'Say' is a song by John Mayer written for the Rob Reiner film The Bucket List in 2007. It was released as a single on November 20 and is the first commercial single in Mayer's career that was not originally released on one of his albums but added to the special edition re-release of his album Continuum. In the U.S., it has become the artist's highest charting single to date, reaching number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 in May, 2008.[1]The song earned Mayer another Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, his fourth win on the category.
![]()
![]()
Oct 04, 2010 50+ videos Play all Mix - Say What You Need To Say by John Mayer YouTube She Will Be Loved- Maroon 5 with lyrics - Duration: 4:15. Nicolmeier9 130,530,109 views.
Overview[edit]
The music video for 'Say' was directed by music video director Vem. The song is also referred to as 'Say (What You Need to Say)' as this is the main line from the chorus of the song.[2][3][4] The song was also the first 'assignment' song that Mayer had ever written. He notes that when writing the song 'I don't know how much harder it gets than to see a beautiful, bittersweet movie and then have to write a song that matches the tone.'[5] Mayer posted the song on his official blog on November 16.[2]
Critical reception[edit]
Chuck Taylor of Billboard called 'Say' a 'lilting, bittersweet ballad' and said that it 'is bound to be another staple for the [AC] format.'[6]In 2009, the song won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards. It was also nominated for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.[7]
Commercial and chart performance[edit]
In the U.S., 'Say' peaked at number twelve in May, 2008[1] on the Billboard Hot 100 chart[8] and number eight on the Hot Digital Songs chart,[9] surpassing his debut single, 'No Such Thing', as his highest-peaking Hot 100 single.[citation needed] It was certified platinum by the RIAA,[10] and has sold over 2 million copies in the US.[11] It also peaked at number seventeen on the Pop 100 chart[12] and number six on the Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks chart.[13]
'Say' debuted on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart at number fifty-six, and climbed to its peak of number forty-seven the following week.[14] On the Canadian Hot 100, it peaked at number twenty-seven.
Certifications[edit]
In popular culture[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Say_(song)&oldid=935198002'
'First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule Daniel-San, not mine.' - Mr. Miyagi
As a child, just over 30 years ago, I remember watching The Karate Kid for the first time. It instantly became my favorite film. I recall watching it at least five more times on a clunky VHS player we rented, along with other tapes from the local video store. That year I trick-or-treated as a ninja and became obsessed with Karate. My obsession ended hilariously with a broken table in the living room, a result of a poorly executed crane kick. Recently, I watched it again for the first time in decades and was blown away by the potency of the movie's underlying themes. As a 5-year-old, the philosophies behind Mr. Miyagi's lessons to Daniel-San were over my head - yet as an adult, they seem more relevant than ever before.
Call me nostalgic (or a sap for recalling the magic of 80's movies) but I believe the following lessons can be learned from The Karate Kid and applied to any adult or child living today in 2015:
1. Most of the adversity that happens in life is out of your control and can often seem unfair, but that's no excuse to accept defeat. Uncomfortable situations are a necessary component of growth.
Movie Scenario: In the beginning of the movie, Daniel moves across the country against his will. He is forced to deal with living in a rich neighborhood even though his single mother doesn't have much money. He is different and will need to start all over in a new environment without knowing anything about how things are, or how people act. However, it is clear from the start that Daniel is comfortable in his own skin as he accepts an invitation to join a new friend at a beach party. There, he showcases his soccer skills and woo's a local blonde bombshell, Alli (a young Elizabeth Shue).
Lesson: Have you ever started a new job, or been given a new career? Ever had to move for your company to a new city to accept a promotion? How about changing schools or beginning a new Degree? We all have, and it's never easy at the beginning. It takes courage and confidence in yourself to start over and begin anew. However, I am a firm believer that for true growth you need to put yourself in uncomfortable situations often and you need to learn from them - otherwise, you will become stagnant and unmotivated. Also, have you ever had to deal with hardships that were beyond your control, such as a lay-off or getting fired? How about starting a business and having it fail? Without ever being in a position of hardship, it might be more difficult for someone to deal with a situation like that. However, a true maverick (or someone that is willing to take risks and put themselves out there) will rise from any tough situation, no matter how bad it is, and create the best opportunity to succeed.
2. There will be times when you become life's punching bag, you need to learn how to be a survivor or suffer your fate as a victim.
Movie Scenario: After an unexpected altercation and subsequent beating from the town bully (Johnny), Daniel becomes the relentless target of his abuse, due to jealousy of the attention his ex-girlfriend (Alli) is giving Daniel. Daniel never gives up on the pursuit of his crush, despite the adversity, and he never backs down from a fight with any of the Cobra-Kai members. In fact, the only reason the Cobra-Kai get the best of him is because he is constantly outnumbered. Daniel is a survivor.
Lesson: I believe there are only two types of people in this world, victims and survivors. Victims assign blame for their problems. They make excuses for their failures. They complain about their circumstances. A victim does not admit when they make a mistake but believes everyone else to be wrong. Victims are often jealous, envious, lazy and depressing. A victim would rather bring someone down with them than lift someone up above them. Sound familiar? Do you know anyone like that? If you do run far far away and get them out of your life. Negativity breeds negativity like a cancer. However, survivors are on the other end of the spectrum. Survivors solve problems and move on. They own up to their failures, accept responsibility and learn from them. They never complain about their circumstances. A survivor admits when they make a mistake and will try to teach everyone else to learn from their own shortcomings. Survivors are often gracious, humble, motivated and fun. A survivor would rather rescue someone else than save themselves. Sound familiar? Know anyone like that? Then run towards them. To become great you must surround yourself with great people. Positive thoughts and emotions are a key to becoming content in life and a necessary habit of successful people.
3. Nothing worth having is ever easy and often times your life path won't be planned.
Movie Scenario: Daniel becomes alienated and friendless, after consistent beat downs by the members of the Cobra-Kai. However, his will remains unbroken and his strength is what Alli ultimately becomes attracted to. What he doesn't know is that this adversity will set him on a path towards Karate greatness, and yes he will eventually get the girl.
Lesson: Often times the darkest hours in our lives end up as blessings. Would Odysseus had become a great Greek hero without his Odyssey? Who would Harry Potter be a without Voldemort to defeat? Where would Luke Skywalker be without Vader? So many things in life are out of our control,therefore our unforeseen paths can lead us to greatness if we overcome the adversity. A victim will concede defeat where a survivor will emerge victorious.
4. Find a good mentor, learn from them and be humble about it.
Movie Scenario: After the final brutal beating at the hands of six Cobra-Kai members, Daniel is saved unexpectedly by Mr. Miyagi who lays the smack down on all six bully's with ease. It becomes clear that Mr. Miyagi is a master of Karate and Daniel seizes the opportunity to learn from him.
Lesson: We all need mentors to learn from and there is always someone more talented or better than you in any profession you find yourself. In order to find a good mentor you must become a good student. No good mentor will want you under his or her tutelage if you do not listen, or fight with them on everything they say. They have gotten to where they are for a reason. They know what they are talking about. Be grateful you have them and absorb everything they throw at you. Become a sponge for knowledge and apply their good habits in your daily routine. Forget what you think you know about what they are teaching you about and submit to their guidance fully.
![]()
5. Face adversity head on, be confident in yourself and always be positive.
Movie Scenario: With the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, Daniel confronts the entire Cobra-Kai Dojo and their dictator-like Sensei. They agree to meet in an upcoming Karate tournament to settle their differences and also agree to a time of peace so Daniel can train for the fight.
Lesson: You must face your fears to overcome them. If you are constantly running from your problems you will always be discontent and will never find peace. Confidence comes from overcoming adversity. Once you conquer a fear it is no longer a set back but a stepping stone. After you have confidence you will always be positive and positive thinking will always lead you towards great results.
6. Commit.
Movie Scenario: Before he begins his training, Mr. Miyagi solidifies a commitment from Daniel that he will be 100% dedicated to becoming his pupil. Mr. Miyagi illustrates this cleverly by telling Daniel that when he walks down a street he needs to pick a side, left or right - because if he walks down the middle, he will eventually be squished like a grape.
Lesson: You must commit to expect amazing results. In Sales and Entrepreneurship especially, this is vital. What is a commitment? Well, the Dictionary defines it as a state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action. Would you want to marry someone that wasn't committed to you? How about start a business with a partner that wasn't committed? Would you buy from someone that wasn't committed? A commitment is a pledge to yourself and others that you believe in what you are doing 100%, if you are not committed then you might be lying to yourself, and other people can see it.
7. Never give up, and often you will learn without knowing it.
Movie Scenario: 'Wax on, wax off!' There is a scene after many of Daniel's 'training sessions' (which seem more like slave labor to the viewer and to Daniel) where he almost gives up and doesn't trust that his mentor is training him. He forgets to be a humble protege and challenges the methods of his mentor. He is then quickly embarrassed when Mr. Miyagi proves that he has been training him all along with arm movements and proper self defense form, the very basics and essentials of Karate. Daniel is humbled and realizes he needs to go back and re-commit.
