Crafting thoughtful electronic pop along the lines of Imogen Heap and Feist… Read Full Bio ↴Crafting thoughtful electronic pop along the lines of Imogen Heap and Feist, English singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Olivia Broadfield wrote and recorded songs in her "rock & roll bungalow" home studio.

In 2007, she signed with music publisher pigFACTORY and worked with producer Josh Crocker to polish her songs into her debut album, Eyes Wide Open, which arrived later that year. Her music appeared on TV shows such as The Hills and The Real World, and the video for her song "Indescribable" was featured on the 2009 Grammys. Around that time, Broadfield got a record deal in the States when Vagrant Records signed her; she became the punk-dominated label's first female artist. The imprint reissued a remixed and remastered version of Eyes Wide Open in summer 2009.

Say
Olivia Broadfield Lyrics

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Oceans apart, it keeps on breaking my heart
And there's nothing I can do about it
This ache inside it keeps on breaking my stride

And I just want to keep you safe (x3)
In my arms tonight

Right from the start I knew you'd capture my heart
There was nothing I could do about it
Don't go so far, I like you right where you are

And I just want to keep you safe (x3)
In my arms tonight

Repeat chorus

Overall Meaning

Olivia Broadfield's "Say" is a heartfelt song about a long-distance relationship and the painful longing that comes with it. When Olivia sings "Oceans apart, it keeps on breaking my heart, And there's nothing I can do about it," she is expressing the frustration of being unable to be physically close to the person she loves. The distance causes an ache inside her that "keeps on breaking my stride." Olivia desires to be able to protect and comfort her loved one, expressed in the repeated lyrics "And I just want to keep you safe (x3) In my arms tonight." She reminisces on how she fell in love, knowing that they were destined to be together, but now she has to accept that they are separated by distance. Despite the difficulty, Olivia seems determined to hold onto the love she has for her partner.

Overall, "Say" highlights the challenges and the emotional turbulence that come with a long-distance relationship. It captures the desire to keep your loved one close and encapsulates everything you feel knowing that distance will keep you apart. For those in similar situations, the song will likely resonate deeply.

Line by Line Meaning

Oceans apart, it keeps on breaking my heart
Despite the distance between us, the situation is causing me significant emotional pain.

And there's nothing I can do about it
I feel powerless to change or improve the situation.

This ache inside it keeps on breaking my stride
The turmoil inside me makes it difficult for me to move forward.

And I just want to keep you safe (x3)
My primary concern is your safety and well-being.

In my arms tonight
I feel most at peace and content when I am holding you.

Right from the start I knew you'd capture my heart
From the beginning, I felt a deep connection to you that has only grown stronger over time.

There was nothing I could do about it
My feelings for you were out of my control and grew naturally.

Don't go so far, I like you right where you are
I want you to stay close to me because I am happy and comfortable with where we are now.

And I just want to keep you safe (x3)
Above all else, my top priority is ensuring your safety and well-being.

In my arms tonight
I feel most at peace and content when I am holding you.

Writer(s): Olivia Broadfield Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Uk) Limited

Contributed by Lucas V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.