Unspoken Desire in Full View | Say So | Doja Cat


"Say So" by American rapper and singer Doja Cat has been one of the most successful songs of 2020, topping several international music charts and becoming a viral sensation on TikTok.
Doja Cat's 'Say So' is a bright, upbeat song that slips perfectly into the disco revival trend we've seen in pop music recently. The track, which is an undeniable earworm, fuses elements of funk, pop, and R&B to create a sound that's both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Lyrically, 'Say So' delves into the realm of unspoken attraction and romantic uncertainty. The protagonist in the song, presumably Doja Cat herself, clearly has feelings for someone; however, they haven't verbalised their mutual desire for each other.
The first verse, "Day to night to morning, keep with me in the moment / I'd let you had I known it, why don't you say so?", sheds light on this hidden romance. The lyrics directly address this unnamed love interest, expressing frustration over the lack of communication between them. It's a plea for her love interest to finally take the plunge and express his feelings.
The chorus then mirrors the same sentiment, offering an irresistible hook and expressing her own desire for this unnamed person to reveal his feelings. "Didn't even notice, no punches left to roll with / You got to keep me focused; you want it? Say so." This again circles back to the theme of unexpressed feelings and the fear of rejection.
While some may interpret "Say So" as a simple love song, it also serves as a commentary on the importance of clear communication in relationships. It's a call to action for people to express their feelings openly and honestly, even if it's scary.
The song's viral success was significantly aided by its popularity on the social media platform TikTok, where users created a dance routine that garnered millions of likes and shares. In fact, the viral TikTok dance routine was even incorporated into the official music video for the song, further solidifying the symbiotic relationship between modern music and social media.
In conclusion, whether you're grooving to it on a night out or dissecting the lyrics in your bedroom, there's no denying that "Say So" is more than just a song, it's practically a phenomenon. The buoyant music, coupled with Doja Cat's expressive lyrics about unspoken love and desire, have cemented it as one of the standout pop anthems of the year.
