In 2017, Zaragoza independently released her debut album Fight For You.
Her second album, Woman In Color (produced by Tucker Martine), was released October 23, 2020 on her own label Rebel River Records and made year-end lists from NPR Music and PopMatters.
They Say
Raye Zaragoza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The wise and the old with a college degree
A forty dollar ticket and a fifteen dollar drink
They say that folk music's for the elite
They say we′re living an American Dream
And if you work hard you will make money
If they say that folk music's for the elite
They say that healthcare will never come cheap
But you′ll do just fine if you stay healthy
If you can′t make rent then just get another job
They say that happiness is for those who work hard
They say that love well that's one thing that′s free
Let's fall in love and not buy anything
I′ll build you a house we can sit in the dark
They say that happiness is for those who work hard
If they say that folk music's for the elite
Well then who′s gonna sing for me
Who's gonna sing for me?
In Raye Zaragoza's song "They Say", she addresses the common societal messages and expectations that are thrown at us. The song starts with the line "They say that folk music's for the elite, the wise and the old with a college degree," which touches on the misconception that folk music is reserved for a certain type of listener. The next verse talks about the "American Dream" and the idea that if you work hard, success and wealth will come. But, if folk music is truly only for the elite, then who is left to represent the everyday person who may not have those opportunities?
The chorus repeats the line "If they say that folk music's for the elite, well then who's gonna sing for me?" and in the next verse, Zaragoza delves into the challenges of healthcare and financial stability. The message here is that even if society tells us we need to have money for everything, love is one thing that is free. She weaves in the idea of creating a home with someone and finding happiness in the small moments.
Overall, "They Say" is a commentary on the societal expectations and messages that we receive, often from those in power. Zaragoza challenges those messages, reminding us that there is more to life than wealth and status, and that folk music, like any art form, should be accessible to all.
Line by Line Meaning
They Say That Folk Music's For the Elite
According to some, Folk music is only for wealthy, educated people.
The wise and the old with a college degree
They believe that only wise, elderly people with a college degree can appreciate such music.
A forty dollar ticket and a fifteen dollar drink
They think that enjoying Folk music requires buying an expensive ticket and overpriced drinks.
They say we're living an American Dream
Some say that we can achieve material success through hard work.
And if you work hard you will make money
They believe that working hard will lead to financial gain.
If they say that folk music's for the elite
If some people label Folk music as exclusive,
Well then who's gonna sing for me
who will represent and speak for those that don't fit into their narrow definition of the music's audience?
They say that healthcare will never come cheap
According to some, healthcare is always going to be expensive.
But you'll do just fine if you stay healthy
They think that as long as you maintain good health, you won't need to worry about the cost of healthcare.
If you can't make rent then just get another job
They believe that people who can't afford rent should just find another source of income.
They say that happiness is for those who work hard
Some people believe that only those who work hard will find true happiness.
They say that love well that's one thing that's free
Some people say that love is one thing that doesn't require money.
Let's fall in love and not buy anything
Let's build a relationship based on pure emotion and connection, rather than material possessions.
I'll build you a house we can sit in the dark
We can create a simple, comfortable living space where we can enjoy each other's company without relying on electricity.
If they say that happiness is for those who work hard
If some people believe that only those who work hard will find true happiness,
Well then who's gonna sing for me
who will represent and speak for those that don't fit into their narrow definition of happiness?
Who's gonna sing for me?
Who will be my voice and advocate when society tries to box me into preconceived notions of success and happiness?
Writer(s): Raye Zaragoza
Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
rawdawg
Your music makes me smile! I hope everyone who hears you smiles too! Your music is inspiring, makes me feel hope, n that's just what everyone needs..
916kat
Outstanding song, dramatic video and a promise of what's to come. Thank you for giving us a much needed release from the heartbreak of 2020. Please keep making magical music. #nativewoman_magic
Raye Zaragoza
Thank you so much!!
Gorillaz Gurl
Your lyrics are so witty and good! I loved it all. You got a new fan 😍
Raye Zaragoza
Thank you so much Anah! Can't wait for you to hear the new record when it's out 10/23!!
Elias
the music is so calming! love it!
Latin Alt 88.5 HD3
SOOOOOOOO Goood. Always some great lyrics!
Raye Zaragoza
Thank you!!!!
TheBigJD100
Love this song! Truth and powerful message.....and this is an amazing video. Thank you for your inspirational songs and messages in your music!
Raye Zaragoza
<3 You're the best Josh!