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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: 1789









Released: 2000
Length: 3:13
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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.
Posted 9 months ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
2+ decades later and this song is still wonderful
Posted 1 year ago by krae    [ Reply ]
 CCSandman wrote:

Goosebumps every time. 10.



same!! so move.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
"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"
Posted 2 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Who wouldn't want to be the guy that said something PJ never forgot?
Posted 2 years ago by salice    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 2 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
Goosebumps every time. 10.
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
Lean against railings…one of my favorite rock lyrics. Love me some PJ!
Posted 2 years ago by tryallmusic    [ Reply ]
Great song off her masterpiece 
Posted 3 years ago by marcloans1    [ Reply ]
This is just getting better and better! Kind of like cuddling my soul. Thanks PJ, thanks R&B. 
Posted 3 years ago by Egctheow    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 3 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
saw PJ - 3 separate occasions and she was godly every single time!
Posted 3 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by wossName    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by Silvervanman    [ Reply ]
Nothing to say & rate 8 
Posted 4 years ago by sonymagellan    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by chix    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 nelamvr6 wrote:
This song is definitely a 10!
 
I agree !
Posted 5 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
This song is definitely a 10!
Posted 5 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
This is a sublime album. Polly Jean can do no wrong...well...except her last album. But everything else is spectacular. 
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
Oooo, awesome and applicable segue from Nick Cave.
Posted 6 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 6 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 6 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 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...
Posted 6 years ago by gmichaelt    [ Reply ]
Brooklyn, For Life
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
This was one of the theme songs my daughter and I played on her move to Brooklyn.  Thanks PJ and thank you RP!
Posted 7 years ago by jgehred    [ Reply ]
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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Posted 7 years ago by caroliteris181    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Vocals remind me of Chrissie Hynde.

 
I thought it was her
Posted 8 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
From a rooftop in Brooklyn

 
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
lyrics 101....song 101.....voice 101..... 
Posted 8 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Vocals remind me of Chrissie Hynde.
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 9 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
gorgeous!
Posted 9 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
Interesting follow up to Nick Cave knowing the link via their previous relationship.
Posted 9 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
 Awesome pic!
melzabutch wrote:
From a Rooftop in Brooklyn


 


Posted 9 years ago by dtl    [ Reply ]
Was it Rosebud?


Posted 10 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
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 
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 {#Yes}yes yes Elroweho wrote:
Love it every time I hear it!!!

 


Posted 10 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I love the PSD when I am fortunate enough to land somewhere as here.
Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
{#Hug} ... love Polly a lot - amazing live
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Wow... this tune and these lyrics... {#Bananapiano}
Can it get any better??
10 -> 11 
Posted 10 years ago by petermichael    [ Reply ]
Just made me chuckle in Kyoto Bill, great song, maybe about Zen? Must be Important!
Posted 11 years ago by hakuindude    [ Reply ]
"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!)
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 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?)

 


Posted 11 years ago by zoopmama    [ Reply ]
PJ sounds better every time I hear her.

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

Hi Chrissie Hynde! 
Posted 11 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
From a Rooftop in Brooklyn



Posted 11 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
ears up every time

ears up every time i hear this

 
he said "what did you just say?"
Posted 11 years ago by fletcherito    [ Reply ]
ears up every time

ears up every time i hear this
Posted 11 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Wonder what he said?  (Or haven't I read far enough down in the comment?)
Posted 11 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
what did she say? A little dramatic....don't cha think?
Posted 11 years ago by jagdaf    [ Reply ]
Love it every time I hear it!!!
Posted 11 years ago by Elroweho    [ Reply ]
this is a frikkin awesome song, so damn powerful. Love it.
Posted 11 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
Just Plain Love it!{#Hearteyes}
Posted 11 years ago by Elroweho    [ Reply ]

