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What Do You Say?

Unreleased | 2004

“What Do You Say?” is one of Taylor’s numerous unreleased songs. The song was co-written with one of her earliest collaborators, Robert Ellis Orrall. He worked with her on several tracks from her eponymous debut album, Taylor Swift (2006). A reworked version of “What Do You Say?” was also considered for the album but didn’t make the final cut.

Background and Recording

Robert confirmed on Instagram that Taylor originally recorded “What Do You Say?” on January 15, 2004. That same day she also cut “A Place in This World” and “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” both also co-writes with Ellis Orrall. The song was then immediately included on Taylor’s 2004-2005 Demo CD. It was track six. According to Robert, the song was an immediate favorite in Taylor’s rapidly growing repertoire:

«It’s funny that the song that the record label seemed the most excited about – before she was even signed, when they were listening to demos – was 'What Do You Say?'. Even to the point that when I started recording songs for the record Scott [Borchetta] wanted me to re-record 'What Do You Say?'. And I was like, 'I think we already got it.' And he was like, 'Well, I’ve never met a producer that didn’t wanna try to beat the demo.' But I record demos the way I would record a record. There’s no difference. You just go in and try to make the best performance you can and make it come to life.»

Robert Ellis Orrall

Eventually, “What Do You Say?” was a serious contender for Taylor’s debut album, under the condition they re-record it. According to Robert, that second recording failed to capture the magic the original demo had. He told the “Swift Legacy Podcast”:

«So we re-recorded it and I think that’s what kinda dragged it down. 'Cause it was like…she was young and effervescent the way she first sang it. And the second time it was like, 'Why are we doing this again?' So, that one’s lost. I don’t even see that making it on the vault stuff. Cause it’s so country.»

Robert Ellis Orrall

He continued: “I think the demo of ‘What Do You Say?’ is so much better than the re-recording that didn’t go on the album. I played the demo for the musicians. And these were like the best musicians in Nashville and they were all going, ‘Why are we re-recording this? Isn’t that the record?’ And I was like, ‘Nah, they want us to re-record it.’ So we all listened and copied the parts that were there. But it just never came to life.”

Lyrical Theme

“What Do You Say?” explores the anticipation, uncertainty, and optimism that accompany the early stages of a romantic connection. It specifically describes the challenges of navigating a budding relationship where the other person seems a bit reserved or shy. Taylor expresses a longing for meaningful connection and contemplates ways to break through the barriers. The chorus paints a vivid picture of a warm spring day spent together by a river, hoping it becomes a cherished memory.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
What do you say
When you just know
That he’s the one
And you want to go fast
But he’s taking it slow?
And what do you do
When he’s next to you
But he’s a little bit shy?
Well, here’s something you could try

[Chorus]
Hey, hey what do you say
We go walking down the river all together?
It’s a warm May beautiful day
And I feel like I could talk to you forever
With the sun shining bright
It feels just like a day
When everything’s going to go just right
I know it will be a sweet memory
For you and me someday
What do you say?

[Verse 2]
What do you see
When you look in his eyes?
There’s something there
That he can’t disguise
No matter how he tries
And what do you feel
When you know it’s real?
And you can’t sit still
If you don’t own up, will you?

[Chorus]
Hey, hey what do you say
We go walking down the river all together?
It’s a warm May beautiful day
And I feel like I could talk to you forever
With the sun shining bright
It feels just like a day
When everything’s going to go just right
I know it will be a sweet memory
For you and me someday
What do you say?

[Bridge]
My imagination’s running away
Just dreaming about
What I want you to say

[Final Chorus]
Hey, hey what do you say
We go walking down the river all together?
It’s a warm May beautiful day
And I feel like I could
Talk to you forever
With the sun shining bright
It feels just like a day
When everything’s going to go just right
I know it will be a sweet memory
For you and me someday
What do you say?
What do you say?

[Outro]
What do you say?
What do you say?

Status	Unreleased
Leaked	2004
Recorded	January 15, 2004
Genre	Country
Length	3:42
Songwriters	Taylor Swift Robert Ellis Orrall
Producer	Robert Ellis Orrall

What Do You Say?

Unreleased | 2004

Table of Contents

Background and Recording

Lyrical Theme

Lyrics

Discography

Videography

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