Formed in Miami, Florida by Matt Kramer (vocals), Jason Bieler (guitar), Tom DeFile (bass) and Phil Varone (drums), the band managed to build up a solid following in their native Florida and eventually got signed to Atlantic records. It took a mere eleven days to record the debut album, and although it got rave reviews from critics, went mostly unnoticed by the record buying public.
The band hit it big with The Lizard and its #12 charting ballad "Love Is On The Way". The success of the ballad was a double-edged sword, it gave the band access to a huge new fan base, but several people grouped the band in with the other one hit wonders of the era. Shortly after the band's success DeFile left the band and was replaced by Chris McLernon. Prior to the recording of Water, Kramer also left the band and Bieler took over on vocals. The album was a commercial disappointment in America, but the band continued to have a loyal following overseas. Two more studio albums were recorded before the band decided to call it a day.
Bieler went on to form Super Transatlantic, and surprisingly the original Saigon Kick minus Bieler rejoined with Jeff Blando on guitar for some live shows. Varone also surfaced as the drummer for Skid Row during their 2003 comeback while Kramer pursues a solo career. The group continues to tour sporadically to this very day.
What You Say
Saigon Kick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To far and distant places
And if you ask of me
I'll tell you all the stories of life
And when you get there
You seek solace in their faces
No longer searching for
What you say and what you do
Is a contradiction to the
Life that's safe and sound
(Safe and sound)
What you say and what you do
Is a contradiction to the
Life that's safe and sound
(Safe and sound)
I dreamt the blue skies
Came crumbling down to pieces
It's like the world is simply
Closing in and holding me down
I've seen the pain, the hate
And death without a reason
I've walked between line of reality
And earthly escape
What you say and what you do
Is a contradiction to the
Life that's safe and sound
(Safe and sound)
What you say and what you do
Is a contradiction to the
Life that's safe and sound
(Safe and sound)
Let's say you take the pain
To far and distant places
And if you ask of me
I'll tell you all the stories of life
And when you get there
You seek solace in their faces
No longer searching for
The light within the tower of love
What you say and what you do
Is a contradiction to the
Life that's safe and sound
(Safe and sound)
What you say and what you do
Is a contradiction to the
Life that's safe and sound
(Safe and sound)
What you say and what you do
(What you say and what you do)
What you say and what you do
(What you say and what you do)
What you say and what you do
(What you say and what you do)
What you say and what you do
(What you say, what you say)
What you say and what you do
(What you say and what you do)
The lyrics of "What You Say" by Saigon Kick describe the inner turmoil of a person who has experienced pain, suffering, and disillusionment. The first stanza suggests that the person has traveled to far-off places in search of some sort of escape from their troubles. They have seen and experienced things that have changed them, and now they are telling their stories to anyone who will listen. The second stanza continues this theme and suggests that the person has seen the negative aspects of life, such as hate, death, and the feeling of being trapped.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that the person's words and actions are not in line with the concept of leading a safe and secure life. The repetition of the phrase "what you say and what you do" speaks to the theme of contradiction and the notion that the person is struggling to reconcile the experiences they have gone through with the life they are leading.
The song's last stanza repeats the opening lines, emphasizing the idea of escape and seeking solace in the faces of others. The repetition of the chorus once again underscores the tension and conflict that the person is experiencing between what they say and do and living a safe and sound life.
Overall, this song is a poignant reflection on the struggles we face when trying to reconcile our own experiences and desires with the expectations of the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's say you take the pain
Suppose you endure the suffering
To far and distant places
To places that are very far away
And if you ask of me
And if you inquire of me
I'll tell you all the stories of life
I will narrate all the experiences of life
And when you get there
And when you arrive there
You seek solace in their faces
You search for comfort in their expressions
No longer searching for
No more seeking
The light within the tower of love
The brightness in the fortress of affection
What you say and what you do
Your words and actions
Is a contradiction to the
Are in opposition to
Life that's safe and sound
The secure and stable life
(Safe and sound)
(Protected and unharmed)
I dreamt the blue skies
I dreamt of the azure heavens
Came crumbling down to pieces
Crumbled into pieces
It's like the world is simply
It seems like the world is only
Closing in and holding me down
Constricting me and weighing me down
I've seen the pain, the hate
I've witnessed the suffering, the animosity
And death without a reason
And death without justification
I've walked between line of reality
I've crossed the boundary of reality
And earthly escape
And physical getaway
(What you say and what you do)
(Your words and actions)
(What you say, what you say)
(What you say)
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JASON L. BIELER, MATTHEW A. KRAMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeremypleso676
The song that started it all off. This was the first song that hit the airwaves in Tampa, Florida. They became one of my favorite bands ever since.
@rosalievaldes5647
Jeremy Pleso I remember 98 rock blasting this pretty much all summer.
@zx2781
No shit...I was just thinking about listening to YNF when I first heard it and then read your post.
@christophercrowley9067
They are definitely still one of my favorite bands.
@robhealy7838
Underrated band loved them from the start
@kevinsibert3160
Pretty cool seeing the handful of you who remember and still enjoy some of the past's more obscure music. I remember hearing this on ZRock in 1991 waiting for any news about the new Metallica album. We could have never imagined then what that album would become. Anyway, this band really stuck out as a great one when the "hair band" era was on it's way out.
@DAaronSmith
Great song. Great band. Love the vocal harmonies. Lyrical content. This song set them apart.
@sharonchamberland7090
The heavier side of Saigon Kick most people never hear! Awesome time! Love old school rocking music like this that's both rocking and melodic. It's like a cross between Extreme and Janes Addiction!
@sharonchamberland7090
I mean awesome tune, but awesome time for music, too. Love all the passion all these bands had!
@goldentwinkletoes
Love this song still to this day!!!