Lyric discussion by librarygirl 

Cover art for Say Something lyrics by A Great Big World

I know songs can be interpreted differently according to the listener's perspective, but this song just speaks to me in a way that is profound.

It's like they crawled inside my head and my heart and wrote down everything I am feeling. After being married to a man struggling with addiction and depression and trying everything I can to help I am ready to walk out the door. It kills me that I can't help him, that he refuses help, refuses me and my love. I can't try like this anymore, I can't make this better for him, or for me. I am giving up on him, but if he just said one thing to give me hope I'd stay. I feel like this is exactly what is going on in this song. I love this man so much, but it's time to walk away.

My Interpretation

I'm so sorry to hear that as I know exactly how heartbreaking this is for you , I'm going through the same thing. The guilt I feel for stopping to help him and the guilt I feel for not following my heart is immense. But the way I make my peace is by accepting that he will be just fine and that I have only one life to live, I need to make the most of it by doing what's best for me! And if he really wanted me to stick around and fight his demons with him ...well then...

This is exactly how this song relates to me as well. I have tried to get to him and and if he said something anything with hope I would stay I would follow but inevitably he chooses the addiction I've myself and the children. I have save the family Swallow my pride and admit there is nothing left and say goodbye.

Librarygirl, the pain we share of giving so much of ourselves to help a long-term partner with an addiction and depression issues eventually takes in toll. You want to have a 'win' but each failed attempt slowly eats at your hope for change ever going to occur. At other times, you see a minor change and joy is built up inside but as one reverts back to old ways your inspiration plummets once again. After thirteen and half years of 'ups and 'downs' with my partner; after countless times of hearing him say "We'd be happier if...

My Opinion