The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
Something
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be the one if you want me to
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I... am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I... will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
And anywhere I would've followed you (Oh-Ooh)
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something...
The lyrics of Various Artists' song "Say Something" convey the feelings of a person who is giving up on someone they deeply care for. The singer of the song has been trying to get to the person they love but couldn't get through, and now they have decided to give up. The repeated phrase, "Say something," is a plea for the person to respond, to express any kind of emotion, but as they remain unresponsive, the singer eventually surrenders.
The beginning lines, "Say something, I'm giving up on you, I'll be the one if you want me to," reflect the willingness of the singer to do anything for the person they love. The lyrics illustrate the idea of being in love with someone who is distant and unresponsive, and the pain it brings.
The lyrics of the second paragraph, "And I... am feeling so small, it was over my head, I know nothing at all," conjugate the overwhelming emotions and fear of the singer. They are fearful of being inadequate in their affections, overshadowed by the weight that the other person had on the relationship. The last lines, "I'm still learning to love, just starting to crawl," confirm that the singer is still growing in their love, yet the other person already gave up.
The theme of heartbreak flows throughout the song, with lyrics such as "I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you, and I'm saying goodbye." The song's lyrics have struck an emotional chord with many listeners, as it touches on universal themes of love, loss, and pain.
Line by Line Meaning
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I've tried my best, but I need you to speak up or else I'm moving on from this situation.
I'll be the one if you want me to
I'll support you in any way you need, just let me know how to help.
Anywhere I would've followed you
I'm willing to go anywhere and do anything with you, no matter what.
And I... am feeling so small
I'm overwhelmed and insignificant in comparison to the problem at hand.
It was over my head
I didn't fully understand or comprehend the situation, making it difficult for me to help or contribute.
I know nothing at all
I'm lost and clueless, unable to offer any meaningful input or support.
And I... will stumble and fall
I know I'm not perfect and may make mistakes, but I'm still growing and trying to improve as a person.
I'm still learning to love
I'm still figuring out how to navigate relationships and how to show love and support to others.
Just starting to crawl
I'm still at the beginning stages of this process and have a lot to learn and a long way to go.
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
I genuinely regret not being able to help or make a difference in this situation.
And I... will swallow my pride
I'm willing to put my own ego and desires aside to do what's best for the situation and for you.
You're the one that I love
My feelings for you are genuine and strong, and I care deeply about you.
And I'm saying goodbye
If nothing changes or improves, I'll have to move on and let go of this situation.
Say something...
I'm still here and willing to listen and help, but I need you to speak up and communicate with me.
Contributed by Victoria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.