Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version) Lyrics – Taylor Swift

English 8.5K October 27, 2023 Rollteam

"Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift is a song that captures the emotions of heartbreak and longing. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and vulnerability as the narrator grapples with the pain of a relationship that seems to be slipping away. The chorus, with its repeated plea of "Why'd you have to lead me on?" and the refrain of "Say, 'Don't go,'" reflects the internal struggle and the desire for the other person to acknowledge the depth of their connection. ...Read More

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Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version) Lyrics

[Verse 1: Taylor Swift]
I've known it from the very start
We’re a shot in the darkest dark
Oh no, oh no, I'm unarmed
The waiting is a sadness
Fading into madness
Oh no, oh no, it won't stop

[Refrain: Taylor Swift]
I’m standing on a tightrope alone
I hold my breath a little bit longer
Halfway out the door, but it won't close
I'm holding out hope for you to

[Pre-Chorus: Taylor Swift]
Say, "Don't go"
I would stay forever if you say, "Don't go"

[Chorus: Taylor Swift]
Why'd you have to lead me on?
Why’d you have to twist the knife?
Walk away and leave me bleedin’, bleeding?
Why’d you whisper in the dark?
Just to leave me in the night?
Now your silence has me screaming, screaming

[Post-Chorus: Taylor Swift]
(Say) Say, "(Don't) don’t (Go) go"
I would stay forevеr if you (Say) say
"(Don't) don't (Go) go"
(Say, say, say, say)

[Verse 2: Taylor Swift]
Now I'm pacing on shaky ground
Strike a match, then you blow it out
Oh no, oh no, it's not fair
'Cause you kiss mе and it stops time
And I'm yours, but you're not mine
Oh no, oh no, you're not there

[Refrain: Taylor Swift]
I'm standing on the sidewalk alone
I wait for you to drive by
I'm tryna see the cards that you won't show
I'm about to fold unless you

[Pre-Chorus: Taylor Swift]
(Say) Say, "(Don't) don't (Go) go"
I would stay forever if you (Say) say
"(Don't) don't (Go) go"

[Chorus: Taylor Swift]
Why'd you have to lead me on?
Why'd you have to twist the knife?
Walk away and leave me bleeding, bleeding?
Why'd you whisper in the dark?
Just to leave me in the night?
Now your silence has me screaming, screaming

[Post-Chorus: Taylor Swift]
(Say) Say, "(Don't) don't (Go) go"
I would stay forever if you (Say) say
"(Don't) don't (Go) go"
(Say, say, say, say)

[Bridge: Taylor Swift]
Why'd you have to (Why'd you have to)
Make me want you (Make me want you)?
Why'd you have to (Why'd you have to)
Give me nothing back?
Why'd you have to (Why'd you have to)
Make me love you (Make me love you)?
I said, "I love you" (I said, "I love you")
You say nothing back

[Chorus: Taylor Swift]
Why'd you have to lead me on? (Oh)
Why'd you have to twist the knife?
Walk away and leave me bleeding, bleeding?
Why'd you whisper in the dark
Just to leave me in the night?
Now your silence has me screaming, screaming

[Post-Chorus: Taylor Swift]
(Say) Say, "(Don't) don't (Go) go"
I would stay forever if you (Say) say
"(Don't) don't (Go) go, " woah
(Say, say, say, say)

[Outro: Taylor Swift]
But you won't, but you won't, but you won't
I would stay forever if you say, "Don't go"
But you won't, but you won't, but you won't

Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) Lyrics Meaning

"Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift is a song that captures the emotions of heartbreak and longing. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and vulnerability as the narrator grapples with the pain of a relationship that seems to be slipping away. The chorus, with its repeated plea of "Why'd you have to lead me on?" and the refrain of "Say, 'Don't go,'" reflects the internal struggle and the desire for the other person to acknowledge the depth of their connection.

[Verse 1]
The opening verse sets the tone for the song, expressing a realization that the relationship began with uncertainty and darkness. The metaphor of being a "shot in the darkest dark" suggests a risky venture from the start. The waiting is described as a source of sadness, bordering on madness, and the narrator feels unarmed in the face of impending heartbreak.

[Refrain]
The refrain introduces the theme of standing on a metaphorical tightrope, alone and holding onto hope. The narrator is halfway out the door but clings to the possibility of reconciliation. The repetition of "Say, 'Don't go'" emphasizes the importance of communication in salvaging the relationship.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus delves into the yearning for the other person to express a desire for the narrator to stay. The plea to hear the words "Don't go" suggests that verbal affirmation holds the key to resolving the tension and uncertainty in the relationship.

[Chorus]
The chorus becomes more explicit in its expression of pain and betrayal. The narrator questions why they were led on and why the other person would inflict emotional wounds. The imagery of walking away and leaving the narrator bleeding signifies the deep emotional impact of the separation.

[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus reiterates the central theme, emphasizing the importance of the other person expressing the desire for the narrator to stay. The repetition of the plea and the mention of staying forever underscore the intensity of the narrator's emotions.

[Verse 2]
The second verse introduces a sense of instability and imbalance, symbolized by pacing on shaky ground. The imagery of striking a match only for it to be blown out reflects the fleeting nature of moments with the other person. The absence of the other person is perceived as unfair, and the narrator expresses a sense of being abandoned.

[Refrain]
The second occurrence of the refrain reinforces the narrator's solitude and the act of waiting for the other person. The mention of trying to see the cards that won't be shown suggests a lack of transparency in the relationship.

[Bridge]
The bridge delves into the emotional impact of the other person's actions. The narrator questions why they were made to want the other person, receive nothing in return, and express love without reciprocation.

[Outro]
The outro concludes with a repeated plea for the other person to say, "Don't go." The acknowledgment that the other person likely won't say those words adds a poignant note of resignation and acceptance of the impending separation. The repetition of "But you won't" emphasizes the inevitability of the relationship's demise despite the narrator's fervent desire for reconciliation.