About the song
“Say You, Say Me,” a poignant ballad written and performed by American singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, emerged as a defining hit in 1985, originally crafted for the film “White Nights.” This soulful track quickly ascended to number one on multiple Billboard charts, including the Hot 100 and Hot Black Singles, underscoring its universal appeal and Richie’s enduring popularity.
Development and Production
Director Taylor Hackford approached Lionel Richie to compose a theme song for the ballet drama “White Nights,” starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines. Richie, initially unable to integrate “White Nights” into the song’s title, submitted a demo of “Say You, Say Me,” a heartfelt ballad that resonated with Hackford and seamlessly complemented the film’s narrative. Produced by Richie and James Anthony Carmichael, the song was primarily recorded in Richie’s living room, showcasing his intimate approach to music production.
Despite its origins in “White Nights,” Motown’s decision to keep Richie’s first single post-“Can’t Slow Down” off the film’s soundtrack underscored the label’s strategic release plans. Instead, “Say You, Say Me” debuted on Richie’s 1986 album “Dancing on the Ceiling,” solidifying its status as a standalone chart-topper.
Music Video and Critical Reception
Accompanying “Say You, Say Me” was a music video directed by Taylor Hackford, featuring poignant clips from “White Nights.” The visual narrative enhanced the song’s emotional depth, reinforcing its themes of love and introspection.
Critically, the song garnered praise for its evocative lyricism and Richie’s soulful delivery. Stephen Holden of The New York Times likened it to the Beatles’ ballads, highlighting its enduring appeal and musical craftsmanship. Despite mixed reviews of the album “Dancing on the Ceiling,” the song itself resonated as an enduring love ballad, as noted by Whitney Pastorek of Entertainment Weekly in a 2007 retrospective.
Commercial Success
“Say You, Say Me” became a commercial juggernaut, achieving multi-week chart dominance in the United States and globally. It sold over a million copies in the U.S. alone and topped charts in countries like South Africa for an unprecedented 30 weeks, cementing its status as a global sensation and one of Lionel Richie’s signature songs.
Legacy
In recognition of its cultural impact, “Say You, Say Me” was ranked among the top songs of all time on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, underscoring its enduring popularity and Richie’s stature as a music icon. Its seamless blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a timeless classic in Lionel Richie’s illustrious career.
Video
Lyrics
Say you, say me
Say it for always
That’s the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
I had a dream, I had an awesome dream
People in the park playing games in the dark
And what they played was a masquerade
And from behind the walls of doubt
A voice was crying out
Say you, say me
Say it for always
That’s the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
As we go down life’s lonesome highway
Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two
That helping hand
Someone who understands
That when you feel you’ve lost your way
You’ve got someone there to say, “I’ll show you”
Say you, say me
Say it for always (oh)
That’s the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
So you think you know the answers? Oh no
Well the whole world’s got you dancing
That’s right, I’m telling you
Time to start believing, oh yes
Believe in who you are
You are a shining star
Say you, say me
Say it for always
Oh, that’s the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
Say it together, naturally