Say What You Want
Sheryl Crow--諓蝜迵斕僕砅 Lyrics
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I heard you tell me to reload
You got a lot of nerve to talk that way
Someone unplug the microphone
I'm tired of all the fighting
Cynicism and back biting
Can't even hear myself think
So much noise so much chatter
Does the truth even matter
Say, say what you want to (even though you never mean it)
Say, say what you want to (ain't got time to be wasting time)
Say, say what you want to (we had a chance and now we're gonna blow it)
Say, say what you want to (if this is America you'd never know it)
Ignorance is patriotic
Reasons so idiotic
The winds of change just keep on blowing
This is America you never know it
So much noise so much chatter
Does the truth even matter?
Oh, Oh
Say, say what you want to (even though you never mean it)
Say, say what you want to (ain't got time to be wasting time)
Say, say what you want to (we had a chance and now we're gonna blow it)
Say, say what you want to (if this is America you'd never know it)
All you little ones with open hearts
Don't let hatred tear your world apart
And if you wonder who is wrong and who is right
Better go ask God to shine some light
Earthquakes and gihad Jane
Talking heads and hate campaigns
If aliens should land today
Who would be more afraid, us or them?
Say, say what you want to (even though you never mean it)
Say, say what you want to (ain't got time to be wasting time)
(Say it loud yeah)
Say, say what you want to (we had a chance and now we're gonna blow it)
Say, say what you want to (if this is America you'd never know it)
Say, say what you want to (you gotta say it, say)
Say, say what you want to (whatever's on your mind)
Say, say what you want to (give me a microphone baby)
Ssay it loud)
Say, say what you want to (all the things I want to say)
The lyrics of "Say What You Want", by Sheryl Crow, appear to be a commentary on the current state of political and social discourse in America. The song's opening verses seem to specifically address the vitriolic rhetoric of certain politicians and media personalities, calling them out for their lack of civility and levelheadedness. The idea of "pouring the kool-aid and then we drink" suggests a kind of mindless conformity, where people uncritically buy into the opinions of those in power, even when such opinions are rooted in falsehoods or conspiracy theories.
The song goes on to suggest that this kind of atmosphere—a noisy, bombastic, and ultimately untruthful one—has become pervasive in American culture at large. The line "ignorance is patriotic, reasons so idiotic" seems to express a kind of exasperation with the way that even basic facts and logical reasoning have become politicized, and that those who claim to be defenders of American values are often the ones most willing to dissemble and deceive.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw you ranting on TV today
I watched you express your opinions on national television
I heard you tell me to reload
I listened to you tell me to load my weapon
You got a lot of nerve to talk that way
You are very bold to speak in that manner
Someone unplug the microphone
Someone should cut off your source of communication
I'm tired of all the fighting
I am weary of all the conflict
Cynicism and back biting
Pessimism and malicious talk
Can't even hear myself think
I cannot even concentrate on my own thoughts
Your pour the kool-aid and then we drink
You manipulate us and we blindly follow
So much noise so much chatter
There is an overwhelming amount of conversation and commotion
Does the truth even matter
Is the truth even relevant anymore?
Say, say what you want to (even though you never mean it)
Express yourself, even though your words lack sincerity
Say, say what you want to (ain't got time to be wasting time)
Speak your mind, but don't waste any more time
Say, say what you want to (we had a chance and now we're gonna blow it)
We had an opportunity and now we are going to ruin it
Say, say what you want to (if this is America you'd never know it)
In this country, it is hard to tell what is true or what America really is
Ignorance is patriotic
Lack of knowledge is seen as a sign of loyalty to one's country
Reasons so idiotic
The justifications are absurd
The winds of change just keep on blowing
The process of transformation continues
This is America you never know it
This is the United States, but it is unrecognizable
All you little ones with open hearts
All of you children who are innocent and pure
Don't let hatred tear your world apart
Do not allow hate to destroy your world
And if you wonder who is wrong and who is right
If you are unsure of what is right and wrong
Better go ask God to shine some light
It is best to seek divine guidance
Earthquakes and gihad Jane
Natural disasters and extremist individuals
Talking heads and hate campaigns
Television pundits and hateful political propaganda
If aliens should land today
If extraterrestrial life were to arrive on Earth
Who would be more afraid, us or them?
Who would be more fearful, humans or aliens?
Say, say what you want to (you gotta say it, say)
Express yourself, you must say it
Say, say what you want to (whatever's on your mind)
Speak your mind, say whatever you are thinking
Say, say what you want to (give me a microphone baby)
Give me a chance to speak up
Say it loud)
Speak with conviction
Say, say what you want to (all the things I want to say)
Express all of your thoughts
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Reservoir One Music
Written by: DOYLE BRAMHALL II, SHERYL CROW, JUSTIN STANLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind