Dan + Shay delivered “the most important release of our career so far,” the duo said as “Say So” made its debut on Friday (April 3).
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney teamed up with David Hodges and Jimmy Robbins to write the moving ballad, which Smyers co-produced with Scott Hendricks. Dan + Shay shared earlier this week that “Say So” “is a true story about a friend who we lost not long ago, and we hope it offers strength and encouragement to anyone going through a tough time.” The song offers a powerful message about mental health awareness and offering support to one another.
“‘Say So’ is a reminder that no matter what you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone,” Dan + Shay said in a statement. “We wrote this song from a very personal place and could not be more proud to stand behind the message.”
Smyers directed the music video with Lewis Cater. The powerful storytelling visual opens with a warning about the video’s themes of suicide and depression, and advises viewer discretion before showing Mooney’s arrest for vandalism. Later in the music video, viewers learn that Mooney, who pleaded guilty to the charge, had spray painted a message of hope after he and Smyers mourned the loss of a friend: “If You Need Somebody Say So.” The message from Mooney, whom the judge declared “free to go,” helped someone else gain the strength to seek support from a loved one at the end of the video. Dan + Shay concluded:
“If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide + Crisis Lifeline.”
“We are beyond proud of this song and hope it becomes a hit (manifesting), but someday when we look back, we will define its ‘success’ not by the amount of sales + streams, but by the amount of people it helped,” Dan + Shay posted on Instagram when the song made its debut. “Music is a powerful thing, and we believe that these words can offer strength and comfort to anyone who might be struggling. Remember, no matter what you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. And if you need somebody, say so. As always, much love and thank you so much for listening. ❤️ PS – please watch the music video from start to finish. It’s a special one.”
Dan + Shay shared earlier this week that this song “is officially the start of the next chapter, and we truly believe it will be the best. Watch the “Say So” music video below (viewer discretion is advised).
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.