Lesson: I am going to use Cold Calling and training rookie Sales Reps as an example here. You must cold call, and cold call often, to be successful in many business-to-business outside sales roles. Many people don't want to hear that, but you must have a high level of activity to be effective. People often ask me how they can be successful as a new rep and my response is always the same - make more dials than anyone in the office and you cannot fail. Why? Cold calling shapes your sales skills. Just like repetition and routine are essential in weight training. Cold calling allows you to craft your introduction effectively, create your elevator pitch, learn information about about your prospect, identify their pain and your solution, then schedule a meeting to discuss their needs. Just as Daniel learns with every 'wax on, wax off' movement - each new rep is learning essential sales skills with every call they make.
8. Don't cheat, and don't ever brag about your results before they happen. Your personal brand is worth more than a momentary result.
Movie Scenario: In the tournament at the end, with their backs against the wall (and Daniel getting the best of them), the Cobra-Kai are instructed by their insane Sensei to cheat and injure Daniel without mercy. The intended result would be Johnny winning the tournament by default. An obnoxious, rat-looking Cobra Kai member then shouts, 'Yeah Johnny, put him in a body bag!' However, their plan is foiled when Daniel harnesses his will and training from Mr. Miyagi (and a certain in-defensible crane kick) to win the tournament. Despite his injury, Daniel is able to beat Johnny, humiliate the Cobra-Kai while earning their respect and gets the girl as a result of Mr. Miyagi's influence.
Lesson: Your personal brand is the most important thing in your adult business life. You must remain ethical in all things to become successful for a long period of time. If you cheat to obtain immediate, momentary results - eventually it will catch up to you and your brand will be tarnished. The fact is, people change jobs all the time. Prospects and customers change as well. The business world is buzzing and constantly in a state of motion. You just never know when the person next to you might go to another company, who they know, where they will end up, or who they are related to. I am constantly treating everyone I know as if they are the CEO of the company I work for. Every co-worker I talk to and every prospect or client I meet with, I treat like gold. If you are consistently treating everyone ethically and with respect, you will gain credibility and your potential will be limitless. However, if you are unethical and cheat, it definitely can come back to haunt you. Also, never brag about what you are going to do (or what you are doing) until you do it. I have seen countless sales reps brag about deals they think they will get, or would-be promotions before they solidify either one. What if it doesn't happen? You will look like a fool and lose total respect, and you will never get it back. So don't be like like the Cobra-Kai and yell about body bags until you actually have the bodies to put them in - and even when you do, just don't brag. Let your numbers and work ethic do the talking and see how people begin to treat you as the office hero.
9. Better yourself and the score will take care of itself.
Movie Scenario: By bettering himself spiritually and physically (while giving his entire commitment to the teachings of Mr. Miyagi), winning the tournament at the end became a natural result of Daniel's cumulative efforts.
Lesson: Don't worry about your quota, sales numbers, revenue or year end metrics. It can drive you mad if you focus on the wrong things at the wrong times. Control the controllable. Better yourself in everything you do. Do the right things every day and watch your quota, sales numbers, revenue and year end metrics take care of themselves. The great Bill Walsh (former head coach of the 49ers) used to always talk about no scoreboards and first downs. If they got enough first downs, the score would take care of itself - they never focused on the score. I love that. I honestly don't know why more teams don't adopt that philosophy. If you control the controllable, focus on yourself and do the right things every day, you will be successful. Winning will become a habit and a routine because doing the right things will become second nature to you.
10. Achieving great things takes discipline and hard work but will be very rewarding if carried out ethically to total completion.
Movie Scenario: Daniel faced much adversity, yet he became a survivor, faced his problems, overcame them, gained the respect of his enemies, won the Karate tournament, and yes - got the girl. He never became a victim, conquered by countless obstacles, instead he became a survivor and a winner and overcame all of his conflicts. Inner and external peace was the ultimate award (and Elizabeth Shue), but it did not come easy or without a lot of pain, time, and effort.
Lesson: You have to finish strong. I always think about the tortoise and the hare. It is a perfect example here. In marathons you must know when to sprint and when to jog slowly to win the prize. Life, after all, is a marathon. You need to have balance, but you also need to see things through until they are completed. How many times have you made a new years resolution and not followed through with it? It takes discipline, hard work and fortitude to accomplish great things. But when you reach that mountain peak, finish the race, lose the weight you want to lose, earn your college degree or make President's club how does it feel? Fantastic.
I'm sure most of you reading this article have seen The Karate Kid before, and probably many years ago. But if you haven't seen it in a while (and especially if you have your own kids now) I would recommend renting it and watching it again. Take note of the timeless lessons of Mr. Miyagi and apply them now in your own adult life - then teach them to your kids.
Please feel free to comment below, share or 'like' this article!
Follow me on Twitter: @tim_szafranski
![]() Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2022
Categories |