Great song - agree with cool urban NYC vibe.  Love the cover - Polly Jean is cool.
Posted 11 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
I think you are supposed to relate the "something" to something that was perhaps said to you once so it has many meanings.
Posted 11 years ago by Tuesday1    [ Reply ]
Vocal stylings, with spare guitar backing. on this one remind me of Liz Phair on Exile in Guyville for some reason. .  
Posted 11 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
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 
Posted 11 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
My favorite PJH album. 
Posted 11 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
..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

Posted 11 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
 Moira wrote:
Great song. Yes, I also want to know what the "something" was!
 
apparently, it was really important.

but no one is saying.
Posted 11 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Great song. Yes, I also want to know what the "something" was!
Posted 11 years ago by Moira    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 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%.
Posted 12 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
Oh nice
Posted 12 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Bee-uu-tiful song from the last album of hers that I really loved.
Posted 12 years ago by RKeaton    [ Reply ]
Wow...
 
Posted 12 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]
The memories this song evokes, I wonder if they even happened?
Posted 12 years ago by Wittgenstein    [ Reply ]
love this woman
Posted 12 years ago by stevematic    [ Reply ]
Yes...oh yes...purely flowing poetic art
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Great PJ song!!  Painting pictures in verse.
 
Posted 12 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
<3
Posted 12 years ago by Jammifer    [ Reply ]
Sing it PJ
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
I have access to a rooftop in brooklyn and can see much of what PJ describes in the beginning of this great song.
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 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. 

Posted 12 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
I really have to buy one of this woman's albums.  Is this one a good place to start?
Posted 12 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
I almost got killed trying to get back to my hotel after seeing her in Washington DC in the late 1990's. 
Posted 12 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
Holy crap. It's 1 o'clock in the morning in NYC. right now. nice Bill.
Posted 13 years ago by bmeador    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Bought this album because of Radio Paradise.  It has been on heavy rotation ever since.  Great, great album!
Posted 13 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
All the talk about Hynde and Etheridge...I think PJ sounds like Olly Knights on this one.

Posted 13 years ago by camden_hampden    [ Reply ]
I love PJ. 
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:

I only see 4 bridges....
 
Maybe the fifth is the bridge of her nose?
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 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....

Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
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. 


Posted 13 years ago by dkliger    [ Reply ]
love love love

one of my alltime favourite sing-a-longs! 

Posted 13 years ago by Nadine    [ Reply ]
I wish she would pronounce her "T"'s properly.
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
love this.
Posted 13 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
This seemed a very appropriate song today with its New York imagery. Thanks for playing it.
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

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

Nope, neither ME-ish or CH-ish, but more like Johnette Napolitano.
Posted 13 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
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?

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Not a PJ fan, but this one is quite good.
Posted 13 years ago by Cyclehawk    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I am not a huge Harvey fan (fan of her{#Hearteyes}but not her music so much) but I really like this one.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 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. 

Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 PA1749 wrote:

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

 
Ditto.
Posted 13 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
 Stefen wrote:
Whad ya say?
 
Something

Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]

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


Posted 13 years ago by PA1749    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
I absolutely love this song.
 
Following the last song, this is my favorite song LOVE YOU PJ

Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I absolutely love this song.
Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Love the advice to lean against railings. Know they are there but don't be afraid to test them...
Posted 13 years ago by tryallmusic    [ Reply ]
spine-tingly good
Posted 13 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Melissa Ethridge...also what the hell did he say? She better tell me next time.
Posted 13 years ago by ra990    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
I always think this an old Pretenders song when she starts singing.
Posted 14 years ago by PA1749    [ Reply ]
 jpgr69 wrote:
Me too! This is really a beautiful song, very stirring and nostalgic. And her voice... 
{#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
My favorite song from my favorite PJ album.

Posted 14 years ago by emh    [ Reply ]
LOVE her voice!
Posted 14 years ago by PA1749    [ Reply ]
 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. 

Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 14 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
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?

Posted 14 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]