Released in 2016, 'You Say' by Lauren Daigle has become an anthem of hope and affirmation. It reached the top of various charts, including Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, showcasing Daigle's impactful lyrics and soulful voice. The song's themes of self-worth and reassurance make it an excellent choice for English learners, offering clear pronunciation and relatable vocabulary. Daigle co-wrote the song with Paul Mabury and Jason Ingram, drawing from her personal experiences and faith.
Lyrics
You Say — Lauren Daigle
English
I keep fighting voices in my mind
that say I'm not enough
Every single lie that tells me
I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of
every high and every low
Remind me once again just who
I am because I need to know
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And you say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe
What You say of me
(repeat)[Chorus]
The only thing that matters now
is everything You think of me
In You I find my worth,
in You I find my identity
[Chorus]
Taking all I have, and now
I'm laying it at Your feet
You have every failure, God,
You have every victory
[Chorus] […]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Present Continuous - Presente Contínuo
The Present Continuous tense is used to describe ongoing actions happening at the moment of speaking. It often conveys actions that are temporary or changing. This structure is important for English learners to express current activities and trends appropriately.
"I keep fighting voices in my mind" — This line illustrates an ongoing struggle, emphasizing the continuous nature of the action.
"Taking all I have, and now I'm laying it at Your feet" — This indicates an action happening in the present moment, showcasing vulnerability.
"You have every failure, God" — This line reflects an ongoing relationship with God, identifying ongoing personal experiences.
Simple Present - Presente Simples
The Simple Present tense is used to express general truths, repeated actions, or habits. It is crucial for learners to understand this tense as it forms the backbone of everyday communication in English.
"You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing" — This demonstrates a statement of fact about how the speaker perceives their worth.
"The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me" — This expresses a general belief that remains constant.
"In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity" — These lines share universal truths that are not limited to a specific time frame.
Fun facts
Did you know?
'You Say' topped the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart for an impressive 129 weeks, making it one of the longest-running number-one songs in the genre.
The song has been certified multi-platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its widespread popularity and resonance with audiences across different backgrounds.
Lauren Daigle's soulful style has earned her multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2019.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including a popular rendition by the talented worship group, Elevation Worship, showcasing its significant impact in the Christian music community.
'You Say' has been featured in various playlists and is often used in church services and motivational settings, emphasizing its role in uplifting and encouraging listeners.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning English through 'You Say' is beneficial due to its clear pronunciation and emotionally charged vocabulary, making it accessible to learners at an intermediate level. The song repeatedly reinforces key messages, enhancing vocabulary retention and facilitating understanding of both Present Continuous and Simple Present tenses. Additionally, the comforting themes of identity and worth offer meaningful context for language practice.
Ready to practice?
Listen to “You Say”, fill in the missing words and earn points. Free.
Play with this song