Unveiling the Tale Behind Don Williams‘s “Say It Again”
Authored by the Remarkable Bob McDill
(Performed to Perfection by Don Williams in 1976)
The remarkable Bob McDill, often touted as country music’s second-most prolific songwriter, second only to the legendary Harlan Howard according to Billboard Magazine, is the creative force behind the timeless classic “Say It Again.” This cherished composition marked the second of four chart-toppers penned by McDill for the mellifluous Don Williams. Furthermore, McDill’s exceptional songwriting prowess delivered seven more Top Ten hits for the iconic Williams.
Bob McDill’s journey began in Beaumont, Texas, the very hometown of another country music legend, George Jones. After graduating from Lamar University, McDill embarked on an adventurous path that led him to the army and then to Memphis, where he initially dabbled in the world of pop music. During his time in Memphis, he crafted tunes for notable artists such as Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs and Perry Como. Yet, his successes were few and not quite as significant as he aspired them to be.
McDill, rooted in a strong folk background, found his transformation into a country songwriter somewhat uncertain when his friend, Allen Reynolds, suggested he relocate to Nashville and embark on a career of crafting country songs. McDill hesitated, openly admitting that he needed to cultivate a genuine fondness for country music before he could earnestly pursue writing it. The turning point in his relationship with country music occurred serendipitously during a night out in Memphis in 1971. George Jones’ “A Good Year For The Roses” blared from the car radio, and its lyrics struck McDill like a bolt of lightning. He began his study of country music with the same fervor a seminary student reserves for the gospel. Following this epiphanic moment, McDill took Reynolds’ advice to heart and made the move to Music City.
In 1973, Johnny Russell gave McDill his first taste of Billboard’s Top Five with the hit “Red Necks, White Socks And Blue Ribbon Beer,” launching a prolific career that would see nearly 150 of his songs grace Billboard’s country chart over the next 27 years, with 31 of them achieving the coveted number one spot.
Bob McDill’s remarkable contribution to country music didn’t end with his retirement from songwriting in 2000. Recently, he made headlines when he generously donated his personal collection of 217 legal pads, each bearing the handwritten manuscripts of many of his songs, to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Initially saved as a mere habit, McDill’s publisher foresaw their potential value in guarding against potential “copyright infringement” lawsuits, though such events never materialized.
For McDill, songwriting was not just a creative endeavor but a daily vocation, and he approached it with the same dedication most of us reserve for our regular jobs. He maintained an office on Nashville’s revered Music Row, where he diligently showed up from 9 to 5 each day to craft his musical masterpieces. His personal goal: at least one song per week. While some songwriters may vividly recall the inspiration behind specific songs in their catalog, McDill’s memories have become a mosaic of the hundreds of songs he lovingly composed.
Bob McDill’s tireless efforts yielded not only financial success but also immense recognition. His name is eternally etched in the discussions of Music City’s finest songwriters. In the 1980s, within the hallowed halls of Nashville’s music industry, jokes circulated that “BMI,” denoting “Broadcast Music Incorporated,” stood for “Bob McDill Incorporated.” In recognition of his profound contributions to the country music realm, Bob was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1985.
Album: Harmony
Artist: Don Williams
Released: 1976
Lyrics
Oh, all I needed
Was one look
One magic moment
Was all it took
From that moment
I love you so
Now that I found you
I’m never gonna let you go
So, c’mon say it
Say it again
It’s sounds so good
Say it one more time
And then
Oh, if you mean it
Say it again
The hard part’s over
And the lovin’ part begins
Oh, hold me closer
Make me warm
I feel wanted
Here in your arms
I’ve been lonely
For too long
I’ve waited a life time
For you to come along
So, c’mon say it
Say it again
It’s sounds so good
Say it one more time
And then
Oh, if you mean it
Say it again
The hard part’s over
And the lovin’ part begins
C’mon say it
Say it again
It’s sounds so good
Say it one more time
And then
Oh, if you mean it
Say it again
The hard part’s over
And the lovin’ part begins
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