The other night I played an Elton favourite, Daniel, and a couple of suggestions were forthcoming for future Elton songs. This was the one I had intended to play before I got caught up in Daniel, and I promised then that you would see it soon … glad David reminded me!
I really don’t have much trivia about this song, other than it was co-written, as were most of Elton’s songs, by Bernie Taupin and Elton. This song is the closing track on the 1984 album Breaking Hearts. It reached #7 on the UK charts and #5 on the U.S. charts. The lyrics describe how it sometimes helps for someone who is feeling sad, or who has lost a partner, to listen to old radio blues classics. Personally, that seems rather like pouring salt into a wound, and if I’m sad I’d much rather listen to something cheerful and upbeat, like The Carpenter’s Top of the World, or Leslie Gore’s Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows!
Elton performed this song on One Night Only: The Greatest Hits Live at Madison Square Garden with Canadian rock star Bryan Adams. In 2013, John was joined by Rod Stewart in a special performance of the song at the London Palladium after being presented with first Brits Icon award in recognition of his “lasting impact” on UK culture.
Sad Songs (Say So Much)
Elton John
Guess there are times when we all need to share a little pain
And ironing out the rough spots
Is the hardest part when memories remain
And it’s times like these when we all need to hear the radio
‘Cause from the lips of some old singer
We can share the troubles we already know
Turn ’em on, turn ’em on
Turn on those sad songs
When all hope is gone
Why don’t you tune in and turn them on
They reach into your room, oh oh oh
Just feel their gentle touch (gentle touch)
When all hope is gone
Sad songs say so much
If someone else is suffering enough oh to write it down
When every single word makes sense
Then it’s easier to have those songs around
The kick inside is in the line that finally gets to you
And it feels so good to hurt so bad
And suffer just enough to sing the blues
So turn ’em on, turn ’em on
Turn on those sad songs
When all hope is gone
Why don’t you tune in and turn them on
They reach into your room, oh oh oh
Just feel their gentle touch (gentle touch)
When all hope is gone
You know sad songs say so much
Sad songs, they say
Sad songs, they say
Sad songs, they say
Sad songs, they say so much
So, turn ’em on, (turn ’em on), turn ’em on, (turn ’em on)
Turn on those sad songs
When all hope is gone
Why don’t you tune in and turn them on
They reach into your room, oh oh oh
Just feel their gentle touch (gentle touch)
When all hope is gone
You know sad songs say so much
When all hope is gone
You know sad songs say so much
When ever little bit of hope is gone
Sad songs say so much
When ever little bit of hope is gone
Sad songs say so much
When all hope is gone
Sad songs say
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bernie Taupin / Elton John
Sad Songs (Say So Much) lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group