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PJ Harvey — You Said Something
Album: Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1787









Released: 2000
Length: 3:10
Plays (last 30 days): 0
On a rooftop in Brooklyn
At one in the morning
Watching the lights flash
In Manhattan

I see fire bridges
The Empire State Building
And you said something
That I've never forgotten

We lean against railings
Describing the colors
And the smells of our homelands
Acting like lovers

How did we get here
To this point of living
I held my breath
You said something

And I'm doing nothing wrong
Riding in you car
The radio playing
We sing up to the eighth floor

On a rooftop Manhattan
One in the morning
You said something
That I've never forgotten

You said something
You said something
You said something
That was really important
Comments (197)add comment
what was it that he said to her that she never forgot? it was really important. 

i want to know. 

and  want to waltz to this song.
2+ decades later and this song is still wonderful
 CCSandman wrote:

Goosebumps every time. 10.



same!! so move.
"And you said something
That I've never forgotten"

in Brooklyn today that would be "the rent is due and we can not pay it"
Who wouldn't want to be the guy that said something PJ never forgot?
 Sasha2001 wrote:

I had to chuckle at the end of the song after Bill said, "It's a song about...well I don't know what it's about but it must have been important."
For me the song's about the heightened expectation of an evening engagement and the energy that builds while in transit from one part of NYC to another. As a young, single man in the city it felt like every social engagement was a destination filled with endless possibilities. If the scene was played at one locale - no worries, there was always a scene or destination somewhere else with endless possibilities of its own and the trip to get there by subway or cab was often it's own adventure.


As a once young man in NYC, I have to say you nailed it.
Goosebumps every time. 10.
Lean against railingsā€¦one of my favorite rock lyrics. Love me some PJ!
Great song off her masterpiece 
This is just getting better and better! Kind of like cuddling my soul. Thanks PJ, thanks R&B. 
 tm wrote:

saw PJ - 3 separate occasions and she was godly every single time!



Absolutely agree. Saw her 4 times in Atlanta over 15 years. More than worth it every time. 
saw PJ - 3 separate occasions and she was godly every single time!
 Silvervanman wrote:
Only 7.6? This woman can do no wrong. Watching her live show from glasto a couple of years ago she was totally in the zone but her band all looked nervous trying to do her music justice. And I would have been in their position.
 

I always think with PJ Harvey that there's less here than meets the eye.  Or, rather, the ear.
Her current Wikipedia photo is very funny to me. In my mind, she just finished a lengthy monologue about how saxophones "are actually really cool, and more rock bands should ask me to join them, you guys".

I don't know, maybe it's just me.
 Jelani wrote:
I wish she would pronounce her "T"'s properly.
 

Why does it not surprise me that one of this congress is an a-hole over another human's speech impediment? She had speech therapy for years, so sad it's not good enough for you. I wonder if you would sound amazing on recording or infront of a crowd. Criticism, it's so unstable.
Only 7.6? This woman can do no wrong. Watching her live show from glasto a couple of years ago she was totally in the zone but her band all looked nervous trying to do her music justice. And I would have been in their position.
Nothing to say & rate 8 
I was just on a rooftop in Brooklyn, 1 in the morning, not sure I remember what anyone said. Blame it on the Sour Diesel.
 nelamvr6 wrote:
This song is definitely a 10!
 
I agree !
This song is definitely a 10!
This is a sublime album. Polly Jean can do no wrong...well...except her last album. But everything else is spectacular. 
Oooo, awesome and applicable segue from Nick Cave.
 Sasha2001 wrote:

I had to chuckle at the end of the song after Bill said, "It's a song about...well I don't know what it's about but it must have been important."
For me the song's about the heightened expectation of an evening engagement and the energy that builds while in transit from one part of NYC to another. As a young, single man in the city it felt like every social engagement was a destination filled with endless possibilities. If the scene was played at one locale - no worries, there was always a scene or destination somewhere else with endless possibilities of its own and the trip to get there by subway or cab was often it's own adventure.
 
Wow, you just brought back a lot of memories of my time there. Great description. Thank you for that.
 lemmoth wrote:
On a rooftop in Brooklyn
At one in the morning
Watching the lights flash
In Manhattan
I see fire bridges
The Empire State Building
And you said something
That I've never forgotten
I have been in that scene many times.  
great song - awesome album 

 
I had to chuckle at the end of the song after Bill said, "It's a song about...well I don't know what it's about but it must have been important."
For me the song's about the heightened expectation of an evening engagement and the energy that builds while in transit from one part of NYC to another. As a young, single man in the city it felt like every social engagement was a destination filled with endless possibilities. If the scene was played at one locale - no worries, there was always a scene or destination somewhere else with endless possibilities of its own and the trip to get there by subway or cab was often it's own adventure.

 lemmoth wrote:
On a rooftop in Brooklyn
At one in the morning
Watching the lights flash
In Manhattan
I see five bridges
The Empire State Building
And you said something
That I've never forgotten
 
Never been there, but had to make the obvious correction...
Brooklyn, For Life
This was one of the theme songs my daughter and I played on her move to Brooklyn.  Thanks PJ and thank you RP!
I agree absolutely, here in Brazil! 

lemmoth wrote:
On a rooftop in Brooklyn
At one in the morning
Watching the lights flash
In Manhattan
I see fire bridges
The Empire State Building
And you said something
That I've never forgotten
I have been in that scene many times.  
great song - awesome album 

 

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 On_The_Beach wrote:
Vocals remind me of Chrissie Hynde.

 
I thought it was her
From a rooftop in Brooklyn

 
lyrics 101....song 101.....voice 101..... 
Vocals remind me of Chrissie Hynde.
This song inspired me to purchase the CD. It's got catchy lyrics and the tune is a bit unconventional, otherwise I don't know why I like it so much...
gorgeous!
Interesting follow up to Nick Cave knowing the link via their previous relationship.
 Awesome pic!
melzabutch wrote:
From a Rooftop in Brooklyn


 


Was it Rosebud?


On a rooftop in Brooklyn
At one in the morning
Watching the lights flash
In Manhattan
I see fire bridges
The Empire State Building
And you said something
That I've never forgotten
I have been in that scene many times.  
great song - awesome album 
 {#Yes}yes yes Elroweho wrote:
Love it every time I hear it!!!

 


I love the PSD when I am fortunate enough to land somewhere as here.
{#Hug} ... love Polly a lot - amazing live
Wow... this tune and these lyrics... {#Bananapiano}
Can it get any better??
10 -> 11 
Just made me chuckle in Kyoto Bill, great song, maybe about Zen? Must be Important!
"What did he say? What did he say?"  You were hearing, but not listening.
 
He said something important, but something so personal Ms. Harvey deigns not to share.  I get it.
 
(to melzabutch below:  Beautiful photo!)
 Yeah, this song's a tease. All setup with no punchline. Boring too!

 philbertr wrote:
Wonder what he said?  (Or haven't I read far enough down in the comment?)

 


PJ sounds better every time I hear her.

Sure sounds like the Pretenders of old.  Loving it.{#Dancingbanana}

Hi Chrissie Hynde! 
From a Rooftop in Brooklyn



 RabbitEars wrote:
ears up every time

ears up every time i hear this

 
he said "what did you just say?"
ears up every time

ears up every time i hear this
Wonder what he said?  (Or haven't I read far enough down in the comment?)
what did she say? A little dramatic....don't cha think?
Love it every time I hear it!!!
this is a frikkin awesome song, so damn powerful. Love it.
Just Plain Love it!{#Hearteyes}

Great song - agree with cool urban NYC vibe.  Love the cover - Polly Jean is cool.
I think you are supposed to relate the "something" to something that was perhaps said to you once so it has many meanings.
Vocal stylings, with spare guitar backing. on this one remind me of Liz Phair on Exile in Guyville for some reason. .  
I really, really, really can't get enough of this song. I agree with commenter below regarding this song captuyring the NYC vibe for a certain period of time. I have a "rooftop in Brooklyn, one in the morning" memory that will forever be tied to this, though it took place 20 years before the song was written.

Love this song 
My favorite PJH album. 
..cShaggy: "well, y'know..i dunno..it's like..Something"..

..PJ: "i'll never forget this; it's really important"..

..she's cool that way.. :P

 Moira wrote:
Great song. Yes, I also want to know what the "something" was!
 
apparently, it was really important.

but no one is saying.
Great song. Yes, I also want to know what the "something" was!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....yes!

This post apparently contained an image that was dragged into the post editor. Sorry, but any text contained in the post after this point has been lost.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
So good! This song captured a vibe about New York pre 9/11 that just doesn't exist anymore. I wish I could explain it better, but the city has become far too expensive and the economy far too unforgiving to allow for the excesses of the late 90s.
 
. . . not for those who can afford it. Life goes on as normal for the 1%.
Great artist.
Great song.  I want to know what was said too!

That's the most I have ever heard her sound like Chrissie Hynde.. Must be the medication.
i'd like to know what it was that was said.

anyone know the history of this song? i've always loved and been drawn to it. moreso than a lot of her other great stuff.
So good! This song captured a vibe about New York pre 9/11 that just doesn't exist anymore. I wish I could explain it better, but the city has become far too expensive and the economy far too unforgiving to allow for the excesses of the late 90s.
Oh nice
Bee-uu-tiful song from the last album of hers that I really loved.
Wow...
 
The memories this song evokes, I wonder if they even happened?
love this woman
Yes...oh yes...purely flowing poetic art
Great PJ song!!  Painting pictures in verse.
 
<3
Sing it PJ
I have access to a rooftop in brooklyn and can see much of what PJ describes in the beginning of this great song.
 kaybee wrote:
I really have to buy one of this woman's albums.  Is this one a good place to start?
 
Oh yes indeed. It is a great album from end to end, in fact a masterpiece. 

