The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Say something, I'm giving up on you
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
And I will stumble and fall
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 have followed you, oh-oh
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something
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
And I will stumble and fall
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 have followed you, oh-oh
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something
Lyrics submitted by ColdIvory, edited by squidwyatt, Awsomeniss9595, LornaRadke, Sparkie69, LadyZama
Say Something Lyrics as written by Ian Axel Chad Vaccarino
Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, Anthem Entertainment, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
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I think of this song meaning in 2 different ways.
The first one could be a friend/family member who is about to pass away. You've done everything you can to keep them here, with you, and it's just gotten worse. You've lost all hope. It's been so long and such a hard battle, your starting to "give up" on them. You're to the point where you are begging them to "say something", to give them a sign that they are still here, and with you... even though you know they aren't.
Another way, could be about love. You are trying harder than you should in a relationship, and you aren't sure if you even want this. You don't have a sign wether you should actually try or just give up. You wan't them to "say something" to know if it will work out or not. You feel obligated to stay because you've tried so long and hard to fit their needs, and they just aren't satisfied (I'm sorry I couldn't get to you".
I think it is about both of what you say because if you watch the offical music video of it, it has people that are in love and then also has people who are dying. <br />
I agree. This song is so emotional. :'(
I agree here!
@avaegrtsn I agree with both of these. In the video for this song, there is a moment where a man is holding the lady's hand whilst she is lying on a bed and he starts tearing up afterwards so this is the top one, and the bottom one, one of the members said that he wrote this whilst he was going through a hard time with a relationship I think. If you watch the video for this song, you will see how your first interpretation relates to the song :)
@avaegrtsn Very succinct and totally right. But with the intensity of the emotions you're describing it just feels a little too analytical, what's your personal interpretation? What images, moments, stories (real or fictional) does it bring up or connote for you?