displaying all the songs to which he owned the publishing rights. "This is the way to make big money", the musician told Jackson. "Every time someone records one of these songs, I get paid. Every time someone plays these songs on the radio, or in live performances, I get paid". McCartney's words later influenced Jackson's purchase of the Northern Songs song catalogue in 1985.[3] The recording of "Say Say Say" was completed in February 1983. George Martin, who had worked with The Beatles, produced "Say Say Say". He said of Jackson, "He actually does radiate an aura when he comes into the studio, there's no question about it. He's not a musician in the sense that Paul is...but he does know what he wants in music and he has very firm ideas".[2] Upon Jackson's death in June 2009, McCartney commented on his time working with the singer. "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."[4]
Say Say Say
Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me tell you all about the Michael Jackson wonder potion
It's guaranteed to give you unbelievable power
Say, say, say what you want but don't play games with my affection
Take, take, take what you need but don't leave me with no direction
All alone I sit home by the phone waiting for you baby (baby)
Through the years how can you stand to hear my pleading for you dear?
Yeah
Now go, go, go where you want but don't leave me here forever
You, you, you stay away so long, girl, I see you never
What can I do, girl, to get through to you
'Cause I love you baby (baby)
Standing here baptized in all my tears, baby through the years
You know I'm crying, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, hee, hee, hee
What you say, say, say, what you say, say, say
You never ever worry and you never shed a tear
You're saying that my love ain't real
Just look at my face, these tears ain't drying
You, you, you can never say that I'm not the one who really loves you
I pray, pray, pray every day that you'll see things, girl, like I do
What can I do, girl, to get through to you
'Cause I love you (love you) baby (baby)
Standing here baptized in all my tears, baby through the years
You know I'm crying, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Say, say, say
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say (fire, fire)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say
You never ever worry and you never shed a tear
You're saying that my love ain't real
Just look at my face, these tears ain't drying
You, you, you can never say that I'm not the one who really loves you
I pray, pray, pray every day that you'll see things, girl, like I do
The lyrics of "Say Say Say" by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney convey a story of unrequited love. The singer longs for someone who doesn't reciprocate their love, and they can't understand why. The chorus warns this person not to toy with their emotions, as they're tired of being left directionless and alone as they wait for their love interest to come around. Despite pleading and tears, the singer can't seem to get through to the other person.
The verses of the song emphasize the desperation of the singer, who feels like they're drowning in their sadness. They beg the other person to stay or to come back, declaring their love and authenticity. The bridge of the song speaks to the frustration of being accused of insincerity when the singer is pouring their heart out, and begs the other person to recognize the depth of their love.
Overall, "Say Say Say" is a classic love song that speaks to the heartache and confusion of unrequited feelings. It emphasizes the power of love to inspire hope and devotion, even when it goes unreturned.
Line by Line Meaning
Step right up, step right up, come on gentleman, gather around
Come and listen gentlemen, I have something amazing to tell you
Let me tell you all about the Michael Jackson wonder potion
I want to introduce you to Michael Jackson's amazing invention
It's guaranteed to give you unbelievable power
This invention will give you incredible strength and ability
Say, say, say what you want but don't play games with my affection
Speak your mind, but don't toy with my emotions
Take, take, take what you need but don't leave me with no direction
Take what you require, but don't leave me lost and without a path
All alone I sit home by the phone waiting for you baby (baby)
I spend my days waiting for you to call and be with me
Through the years how can you stand to hear my pleading for you dear?
I wonder how you can tolerate hearing me beg for your love all these years
You know I'm crying, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
You know that I am always crying for you
Now go, go, go where you want but don't leave me here forever
Go wherever you like, but don't abandon me forever
You, you, you stay away so long, girl, I see you never
You are always gone for so long, I fear I'll never see you again
What can I do, girl, to get through to you
How can I reach you and make you understand my love?
'Cause I love you baby (baby)
Because I truly love you, my darling
Standing here baptized in all my tears, baby through the years
I am standing here drenched in tears, year after year
You never ever worry and you never shed a tear
You never seem to worry or show any sadness
You're saying that my love ain't real
You accuse me of not truly loving you
Just look at my face, these tears ain't drying
Just look at my face, I have been crying non-stop
I pray, pray, pray every day that you'll see things, girl, like I do
I hope and pray that one day you will understand my point of view
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say (fire, fire)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, say, say, say
You, you, you can never say that I'm not the one who really loves you
You can never deny that I am the one who truly loves you
What you say, say, say, what you say, say, say
What do you have to say?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michael Joseph Jackson, Paul James McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind