They Were Saying

Story Behind The Song

This song began with a single whispered idea: "They were saying something--or maybe I made that up." From there, it became a meditation on avoidance, memory, and the slow decision to keep moving even when nothing feels resolved. The narrator isn't lost--they just aren't rushing to be found. Inspired by late-night drives, difficult conversations never had, and the long way home.

Song Description

"They Were Saying" explores the quiet ambiguity of forward motion--driving, changing, enduring--when the path isn't clear and the answers never come. With whispered vocals, minimalist production, and poetic restraint, it captures the subtle weight of emotional fatigue and chosen uncertainty. For fans of Billie Eilish, Sasha Sloan, and emotionally aware pop that lets you feel before it tells.

Song Length 3:23 Genre Pop - Electro
Tempo Medium (111 - 130) Lead Vocal Female Vocal
Mood Quiet, Still Subject Numbness, Existence
Similar Artists Billie Eilish, Sasha Sloan Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

THEY WERE SAYING

Intro
They were saying
something
or maybe I made that up

Verse 1
I took the long way
You didn't ask why
The highway makes that sound
You know the one
They said it's clearing up
I can't really tell
Can't see that far anyway

Pre-Chorus
Mom said get on
get on
get on the highway
Like it's easy
Like it's breathing

Chorus
I don't know what I'm doing
Taking side streets
Like I'm looking for something
But I know where everything is
Maybe I just like the long way
Maybe I don't want to get there yet

Verse 2
The back way's different
They covered it up
All smooth now
Like it never
You said you didn't
I know you do
I remember for both of us

Pre-Chorus
You said I do this
With streets
With everything

Chorus
I don't know what I'm doing
Counting lights
Like when they're all green
I'll know
But they're never all green
And I keep driving anyway

I don't know what I'm doing
Taking side streets
Like I'm looking for something
But I know where every street sends
Maybe I just like the long way
Maybe I don't want to get there yet

Bridge
The park light's still out
Three months now
I check every time
Told someone
It gets easier
Felt my face say it
without asking me

Final Chorus
I don't know what I'm doing
Taking the long way
Cause I can
You let me
You don't
You don't say it
But I know

Outro
They keep saying
Clear by morning
We'll see

Lyrics © Josiah Carlson 2025 Music Josiah Carlson

Other Songs By Ink & Tune

Song
Actions
Forevermore
Pop - Rock
Plays: 10
Tellin' Stories
Folk - Americana
Plays: 8
Sera Nerea
New Age - Health
Plays: 9
Sílath Annún
New Age - Health
Plays: 11
You Turned It All To June
Pop - General
Plays: 16
Miles From Anywhere
Folk - Americana
Plays: 24
My December Crew
Country - Contemporary
Plays: 16
This is the Good Part
Country - Contemporary
Plays: 14
Drifting
Rock - Alternative
Plays: 60
Caravan
World - Middle Eastern
Plays: 50
View All Songs
Clean Clean

Clean Clean

Artist Name
00:00 / 00:00