Meaning of "Say Amen" by American Authors

"Say Amen" speaks to the common human desire for reconciliation and the search for inner peace. The first verse, sung by Zac Barnett, presents a hypothetical scenario in which he and the person he's addressing could have a conversation as if the past never happened. This suggests a longing to erase past mistakes or grievances and start anew. The plea to "start from the top before we were hopeless" reveals a sense of desperation and a desire to regain the sense of possibility that once existed in their relationship. Barnett admits he hopes for a collision, meaning a reunion or coming together, emphasizing how much time has passed since he last encountered the person he refers to as "my friend."

The second verse, sung by Billy Raffoul, echoes Barnett's sentiments, expressing a yearning to go back to a time before things turned sour. Raffoul's desire to "take everything we said back" indicates a regret for hurtful words and a longing for the innocence and purity of their past interactions. The repetition of the phrase "I'd be lying if I wasn't hoping" underscores the intensity of their wish for reconciliation and highlights the emotional toll the separation has taken on both narrators.

The chorus, sung by both Barnett and Raffoul, functions as the emotional core of the song. The repeated "whoa" and the exclamation of "Amen" create an anthem-like quality, amplifying the intensity of their yearning. The desire to "see your light" and "hold you, my friend" emphasizes the deep emotional connection they once shared and implies that their lives are empty or incomplete without the presence of this person. The use of religious imagery, such as saying "Amen," adds a spiritual dimension, signifying their longing for solace and redemption.

The bridge, led by Barnett, acknowledges his efforts to fix things but recognizes the challenge of leaving behind his current state. Despite the difficulty, he expresses a willingness to do whatever it takes, indicating the depth of his desperation. The final chorus, sung by both Barnett and Raffoul, serves as a powerful climax, emphasizing the strength of their desire for reconciliation and their yearning for the presence of this person in their lives.

In summary, "Say Amen" explores the universal longing for reconciliation and the emotional toll of separation. It delves into the desire to erase past mistakes, regain lost connections, and find redemption and inner peace in the presence of someone significant. The song captures the deep emotional yearning and vulnerability that comes with a longing for reconciliation.