After graduating from UCLA in 2002, Bareilles performed at local bars and clubs. She issued two demos of mostly live tracks in 2003: The First One in April and The Summer Sessions in October.
In January 2004, Bareilles released her first studio album, Careful Confessions. She signed a contract with Epic Records' A&R executive Pete Giberga on April 15, 2005. The remainder of the year and early 2006 was spent writing and reworking songs for her upcoming album.
Her debut major-label album Little Voice came out on July 17, 2007.
Say You
Sara Bareilles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
Circus of silence down at our feet
Paper cut tigers starting to bleed
Hang from your tightrope above the mess
Just say you're sorry, no more, no less
Show will be over soon
It's not the curtain closing causing us to call it a day
I wanna walk away too
But I want you to say you are sorry
I'm not the one who went and made a mistake
I wanna walk away too
But I want you to say you are sorry
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
I used to believe that the storybook's true
Now I don't need it at least not with you
So if you see him, the man 'neath the mask
Tell him I'm leaving and not looking back
Words are no use (words are no use)
You don't need them like (you don't need them like) I do
Show will be over soon
It's not the curtain closing causing us to call it a day
I want to walk away too
But I wanna to say you are sorry
I'm not the one who went and made a mistake
I wanna walk away too
But I want you to say you are sorry
I want the one word that you refuse to say to me
You're so good at giving me responsibility
I wash my hands clean and let you watch me as I go
And I'm sorry for you, just so you know
It's not the curtain closing causing us to call it a day
I wanna walk away too
But I want you to say you are sorry
I'm not the one who went and made a mistake
I wanna walk away too
But I want you to say you are sorry
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
(Say you're sorry)
The lyrics to Sara Bareilles's song Say You're Sorry depict a strained relationship that has reached a breaking point. The first verse begins with "Circus of silence down at our feet," indicating that the relationship is tense and uncomfortable, with unsaid issues lingering between the individuals involved. The next line, "Paper cut tigers starting to bleed," paints a vivid picture of small problems that have been ignored for too long and are now manifesting as larger, more painful issues. The chorus, with the repeated plea to "Say you're sorry," speaks to the need for the other person to take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge the pain they have caused. The second verse continues with the sentiment that words are not enough to fix the problems in the relationship and that actions, specifically the act of saying sorry, would go a long way towards healing the hurt that has been caused.
The bridge section provides a different perspective on the strained relationship. The singer expresses her desire to leave the relationship but wants the other person to take responsibility first and say sorry. She also acknowledges that the other person has been quick to give her responsibility in the past and wants to wash her hands clean and move on. In the final chorus, the repeated plea to "Say you're sorry" takes on a more desperate tone, with the implication that without an apology, the relationship cannot be salvaged.
Overall, the song is a powerful and emotional call for accountability and healing in a relationship that has been strained by past mistakes and ignored issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you please
Please just say you're sorry
(Say you're sorry)
Please say you're sorry
(Say you're sorry)
Please say you're sorry
(Say you're sorry)
Please say you're sorry
Circus of silence down at our feet
We're both avoiding the issue, staying silent
Paper cut tigers starting to bleed
Small issues are starting to become big problems
Hang from your tightrope above the mess
You're staying distant from the issues at hand
Just say you're sorry, no more, no less
All that's needed is a simple apology
Words you won't use, you don't feel them like I do, I do (don't feel them like I do)
You're not willing to express remorse in words like I am
Show will be over soon
We can't keep avoiding the issue, it needs to be resolved
It's not the curtain closing causing us to call it a day
Our issues won't just disappear without resolution
I wanna walk away too
I'm also considering ending things
But I want you to say you are sorry
But I need to hear an apology first
I'm not the one who went and made a mistake
I'm not solely to blame for our issues
I used to believe that the storybook's true
I used to believe in happy endings, but not anymore
Now I don't need it at least not with you
I don't rely on fairy tales with you in my life
So if you see him, the man 'neath the mask
If you see the true version of yourself
Tell him I'm leaving and not looking back
Tell him I'm leaving this relationship for good
Words are no use (words are no use)
Words alone won't solve our problems
You don't need them like (you don't need them like) I do
You're not as willing to use words to resolve the situation
Show will be over soon
We must resolve our issues
I want the one word that you refuse to say to me
I want to hear the elusive apology
You're so good at giving me responsibility
You're quick to put the blame on me
I wash my hands clean and let you watch me as I go
I'm taking responsibility and leaving you behind
And I'm sorry for you, just so you know
I feel sorry for your inability to resolve our issues
It's not the curtain closing causing us to call it a day
Our problems won't go away without resolution
I wanna walk away too
I'm also considering ending things
But I want you to say you are sorry
But I need to hear an apology first
I'm not the one who went and made a mistake
I'm not solely to blame for our issues
(Say you're sorry)
Please say you're sorry
(Say you're sorry)
Please say you're sorry
(Say you're sorry)
Please say you're sorry
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SARA BAREILLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PlaybyRaine
I feel like Sara Bareilles is the musician successful artists listen to when theyre looking for inspiration. Brave inspired so many songs and this one reminds me of a very popular song now
@mariebuck2891
Just discovered this artist. Great music, lyrics and melody.
@emmgrl4444
I love this song, it's so catchy!
@snsk83
bought sara's album last sun, wow, i listen to this cd every morning while i drive to work. what a way start my day!
@rebukey
This song is so catchy! I love it!
@juliamcabee7956
Love this song heard it at work today :)
@5678Olive
This song has been stuck in my head for like two weeks!!! I'm glad i finally remembered what it was called...sheesh....
@trixtrixandthenews
this song is literally me rn, can he PLEASE just tell me sorry
@sonydomaica5557
She's great!
@nathandavidpearson
such a good song