Say Say Say
"Say Say Say" is a duet pop song written and performed by English musician Paul McCartney and American singer Michael Jackson, released on October 3, 1983, as the lead single from McCartney's fifth solo studio album, Pipes of Peace.[1] The track, which features a funky rhythm with horns and a harmonica solo, explores themes of emotional vulnerability in a romantic relationship, with lyrics pleading for honesty and warning against games in affection.[2] It achieved massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks starting December 10, 1983, and becoming one of Jackson's longest-running number-one singles.[3] The song originated from collaborative sessions between McCartney and Jackson that began in 1981 during Jackson's visit to London, where the pair bonded over songwriting and produced three duets, including the earlier "The Girl Is Mine."[2] Recording spanned 1981–1983 across multiple studios, including final overdubs at Cherokee Studios in California, building on an initial demo with disco influences.[2][4] Accompanying its release was a 14-minute music video directed by Bob Giraldi, starring McCartney and Jackson as fictional con artists "Mac and Jac" on a crime spree across the American West, which aired as a special on MTV and boosted the single's popularity.[5] In 2023, Norwegian DJ Kygo released an official tropical house remake of "Say Say Say," reimagining the original with electronic elements while retaining the vocal stems, which debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.[6] The collaboration highlighted the enduring legacy of the 1983 hit, which has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK alone and remains a staple of both artists' catalogs.Background, recording and composition
Songwriting and development
The collaboration between Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson on "Say Say Say" began in May 1981, when Jackson traveled to the United Kingdom to work with McCartney at his home in Peasmarsh, East Sussex. The collaboration was sparked by a Christmas Day 1980 phone call from Jackson to McCartney, proposing they create hit songs together, leading to the 1981 sessions. Jackson stayed with the McCartney family during this period, allowing the pair to co-write several songs in a relaxed, informal setting.[7][8] During these sessions, McCartney mentored Jackson on songwriting techniques, sharing insights into melody development and lyrical structure as they experimented with guitars. Jackson, eager to refine his skills as a solo artist beyond his Jackson 5 roots, contributed ideas freely, resulting in an organic process that led to equal co-writing credits for both artists on the composition. The track emerged alongside another duet, "The Man," as part of their early partnership.[9] "Say Say Say" was initially developed during sessions intended for McCartney's 1982 album Tug of War, but remained unreleased at that time and was later completed for his 1983 album Pipes of Peace, where it also joined "The Girl Is Mine"—a duet from their ongoing collaboration that appeared on Jackson's Thriller. The song's production continued at AIR Studios in London under George Martin.[10]Recording process
The recording of "Say Say Say" began in May 1981 at AIR Studios in London, where Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson laid down initial demo tracks following their songwriting collaboration earlier that year. Produced by George Martin, the sessions captured basic elements including McCartney's contributions on guitar, synthesizer, and percussion, alongside vocals from both artists.[9][7] These early recordings were later reworked in April 1982 at Cherokee Studios and Hollywood Sound in Los Angeles, where new musicians provided fresh takes on bass, drums, and keyboards to refine the track's feel, with McCartney's original parts largely replaced. Keyboardist Bill Wolfer added synth elements during this phase, contributing to the song's layered pop sound. Live drums were recorded by Jonathan Moffett, later overdubbed by Ricky Lawson.[9] Final overdubs and mixing occurred in February 1983 at McCartney's home studio and AIR Studios, completing the production on 15 February; additional horn arrangements by Jerry Hey, Ernie Watts, Gary E. Grant, and Gary Herbig were incorporated, along with harmonica by Chris Hammersmith. This multi-stage process, spanning nearly two years, allowed for iterative enhancements to achieve a polished duet dynamic.[9]Personnel
