Say My Name
Odesza Lyrics

I wanna go so what'd you say
The singer is eager to leave, so they ask their companion what they think.

When you gonna let me know
The singer is waiting for a response or an answer from their companion.

If you give a damn about me
The singer is unsure if their companion cares about them, and they would like some reassurance.

'Cause you got my hands tied
The artist feels trapped or powerless, as if their companion has control over them.

In my defense I always fall for confidence
The artist explains that they are naturally attracted to people who exude self-assurance and boldness.

And your compliments look good on me
The singer enjoys the praise and admiration of their companion, and they find it validating.

'Cause nobody knows it better
The person in the most pain or isolation often understands the situation best.

Than the girl in the corner with the scarlet letter
The artist is referencing Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter', where the main character is ostracized and punished for her sins. The girl in the corner is an outsider who understands what it's like to be judged and condemned.

And while you're watching
The artist seems to be talking to their companion but could also be addressed to the general public. They imply they are performing, but nobody truly knows what's going on behind the scenes.

You may think that she doesn't matter
The artist knows they may be dismissed or overlooked because of their outsider status.

But no one knows you better, oh yeah
The singer challenges their companion, implying that they don't understand them as well as they think they do. They may have an outside perspective as an observer, but they don't know what it's like to be in their shoes.

I need a sign or a signal
The artist is unsure about their situation and is looking for some sort of guidance or validation.

I've overthought everything I can think of into symbol
The singer is overanalyzing their situation and interpreting everything as a sign or hint, when it may not be.

I need the coat and your jacket
The singer wants to feel close or connected to their companion and finds comfort in their belongings.

And the remnants of your cigarette packet
The singer seeks a tangible reminder of their companion and their time together.

I wanna dance, I wanna dance with you
The artist wants to engage with their companion and share an experience with them.

So take a chance, take a chance, oh yeah
The artist is urging their companion to take a risk or step out of their comfort zone.

I wanna dance, I wanna dance, I wanna dance with you
The singer is emphasizing their desire to connect with their companion through movement and music.

I wanna dance, I wanna dance, oh yeah
The singer is continuing to express their enthusiasm for dancing with their companion.