Released: 2018
Features: Chris Stapleton
“Say Something (feat. Chris Stapleton)” is a soul-searching piece by Justin Timberlake, also featuring the country vibes of Chris Stapleton. The song examines the dynamics of communication and the often unfulfilled pursuit of desire.
The first verse, “Everyone knows all about my direction / And in my heart somewhere I wanna go there / Still, I don’t go there” signals Timberlake’s struggle between public expectations and personal desire. Even though he’s aware of his path, he holds himself back for reasons unexplained, sparking a relatable circumstance for many listeners.
In the chorus, Timberlake croons, “Caught up in the rhythm of it / Maybe I’m looking for something I can’t have.” He’s drawn into the cycle of yearning for something elusive. This speaks to many dreams and desires that often remain just out of reach, no matter how hard we strive to achieve them. It’s the human condition – always wanting what we can’t have.
Timberlake further unpeels layers of truth, confessing, “Everyone knows all about my transgressions.” It suggests his mistakes and missteps are in the open, adding a touch of vulnerability to this pop anthem.
The repeated line, “Say something then say something” ties back to the struggle of communication. The pressure to always have something to say can be overwhelming, and at times, remaining silent might be the most powerful statement.
This theme culminates in the final lines: “Sometimes, the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all.” Truth bomb! In our frantic rush to fill every silence, we often forget the potency of silence itself. And sometimes, saying nothing can communicate so much more.