I really have to buy one of this woman's albums.  Is this one a good place to start?
I almost got killed trying to get back to my hotel after seeing her in Washington DC in the late 1990's. 
Holy crap. It's 1 o'clock in the morning in NYC. right now. nice Bill.
 Businessgypsy wrote:
Attractive? Smokin'! Not a big fan of her music 'tho. Why does that cause unrest among the Venusians?

 

Agreed, she is smokin{#Hearteyes}, must have been in a subtle mood!{#Lol}
Bought this album because of Radio Paradise.  It has been on heavy rotation ever since.  Great, great album!
All the talk about Hynde and Etheridge...I think PJ sounds like Olly Knights on this one.

I love PJ. 
 boober wrote:

I only see 4 bridges....
 
Maybe the fifth is the bridge of her nose?
 dkliger wrote:
Every time I hear this song I do a double-take and think of the 4th of July. I live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and I go up on the roof of my apartment building to watch the fireworks blossom above the City and the East River. Nice song. 
 
I only see 4 bridges....

Every time I hear this song I do a double-take and think of the 4th of July. I live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and I go up on the roof of my apartment building to watch the fireworks blossom above the City and the East River. Nice song. 


love love love

one of my alltime favourite sing-a-longs! 

I wish she would pronounce her "T"'s properly.
love this.
This seemed a very appropriate song today with its New York imagery. Thanks for playing it.
 PA1749 wrote:

I need to get this disc...thanks RP.

 
I pulled a few songs off of this and I finally decided to get the whole damn CD.  It is excellent front to back.
 Jelani wrote:

Yeah, really.
Except I was thinking Chrissy Hynde-ish. 
 

Nope, neither ME-ish or CH-ish, but more like Johnette Napolitano.
sirdroseph wrote:
Me neither, but think that she is attractive. Why is that so hard for people to believe?{#Stupid}
Attractive? Smokin'! Not a big fan of her music 'tho. Why does that cause unrest among the Venusians?

Not a PJ fan, but this one is quite good.
 Byronape wrote:
One of my few PJ Harvey songs I really like.  Don't know why, but I just don't care for most of her stuff.
 

Me neither, but think that she is attractive. Why is that so hard for people to believe?{#Stupid}
I am not a huge Harvey fan (fan of her{#Hearteyes}but not her music so much) but I really like this one.
 paulmack wrote:


What the hell does 'meh' mean? Sounds like you're suggesting it's bland. She's hot, the music's not? There's some non-PC commenting for you..... wonder how many women comment on the hotness of a guy's music they don't like.
 
PC? what authority issued the requirement to be PC? And who said that PC is a virtuous attitude anyway?
I"d say it's quite the opposite -especially when it hides the truth.  
And yes there are women here who comment on the attractiveness of male performers. 

 PA1749 wrote:

I need to get this disc...thanks RP.

 
Ditto.
 Stefen wrote:
Whad ya say?
 
Something

I need to get this disc...thanks RP.


 scrubbrush wrote:
I absolutely love this song.
 
Following the last song, this is my favorite song LOVE YOU PJ

I absolutely love this song.
One of my few PJ Harvey songs I really like.  Don't know why, but I just don't care for most of her stuff.
 ra990 wrote:
Sounds like Melissa Ethridge...also what the hell did he say? She better tell me next time.
 
Yeah, really.
Except I was thinking Chrissy Hynde-ish. 
Love the advice to lean against railings. Know they are there but don't be afraid to test them...
spine-tingly good
Sounds like Melissa Ethridge...also what the hell did he say? She better tell me next time.
 sirdroseph wrote:


Lots man, lots.
 

Ok, then, why don't you find me some. I read a lot of these comments and I've never seen one yet. I do respond to actual evidence if presented so present away. I'll read it if it's there.
 paulmack wrote:


What the hell does 'meh' mean? Sounds like you're suggesting it's bland. She's hot, the music's not? There's some non-PC commenting for you..... wonder how many women comment on the hotness of a guy's music they don't like.
 

Lots man, lots.
 sirdroseph wrote:
Gawd! I got such a  crush on this woman, she is just so smokin hot!!{#Hearteyes} Her music? Meh.
 
From day one there has been nothing meh about PJ., and I have absolutely no clue how you can separate her from her music.
I always think this an old Pretenders song when she starts singing.
 jpgr69 wrote:
Me too! This is really a beautiful song, very stirring and nostalgic. And her voice... 
{#Music}
My favorite song from my favorite PJ album.

LOVE her voice!
 paulmack wrote:
Kamikaze? Best tune (for sure the most violent, anyway, but also my personal fave) from that album. Please, Bill, include that one on your playlist. Maybe I should beg?

 
Strong second to that emotion.  Kamikaze is a real kick ass tune. 

 sirdroseph wrote:
Gawd! I got such a  crush on this woman, she is just so smokin hot!!{#Hearteyes} Her music? Meh.
 

What the hell does 'meh' mean? Sounds like you're suggesting it's bland. She's hot, the music's not? There's some non-PC commenting for you..... wonder how many women comment on the hotness of a guy's music they don't like.
Kamikaze? Best tune (for sure the most violent, anyway, but also my personal fave) from that album. Please, Bill, include that one on your playlist. Maybe I should beg?