This is a very touching song that can have a lot of meanings. It goes beyond relationships and into something much deeper — the regrets, worries, and significance of separation from a loved one.
Being separated from a good friend, family member, or significant other whether it’s from death, a breakup, or a fall out is one of the most traumatizing experiences we go through in life.
This song will resonate with a lot of people for different reasons. The versatility of the meaning of this song is simply impressive although most people that hear it will reflect on their relationship with a loved one.
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
At first hearing this makes me think of a fall out in a relationship or a bad breakup where the person is trying to get the other person to speak up and be honest with them. They are indicating that they could have been more than just a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend but rather a soulmate, someone to spend the rest of their lives with which is encapsulated in the meaning of “I’ll be the one”.
The third line is what makes this song versatile. It’s a promise that you would have followed this person to the end of the earth. It’s a line that reflects deep commitment and acknowledgement of your true purpose in life.
The third line can be taken away from just a breakup and relationship and translate into meaning that the breakup wasn’t by their own fault. This could be from a car accident or a death from old age. This picture is further illustrated in the music video when the old man says goodbye to his wife which is laying in a hospital bed presumably dead.
I don’t want to take away from this song but the promise reminds me of a scene in Lord of the Rings, fast forward to 1:01 if you want to watch it, but Aragorn clasps Frodo’s hand and says, “I would have gone with you to the end…to the fires of Mordor.” After he says this they are ambushed and Aragorn puts his life on the line to allow Frodo to escape safely by single handedly facing the ambush.
Whether or not you like Lord of the Rings is insignificant, the message sent in just the line “Anywhere I would’ve followed you” is one of the most powerful emotional phrases that can be expressed in our day and age.
And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
This is an attempt to demonstrate that they are lost in their actions and thoughts. The situation is too big for them and they don’t know how to handle it or what to do about it. This expression could mean that they are starting to own up to what went wrong and after realizing they may have potentially lost their true soul mate, they are nothing anymore.
Just a scared little kid facing the world alone with no one by their side, no offense to little kids.
And I will stumble and fall
I’m still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
In this segment they are admitting to their mistakes, not only that they made mistakes, but that there will be more. Life is a learning experience, so are love and relationships. In the entirety of experience and knowledge on this subject they are comparing themselves to an infant that is just learning to crawl which reaffirms they have a great deal more to learn. This is a companion illustration to bring a visual to the previous lyrics.
And I will swallow my pride
You’re the one that I love
And I’m saying goodbye
The versatility of the song fades away here in the first line. Swallowing your pride means you are letting go of your ego. Ego’s are responsible for being right and justified with your words and actions. This means that even though he may feel he was still right, he no longer cares, and is valuing the other person over their ego. He is now humbled and willing to admit that they were the one all along.
The last line and I’m saying goodbye brings back the song versatility because saying goodbye is a final ending which can correlate to death. While at the same time, saying goodbye means that you’ve accepted the breakup and you’re ready to move forward. It simply has multiple meanings.
Summary
Like I said, the song has many meanings, I believe it was primarily written around relationships and breakups, but when you hear how beautiful the music and lyrics go together it can cause you to apply this song to many more things in your life.
If you want to get philosophical, envision the song being a memoir to yourself and the entire song written in the perspective of you talking to yourself and getting rid of an old you.
Or imagine that it’s written not toward a person but letting go of a bad habit such as drugs.
A very versatile and brilliantly written song indeed.
