About the song
Background:
- “What Made You Say That” was the debut single by Canadian country music singer Shania Twain.
- Released in March 1993, it served as the lead single for her self-titled debut album.
- The song was written by Tony Haselden and Stan Munsey Jr.
Themes:
- The song explores the vulnerability and second-guessing that can come with confessing your feelings to someone.
- The lyrics depict a narrator who finally musters the courage to tell someone they love them, only to be struck by doubt after the words leave their mouth.
- The internal voice questions the reason behind the confession, wondering if it was the romantic setting or genuine love that prompted the declaration.
- Despite the initial uncertainty, the song ultimately portrays a positive outcome. The recipient’s reaction (a smile and the statement “what took you so long”) confirms the validity of the feelings and relieves the narrator’s anxieties.
Overall, “What Made You Say That” captures the relatable experience of taking a leap of faith in love and the joy of finding reciprocation.
Video
Lyrics
Maybe tonight I’m gonna tell him how I feelMaybe I’ll leave well enough aloneMaybe, just maybe, he’ll want to be my babyWhat if he’s got plans of his own
I’m waiting for the perfect momentLooking for the perfect phraseThe one I finally choose is simply “I love you”And as the words came out I heard a voice inside me say
What made you say thatWas it the moonlight, was it the starlight in your eyesWhat made you say thatHave you been listening to your heartIt’s too late now, you don’t want to take it back‘Cause I know love’s what made you say that
I Look up to see his reactionAnd a smile slowly spread across his faceHe said “What took you so longThat’s what I’ve been waiting onI thought you’d take forever and a day”
What made you say thatWas it the moonlight, was it the starlight in your eyesWhat made you say thatHave you been listening to your heartIt’s too late now, I won’t let you take it back‘Cause I know love’s what made you say that
What made you say thatWas it the moonlight, was it the starlight in your eyesWhat made you say thatHave you been listening to your heartIt’s too late now, you don’t want to take it back‘Cause I know love’s what made you say that
Was it the moonlight, was it the starlight in your eyesWhat made you say thatHave you been listening to your heartWhat made you say thatOh, what made you say thatWhat made you say thatWas it the moonlight, was it the starlight in your eyesWhat made you say thatHave you been listening to your heart