About the song
Foreigner – Say You Will: A Power Ballad Masterpiece
The 1980s were a time of big hair, bold fashion choices, and even bolder power ballads. Bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard ruled the airwaves with their anthemic songs of love, loss, and longing. And right there in the thick of it was Foreigner, a band that had already established themselves as hitmakers with classics like “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Urgent.” But with “Say You Will,” they delivered a power ballad that not only showcased their musical prowess but also tapped into the raw emotions of a generation.
The song opens with a gentle, almost melancholic piano intro that immediately sets the mood. Mick Jones’s guitar work is masterful, weaving a tapestry of soaring melodies and heartfelt riffs that perfectly complement Lou Gramm’s powerful vocals. Gramm’s voice, filled with both vulnerability and strength, delivers the lyrics with an intensity that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
At its core, “Say You Will” is a song about the struggle to let go of a love that has slipped away. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship on the brink, with the narrator pleading for one last chance to rekindle the flame. Lines like “Can’t you see we’re fading fast?” and “Don’t let this moment pass us by” convey a sense of urgency and desperation, while the repeated refrain of “Say you will, say you will” becomes a mantra of hope and longing.
What sets this song apart from other power ballads of the era is its emotional depth and musical sophistication. Foreigner masterfully blends elements of rock, pop, and even a touch of soul to create a sound that is both powerful and intimate. The song’s dynamics are superb, shifting seamlessly from quiet introspection to soaring choruses, keeping the listener engaged from beginning to end.
“Say You Will” resonated with audiences, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple on radio stations across the country. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved classic, often featured in movies, television shows, and even commercials.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Foreigner or simply appreciate great music, “Say You Will” is a song that deserves a place in your playlist. It’s a timeless reminder of the power of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit.
Video
Lyrics
Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you do, say you don’t
Wanna be mine
Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind this time
Say you will, say you will
Be mine tonight
I can’t sleep, I keep dreaming of losing you
I feel so alone in the night, scared to open my eyes
I’m in too deep, I’m in over my head this time
Can’t get you out of my mind no matter how hard I try
So won’t you
Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you will, say you won’t
Be my guiding light
Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind this time
Say you do, say you do
You wanna be mine
I get the feeling I’ve never been here before
‘Cause no one I’ve known’s ever moved me the way that you do
And I know this is the real thing
It’s all I’ve been searching for
I put it all on the line now I’m hoping you feel that way too
(And if you do) Why don’t you
Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you do, say you don’t
Wanna be mine
Now will you
Say you will, you say you won’t
Make up your mind this time
Say you will, say you will
You’ll be mine tonight
Will you tell me how much I mean to you?
Will you say you always will be true?
I need more than a come on sign
So won’t you say you will be mine
Now won’t you
Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you will, say you will
Be my guiding light
Say you will, say you will
Make up your mind this time
Say you do, say you do
You wanna be mine
Come on, come on
Say you will
Make up your mind tonight
Say you will, say you will
Be mine tonight
Be mine tonight
Say you will
Be mine tonight, yeah
Say you will
Be mine tonight
Say you will
Say you will
Say you will