Joe Cocker's song "What Do You Say?" is a heartfelt ballad that explores the difficulty of finding the right words to comfort someone who is hurting. The lyrics emphasize the deep bond between friends and lovers and the desire to be there for someone in their time of need. The song opens with the question of what to say to someone who is in intense pain and feeling incredibly sad, especially when they are your closest and most cherished friend. It captures the struggle of wanting to provide solace and support but being unsure of how to do so. The lyrics then proceed to highlight the dilemma of expressing love to someone who feels disconnected and has reached a breaking point. It raises the question of how to convey your affection and reassure them when they believe they're losing touch and have had enough. The chorus conveys the idea that in such situations, you can either say everything and anything to reassure and comfort them or say nothing at all, opting for silence as a way to show understanding and empathy. It touches upon the notion that sometimes, words may not be enough, and silence can be comforting as well. The second verse explores what to say to someone who feels as though they are nearing the end of their journey, as if time is running out and they feel on the brink of despair. The lyrics bring forth the same dilemma of wanting to be there for them but not knowing the right words to say. The bridge of the song delivers a valuable message about life and love. It suggests that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and love is meant to grow. It acknowledges the transient nature of relationships, with people coming and going in our lives. The song's conclusion restates the need to say everything or nothing at all to someone you love. It recognizes the power of words to offer solace and understanding, or the choice of silence to provide space and support. It also acknowledges the uncertainty and complexity of trying to console someone who is hurting deeply. Overall, Joe Cocker's "What Do You Say?" reflects the challenges of finding the right words to comfort those we care about when they are going through difficult times. It emphasizes the depth of emotions and the importance of being present for those we love.