If you haven’t watched the video please take a moment to do so:
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This might be weird but I had a gorgeous black and white fluffy perfect cat that I found starving in the orchards back in 2011. He ended up being part of our family, and right away he connected with my fiancé. This cat slept by us and was the king of the castle. He was the best most wonderful healthiest We have ever had. And a rare cat condition ; on December 6, 2013 he had one choking accident from his cat kibble. This was right before I had to go to work and story short when it up taking him to the vet and I was giving him CPR and breaths as we drove to the vet. He was declared dead after we took them in. That night this song played a few times and I wondered why. The lyrics express so much of what I know now. First verses: to me explain my cat zee was taking to me and I was taking to him through this song- say something I'm giving up on you meaning for me I don't know whether I should stop trying to give you CPR. I'll be the one if you want me to : meaning- I will cope with your master (my fiancé) and handle this for him. The anywhere lyrics state that I did love this cat and I will follow him although he loved and dedicated his loyalty to my fiancé. Next lyrics about feeling so small bc I felt like that moment was over our heads why the hell didn't we know how to give our cat CPR?!? Hell we know how to do it for humans!!! Saying goodbye to a cat we loved is still too tough to live with. It's too hard to say goodbye. I'm sorry that I couldn't do right by you zee. I would have do anything and given anything to have you here with us. 2 years wasn't enough
You made that cat the happiest it ever was. Take joy in that! I'm so sorry you lost a family member, but I'm happy to know there are still people out there like you. Keep on keepin on :)
This is a beautiful story. I can relate to this. Being a pet lover over anything else in life, I have had my share of situations with pets where songs take on new meaning to me based on tragedies, happy moments, etc... love doesnt have to between two people and I believe some of the most powerful and impactful relationships we have in life can often be between a human and their pet (s). I am sorry for your loss but am happy for you that you had such a meaningful relationship with this little creature whose life, though not long, was made better because of your care and love. You have made my night with this story, sad as it is. ❤ Thank you for being a good person.
I love this...... Your story
Kelly, I have a 22 year old kitty. Her name is Booboo. I play this song for her. For us. Everyday. Why? Because she says more to me in her purrs than most humans say/have ever said to me in their words. She is declining now and it's hard for her to "say" as much. But she will crawl to me (as weak as she is) and find me in my home (even with her dementia) and she will...purr. I am sorry for your loss of Zee. I can't fathom live without Booboo. I sometimes ask God to let me go with her. For us to fall asleep in my bed and us not wake up. Together. I love life. I just can't imagine my life without my "child" in it. 2 decades and 2 years together. Say Something? I'd say, that's a long time to be without her when she goes. Even typing this...hurts beyond hurt, as she let's out a tiny almost inaudible purr...:( (tears).
This might be weird but I had a gorgeous black and white fluffy perfect cat that I found starving in the orchards back in 2011. He ended up being part of our family, and right away he connected with my fiancé. This cat slept by us and was the king of the castle. He was the best most wonderful healthiest We have ever had. And a rare cat condition ; on December 6, 2013 he had one choking accident from his cat kibble. This was right before I had to go to work and story short when it up taking him to the vet and I was giving him CPR and breaths as we drove to the vet. He was declared dead after we took them in. That night this song played a few times and I wondered why. The lyrics express so much of what I know now. First verses: to me explain my cat zee was taking to me and I was taking to him through this song- say something I'm giving up on you meaning for me I don't know whether I should stop trying to give you CPR. I'll be the one if you want me to : meaning- I will cope with your master (my fiancé) and handle this for him. The anywhere lyrics state that I did love this cat and I will follow him although he loved and dedicated his loyalty to my fiancé. Next lyrics about feeling so small bc I felt like that moment was over our heads why the hell didn't we know how to give our cat CPR?!? Hell we know how to do it for humans!!! Saying goodbye to a cat we loved is still too tough to live with. It's too hard to say goodbye. I'm sorry that I couldn't do right by you zee. I would have do anything and given anything to have you here with us. 2 years wasn't enough
You made that cat the happiest it ever was. Take joy in that! I'm so sorry you lost a family member, but I'm happy to know there are still people out there like you. Keep on keepin on :)
I'm sorry for your loss :(
I am sure that he will be glad that you guys saved him and made him part of your family. He was "loved".. by you.
I hope you feel better by the time you read this comment.
This is a beautiful story. I can relate to this. Being a pet lover over anything else in life, I have had my share of situations with pets where songs take on new meaning to me based on tragedies, happy moments, etc... love doesnt have to between two people and I believe some of the most powerful and impactful relationships we have in life can often be between a human and their pet (s). I am sorry for your loss but am happy for you that you had such a meaningful relationship with this little creature whose life, though not long, was made better because of your care and love. You have made my night with this story, sad as it is. ❤ Thank you for being a good person.
It's not what I think...It's what I know. I sent this text, "Say something.....I'm giving up on you.", to the one and only man that I have ever felt this exact way with. A couple of weeks later, there was this new song on the radio called "Say Something". ....Talk about deep?~~Oh YEAH! It's the exact meaning. When I heard the song for the first time, I was in awe and much disbelief at the same time. I couldn't believe that I was hearing my exact words, and feeling all of those emotions, and I knew the meaning of the song right then.... The most suprising, most brilliantly created promise ring!!!
