They Say
The Artie Shaw Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say you just believe in hello and goodbye
And they say that the one I admire isn't even remotely concerned
And that I'll go on playing with fire
Until I have learnt, my heart has been burned
They say I shouldn't dream of your face in the gloom
They say that all my dreams will be nightmares too soon
If it makes them feel happy that way
I know I'll always love you, no matter what they say
The Artie Shaw Orchestra's song "They Say" is a love song about a person who is being discouraged from pursuing a romantic relationship with someone. The lyrics suggest that others see the potential lover as naive and easily deceived, while the person they love does not seem to have any interest in them.
The first verse starts with others telling the singer that the person they love is not interested in them, and they believe that the singer is foolish for pursuing them. The second line explains that the potential lover only values greetings and farewells, suggesting that they do not have a deep emotional connection. The third line states that the singer's love interest is not concerned about them, further emphasizing that they are unlikely to receive love in return. The last line of the verse indicates that the singer will continue to pursue the potential lover despite knowing that their heart will be broken.
The second verse begins with the singer dreaming about their love interest in the dark. However, others tell them that these dreams will only lead to nightmares. The chorus of the song is a defiant statement that the singer will love their intended no matter what others say.
Overall, "They Say" is a song about following one's heart despite what others may think, and the bravery it takes to pursue what you desire.
Line by Line Meaning
They say you have no lips for a fool such as I
According to them, I am a fool who cannot see that you don't have feelings for me.
They say you just believe in hello and goodbye
They think that you have no real emotional attachment to anyone, and consider people just as casual acquaintances.
And they say that the one I admire isn't even remotely concerned
They suggest that you don't care about me, and that my feelings for you are pointless.
And that I'll go on playing with fire
They warn me that I am taking a huge risk by putting myself out there romantically.
Until I have learnt, my heart has been burned
Until I experience the pain of rejection, I won't realize the folly of pursuing love under these circumstances.
They say I shouldn't dream of your face in the gloom
They discourage me from fantasizing about you, given my dire prospects of ever winning your love.
They say that all my dreams will be nightmares too soon
If I continue clinging onto hope, I will eventually find out that the object of my affection was a mere illusion, and that reality will hit me hard.
Let them talk, let them say what they want to
I am not going to let their opinions influence me, nor will I stop loving you based on claims that are not grounded in facts.
If it makes them feel happy that way
If they find pleasure in trying to sabotage my happiness, that's their prerogative but it won't affect my feelings towards you.
I know I'll always love you, no matter what they say
Regardless of how negative the people around me are about my love for you, it's deep-rooted and unconditional, and nothing can sway it.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Heyman, Paul Mann, Stephan Weiss
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@plant3616
Lyrics:
They say
You have no lips for a fool, such as I.
They say
You just believe in hello and goodbye.
And they say that the one I admire
Isn't even remotely concerned,
And that I'll go on playing with fire
Until I have learned
My heart has been burned.
They say
I shouldn't dream of your face in the moon.
They say
All of my dreams will be nightmares, too soon.
Let them talk. Let them say what they want to
If it makes them feel happy that way.
I know I'll always love you
No matter what they say.
@plant3616
Lyrics:
They say
You have no lips for a fool, such as I.
They say
You just believe in hello and goodbye.
And they say that the one I admire
Isn't even remotely concerned,
And that I'll go on playing with fire
Until I have learned
My heart has been burned.
They say
I shouldn't dream of your face in the moon.
They say
All of my dreams will be nightmares, too soon.
Let them talk. Let them say what they want to
If it makes them feel happy that way.
I know I'll always love you
No matter what they say.
@jameywelch5584
Absolutely love this tune and Artie’s clarinet on it. Helen just adds so much to it as well
@scotnick59
Ella Fitzgerald once told Helen that she was her favorite singer; Helen returned the compliment & said "let's keep it a secret between us"
@jeremylefevre2451
Currently my favorite artie shaw and Helen forest song
@scotnick59
It was one of her biggest hits with Artie
@scotnick59
One of the biggest hits Helen had with Artie
@stevejauncey3086
Helen was Vera Lynn's favourite singer.
@scotnick59
Was actually heard in the background of the Bette Davis weepie DARK VICTORY
@eleanormartinez8274
Also in "Daughters Courageous", which was made the same year as "Dark Victory".
@Trombonology
Even on a torch song, Artie was never going to give Helen a break from strict dance tempo -- undeterred, Ms Forrest delivers a reading of great sincerity. A good arrangement, with the beautiful Shaw reeds.