Misunderstandings, heartbreaks, and misadventures can happen even when everyone means well. Say It Again explores how two people can hear the same words and yet understand them in completely different ways. The song is built with a call-and-response structure where each single-word “call” is answered by two incompatible truths. One word, two realities. 

Say It Again (Sethares & Marcotte)

Sarah & Bill: I say hello
Sarah: I mean I’m interested
Bill: I mean let’s talk

S & B: When I say friend
B: I can tell you anything
S: Let’s get together

S & B: I say “good times”
S: You make me laugh
B: Let’s do it again

S & B: I say wait
B: I need a second to breathe
S: Don’t leave me behind

Say it again
Maybe this time we’ll hear it the same
Say it again
Maybe this time the meaning won’t change
Say it again

S & B: I say really
S: I need you to believe me
B: Are you serious?

S & B: When I say fine
B: I won’t ask again
S: We’ll be OK

S & B: Can we talk
S: Explain yourself
B: Tell me how you feel

I see what you’re saying
I hear what you’re trying to do
I feel the space you’re taking
I taste the bittersweet truth

S & B: I say done
B: I’m exhausted
S: I’m finally ready

S & B: I say I’m sorry
S: Let me try again
B: Stop asking me for more

S & B: I say goodbye
B: I’ll see you later
S: We’ll meet again someday