Say What You Want
Texas and Wu Tang Lyrics

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Twenty seconds on the back time
I feel you're on the run
Never lived too long to make right
I see you're doing fine

And when I get that feeling
I can no longer slide
I can no longer run, oh, no, no

And when I get that feeling
I can no longer hide
For it's no longer fun, oh, no, no

Yeah, you can say what you want
But it won't change my mind
I feel the same about you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it won't change my feelings
I'll feel the same about you

What I am is what you want of me
Yeah, now that I'm not there
I took the tables away from you
It's turned and I don't care

And when I get that feeling
I can no longer slide
I can no longer run, oh, no, no
And when I get that feeling
I can no longer hide
For it's no longer fun, oh, no, no

Yeah, you can say what you want
But it won't change my mind
I feel the same about you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it won't change my feelings
I'll feel the same about you

Yeah, you can say what you want
But it won't change my mind
I feel the same about you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it won't change my feelings
I'll feel the same about you

I've said goodnight, try to sleep tight
Oh, just dream of me
Go close your eyes, 'cause I've closed mine
The sun will shine from time to time
Oh, when you dream of me

Yeah, you can say what you want
But it won't change my mind
I feel the same about you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it won't change my feelings
I'll feel the same about you

Yeah, you can say what you want
But it won't change my mind
I feel the same about you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it won't change my feelings
I'll feel the same about you

Yeah, you can say what you want
But it won't change my mind
I feel the same about you
And you can tell me your reasons

But it won't change my feelings
I'll feel the same about you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Texas and Wu Tang's "Say What You Want" begin with the line "twenty seconds on the back time," indicating a moment of reflection about a past relationship. The singer feels that the other person is running away from their mistakes and has never taken responsibility for their actions. Despite this, the singer acknowledges that the other person seems to be doing well. However, they are no longer able to ignore their own feelings and can no longer run or hide from them.

The chorus of the song is a defiance to the other person's attempts to change the singer's mind. The singer declares that they feel the same way about the person regardless of what the person says or does. The line "what I am is what you want of me" suggests that the other person only wanted the singer for what they could provide, and since they are no longer there, the power dynamic has shifted. The singer no longer cares about the other person's opinion and has closed their eyes to the situation.

The song ends with the singer telling the other person to dream of them and acknowledging that they will continue to feel the same about them despite anything they say or do.

Line by Line Meaning

Twenty seconds on the back time
Reflecting on past memories, realizing how quickly time has passed

I feel you're on the run
I sense that you're avoiding confrontation or responsibility

Never lived too long to make right
It's not too late to fix the mistakes of the past

I see you're doing fine
It appears that you're doing well despite any issues from the past

And when I get that feeling, I can no longer slide
I can no longer avoid the situation or confrontation

I can no longer run, oh, no, no
I can't escape the situation or responsibility anymore

And when I get that feeling, I can no longer hide
I can no longer keep my true feelings or intentions concealed

For it's no longer fun, oh, no, no
Avoiding responsibility or confrontation is no longer enjoyable

Yeah, you can say what you want
You're free to speak your mind

But it won't change my mind
Your words won't change my thoughts or feelings

I feel the same about you
My feelings towards you remain unchanged

And you can tell me your reasons
You can explain your thoughts or actions to me

But it won't change my feelings
Your explanation won't alter my emotions or opinion

I'll feel the same about you
My feelings towards you will remain the same

What I am is what you want of me
You want me to be a certain way, but I am who I am

Yeah, now that I'm not there
Now that I've left, things have changed

I took the tables away from you
I've turned the situation around, the power dynamic has shifted

It's turned and I don't care
The situation has changed and I'm indifferent towards it

I've said goodnight, try to sleep tight
Saying goodbye, hoping for a peaceful rest

Oh, just dream of me
I want to be remembered or thought of in dreams

Go close your eyes, 'cause I've closed mine
I've closed my eyes, and it's your turn to rest

The sun will shine from time to time
The future is bright and there will be moments of happiness

Oh, when you dream of me
When you think of me in your dreams