It's not what I think...It's what I know. I sent this text, "Say something.....I'm giving up on you.", to the one and only man that I have ever felt this exact way with. A couple of weeks later, there was this new song on the radio called "Say Something". ....Talk about deep?~~Oh YEAH! It's the exact meaning. When I heard the song for the first time, I was in awe and much disbelief at the same time. I couldn't believe that I was hearing my exact words, and feeling all of those emotions, and I knew the meaning of the song right then.... The most suprising, most brilliantly created promise ring!!!
I remember listening to this song on repeat in the taxi home from work, after I had just found out my dad had passed away. I felt my heart being ripped apart and to say I was crying was an understatement.
I recently lost my husband of 8 yrs,on October 5,2013, I'm now a 35 yr old widow,now having to raise our 5 yr old daughter alone!I'm the one that found him dead in bed(massive heart attack ),& then when this song came out. . .WOW. It seemed to have said everything to my late husband that i longed to or couldn't find the words myself!!!I thank God everyday. that he allowed me to experience that kind of love that many pple don't experience in their lifetime!!I miss u Chris,& our daughter & i cry for u literally every single day!! :( :( R.I.P. Chris McQuade 1977-2013
Halfpint, I am so sorry for your loss. my prayers are with you and your family.
I'm sorry for your loss, although at times the words may sound empty, not here. I lost my wife Julie 23 months ago. Married at 21 and 39 years together.
During a morning walk today I heard "Say Something" on iTunes Radio for the first time. it took me back to that day in the hospital. Then I watched the video, OMG.
Right after she died, I saw Regina Spektor's performance of 'How', on Leno. So true.
Once again so sorry.
:( :( :( You made my eyes wet.
I see that you guys really loved each other. And that is indeed beautiful. I just prayed for you and your family. May God bless your heart and help you heal..
People used to tell me that "I was way too young to be having this kind of Love," I was 17 years old when I felt the Love of my Life leave this world. I literally felt half of me die when he did. That I was in 1993. I hadn't felt that way until 2014. But there isn't a day that passes that I don't think about him. I'll always Love him and my husband doesn't mind sharing my heart with him. That's how I know that he was sent to me by my 1st Love!!!!
I recently lost my husband of 8 yrs,on October 5,2013, I'm now a 35 yr old widow,now having to raise our 5 yr old daughter alone!I'm the one that found him dead in bed(massive heart attack ),& then when this song came out. . .WOW. It seemed to have said everything to my late husband that i longed to or couldn't find the words myself!!!I thank God everyday. that he allowed me to experience that kind of love that many pple don't experience in their lifetime!!I miss u Chris,& our daughter & i cry for u literally every single day!! :( :( R.I.P. Chris McQuade 1977-2013
Halfpint, I am so sorry for your loss. my prayers are with you and your family.
I'm sorry for your loss, although at times the words may sound empty, not here. I lost my wife Julie 23 months ago. Married at 21 and 39 years together.
During a morning walk today I heard "Say Something" on iTunes Radio for the first time. it took me back to that day in the hospital. Then I watched the video, OMG.
Right after she died, I saw Regina Spektor's performance of 'How', on Leno. So true.
Once again so sorry.
:( :( :( You made my eyes wet.
I see that you guys really loved each other. And that is indeed beautiful. I just prayed for you and your family. May God bless your heart and help you heal..
I had a dog called elvis i got him when I was 4 years old i am now 12 he was nine when he died and i miss him so much he died in March 2014 Mother's Day and every time i listen to this song i just burst into tears he was so ill he bled out he had cancer,we took him too the vets but he wouldn't get up off the floor to go to the vets but finally he got up and i said goodbye to him and I was hoping that he would come back the next day and he didn't.he was a lovely dog that had black fur and a white patch on his chest he would always snore and always energetic. I hope he is doing good up where he is now and i know that is a better place for him.
