• Say Something was written by the duo members, Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino, while production
was handled by Dan Romer.
The single was re-recorded to feature vocals from Christina Aguilera, after she heard
the song and loved it.
• Sonically, the indie pop, piano ballad is underlined by a piano and string arrangement.
Lyrically, the song talks about a breakup, with the singers evoking the emotion felt
when choosing to leave a failed relationship even though love still remains, with the lover
imploring to make a statement that could potentially reverse plans.
• Lamb also explained the song, writing that, "Instead of being filled with anger and desperation,
it is a song expressing a powerful combination of humility, sadness and regret."
The song was written at a time when both members were experiencing individual heartbreak.
"Writing the song was part of the healing process," says Axel.
"Whenever we perform it, it's like revisiting the scar. It's always a part of me,
and I can always go there and feel it."
•
The song won the 2015 Grammy award for
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
From the Album:
Is There Anybody Out There? (2014)
Released:
September 3, 2013
November 4, 2013
(with Christina Aguilera)
Recorded:
2013
Genre:
Indie pop
Length:
3:53
Writers:
Ian Axel
Chad Vaccarino
Producer:
Dan Romer
Music video:
"Say Something" on YouTube
A music video was already shot on November 8, 2013, with Christina posting to her Twitter, Facebook and
Instagram page a picture of her standing next to a piano, where the duo is playing the track. The music video,
which was shot in Los Angeles, was released on November 19, 2013, exclusively on Entertainment Tonight, while VEVO
premiered the video on November 20, 2013.
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