The original recording of "Say Say Say" involved a core group of musicians and production staff, with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson handling the lead vocals and contributing to the song's arrangement during sessions at AIR Studios in London and later overdubs in Los Angeles.[9][11]- Paul McCartney – lead and backing vocals, guitar, synthesizer, percussion, bass[9][12]
- Michael Jackson – lead and backing vocals[11][13]
- Linda McCartney – backing vocals[13]
- Eric Stewart – backing vocals, guitar[11][13]
- David Williams – rhythm guitar[9]
- Nathan Watts – bass guitar[9]
- Bill Wolfer – keyboards[12][14]
- Ricky Lawson – drums[13]
- Chris Hammer Smith – harmonica[9]
- Jerry Hey, Ernie Watts, Gary E. Grant, Gary Herbig – horns[13]
Musical analysis
Style and structure
"Say Say Say" is classified as synth-pop and disco within the broader post-disco pop genre, incorporating rock influences through its rhythmic drive and melodic structure.[16] The track is performed in 4/4 time at a tempo of approximately 118 beats per minute, contributing to its upbeat and danceable feel.[17] Composed in the key of B♭ minor, the song employs a standard verse-chorus form augmented by a bridge, creating a dynamic progression that alternates between introspective verses and anthemic choruses.[18] Its total runtime is 3:55, a concise length typical of early 1980s pop singles designed for radio play. The arrangement opens with a prominent bass riff by Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, establishing a funky groove that underpins the track.[19] Horn sections arranged by Jerry Hey with Ernie Watts and Gary Grant add rhythmic punch, while a harmonica solo by Chris Smith provides a distinctive bluesy flourish.[20] Synth layers, contributed by keyboardist Bill Wolfer and recorded using period-appropriate analog equipment, gradually build tension toward the chorus, adding textural depth with electronic flourishes.[12] The song fades out with layered vocal ad-libs from McCartney and Jackson, extending the energetic close. This sonic palette reflects the post-disco polish of Michael Jackson's Off the Wall era and the accessible pop-rock sensibilities of Paul McCartney's Tug of War period.Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "Say Say Say" depict a narrative in which the narrator desperately pleads with a lover to disregard external rumors and prioritize the authenticity of their relationship, portraying a steadfast commitment against perceived relational instability.[21][2] Central to this is the chorus's key lines—"Say, say, say what you want / Just don't play games with my affection"—which highlight the narrator's insistence on denying gossip and seeking direct emotional honesty.[21] The song's themes center on innocence under scrutiny and the resilience of true affection.[2] Poetic devices enhance the lyrics' emotional impact, including repetition in the chorus ("Say, say, say" and "Take, take, take") to build catchiness and urgency, alongside a straightforward AABB rhyme scheme that maintains simplicity and accessibility throughout the verses.[21]Release and commercial performance
Release details and track listings
"Say Say Say" was released on October 3, 1983, as the lead single from Paul McCartney's album Pipes of Peace, issued by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Columbia in the United States.[22][23] The track, initially developed during 1981 sessions with Michael Jackson and completed in 1983, was held back to serve as the album's opener.[10] The single was issued in both 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats. The 7-inch version featured the standard edit of "Say Say Say" at 3:55, identical to the album version, backed by the non-album B-side "Ode to a Koala Bear" at 3:45.[23][24]| Format | Country | Label | Catalog | Side A | Duration | Side B | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-inch single | UK | Parlophone | R 6062 | Say Say Say | 3:55 | Ode to a Koala Bear | 3:45 |
| 7-inch single | US | Columbia | 38-04168 | Say Say Say | 3:55 | Ode to a Koala Bear | 3:45 |
| 12-inch single | UK | Parlophone | 12R 6062 | Say Say Say (Special Extended Version) | 5:40 | Say Say Say (Instrumental) / Ode to a Koala Bear | 7:00 / 3:45 |
| 12-inch single | US | Columbia | 44-04169 | Say Say Say (Special Version) | 5:40 | Say Say Say (Instrumental) / Ode to a Koala Bear | 7:00 / 3:45 |