When I was 7, my aunt found a black kitten in a cow pen in her farm. She took him to my house and when I got home from school, she and my mom told me to look in the bathroom, and the kitten was there. He was mine, and I named him Mittens, even though he was jet black. Anyway, he stayed with us for two years, living outside through the winters and everything. ( he had to stay outside because he was a boy and boy cats pee and we were renting.) he had a cute little blue hut, with small little stairs going inside. There was a wall and you had to turn right to see the inside, so no wind could reach the part where he slept. He was the best pet ever, and he acted like a dog sometimes, and he would run up to me when I went out to feed him and would lick my face and purr real loud, and he would dig holes and prance around the yard. And occasionally he would crawl under the hole in the fence and explore, but always came back before dark. But one day I came home from school to play with him, and he wasn't there. I thought he was just exploring like he did, but the next day he still hadn't returned. My momma said he'd be back, but he never did. Before I knew it, my family had to move to El Paso, and he wasn't with us. Luckily, I had another rescued cat named daisy, and my best friend Jacob and I had found, but it wasn't the same. I still have nightmares about Mittens finding his way back to my house, and we're not there. I cry for him to come back every time I hear this stupid song, and I pray for him to come back to me every night, even though it's been 5 years. So that's my story. Love you Mittens. Please come back.
That's so sad! I'm so sorry :(
Omg I didnt read this til after I already commented on another story above of another person relating to this song over a pet. Please read it, my words are for you too!
Elisabetta Something simular happend to me a few years back, I remeber playing this song when my dog died, This song is so much more than just a song, It brings back memories sad times even years later, Losing a pet is one of the worst things never forget those pets who were lost think about them everyone now and then, think about life then and life now
I had a dog called elvis i got him when I was 4 years old i am now 12 he was nine when he died and i miss him so much he died in March 2014 Mother's Day and every time i listen to this song i just burst into tears he was so ill he bled out he had cancer,we took him too the vets but he wouldn't get up off the floor to go to the vets but finally he got up and i said goodbye to him and I was hoping that he would come back the next day and he didn't.he was a lovely dog that had black fur and a white patch on his chest he would always snore and always energetic. I hope he is doing good up where he is now and i know that is a better place for him.
When I was 7, my aunt found a black kitten in a cow pen in her farm. She took him to my house and when I got home from school, she and my mom told me to look in the bathroom, and the kitten was there. He was mine, and I named him Mittens, even though he was jet black. Anyway, he stayed with us for two years, living outside through the winters and everything. ( he had to stay outside because he was a boy and boy cats pee and we were renting.) he had a cute little blue hut, with small little stairs going inside. There was a wall and you had to turn right to see the inside, so no wind could reach the part where he slept. He was the best pet ever, and he acted like a dog sometimes, and he would run up to me when I went out to feed him and would lick my face and purr real loud, and he would dig holes and prance around the yard. And occasionally he would crawl under the hole in the fence and explore, but always came back before dark. But one day I came home from school to play with him, and he wasn't there. I thought he was just exploring like he did, but the next day he still hadn't returned. My momma said he'd be back, but he never did. Before I knew it, my family had to move to El Paso, and he wasn't with us. Luckily, I had another rescued cat named daisy, and my best friend Jacob and I had found, but it wasn't the same. I still have nightmares about Mittens finding his way back to my house, and we're not there. I cry for him to come back every time I hear this stupid song, and I pray for him to come back to me every night, even though it's been 5 years. So that's my story. Love you Mittens. Please come back.
Omgosh I just read that and it just made me SO SAD. I cannot express in words how devastated I would be and worried, it would've ruined my life. I'm not even a cat fan, but any sad story about an animal can bring me to tears in 10 seconds. I am DEEPLY AND SINCERELY sorry for you.
I haven't lost my dogs yet. But I know if I lost them or they ran away. I would just die. Because I love them so much. I can't live without them. And then I hear stories about ur pet dying and every story I burst into tears. I always wished they will never die but I know they will at some point.
That's so sad! I'm so sorry :(
Omg I didnt read this til after I already commented on another story above of another person relating to this song over a pet. Please read it, my words are for you too!
He was a Great Dane cross between a boxer
I am so very sorry for your lost if it was my dog i wouldn't have bee able to live i know that my dogs time will come and it just breaks my heart i will treat my dog like a queen until that day :( :} <3
He was a Great Dane cross between a boxer
I am so very sorry for your lost if it was my dog i wouldn't have bee able to live i know that my dogs time will come and it just breaks my heart i will treat my dog like a queen until that day :( :} <3