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from Wikipedia

"You Say"
Single by Lauren Daigle
from the album Look Up Child
ReleasedJuly 13, 2018[1]
Recorded2018
Genre
Length4:34
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Jason Ingram
  • Paul Mabury
Lauren Daigle singles chronology
"O'Lord"
(2017)
"You Say"
(2018)
"The Christmas Song"
(2018)
Music video
"You Say" on YouTube

"You Say" is a song by American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter Lauren Daigle. It is the lead single from her third studio album, Look Up Child.[2][3] Written by Daigle alongside producers Paul Mabury and Jason Ingram,[4] it was released as a single on July 13, 2018.[5] It reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, her first entry on the chart.[6] It also reached the top ten in Belgium. It is also Daigle's third No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.[7][8] The song debuted at No. 22 on the Christian Airplay chart, becoming the best start for a non-holiday song by a solo female artist in over eight years, since Francesca Battistelli's "Beautiful, Beautiful" debuted at No. 21 on March 20, 2010.[9] The song has spent 132 weeks at No. 1 on Hot Christian Songs, the second most weeks spent at No. 1 by a song on any chart; surpassed only by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" which has spent 373 weeks on the World Digital Songs chart.

The song was a huge Christian radio success, peaking at No. 1 on multiple different charts including the Christian adult contemporary (AC) radio chart and Christian AC Indicator chart. It was released to mainstream radio on January 15, 2019, by Warner Bros. From there, it reached the Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, and Mainstream Top 40 charts. It was the second-biggest Christian song of 2018 in the US, the biggest Christian song of 2019, 2020, and 2021 in the US, and the second-biggest Christian song of the entire 2010's decade in the US. It is certified six-times platinum in the US, signifying sales of over six million units in the country.

It won the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.[10] It also won Top Christian Song at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.[11]

Background

[edit]

"You Say" was released on July 13, 2018, as the lead single for her third studio album Look Up Child. The song was released to Christian radio on July 9.[12] Daigle sat down for a podcast with Billboard, and discussed her new single and upcoming album. "I knew this would be a song of my identity," she says. "'You say I am loved.' That's the truth." As for the album, Daigle says, "I want this to be such a record of joy, such a record of hope, that people experience a childlikeness again. In the time of making this record, I had to remember who I was as a child. I want people to reflect on, 'The innocence of my childhood … how do I see myself through those eyes again? How do I love myself like that again? Where's that joy? Where's that hope?'"[13]

Composition

[edit]

Sheet music for "You Say" is in the key of F major in common time, with a tempo of 74 beats per minute, and a chord progression of F-Am–Dm–B. Daigle's vocal range spans from D3 to A4.[14]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The song debuted at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the issue week of July 28, 2018.[15] In its ninth week, it climbed to No. 44;[16] it reached a new peak of No. 29 in March 2019. It remained on the chart for 43 weeks.[17]

It debuted at No. 33 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart on the issue week of July 21, 2018.[18] The following week, it jumped to No. 1, becoming Daigle's third No. 1 on the chart, and breaking the record for the biggest jump to No. 1.[19] It has since stayed there for 113 weeks, breaking the record for longest running song in the chart's history held by "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United.[20] As of April 25, 2019, it has stayed on the chart for 101 weeks.[21] The song has spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart.[22] The song also crossed over to the Canadian Hot 100, New Zealand Hot Singles chart, and Scotland Singles Chart, and Belgian Ultratop Chart, France, Switzerland and in the Netherlands.

It also debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart, breaking the record for the highest-ever debut by a contemporary Christian artist with a non-holiday song.[23][24] It was ranked at No. 50 on Billboard's Decade-End Digital Songs chart.[25] It also crossed over to the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart, peaking at No. 5.[26]

The song received a six-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on May 10, 2023.

Music video

[edit]

A music video for the single "You Say" was released on July 13, 2018.[27] The video shows Daigle singing the song around a house in soft, golden-hour lighting.[28] The video has over 300 million views on YouTube.[29]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[30]

  • Lauren Daigle – vocals, songwriter
  • Jason Ingram – songwriter
  • Paul Mabury – songwriter
  • Joe La Porta – mastering engineer

Track listings

[edit]

Live performances

[edit]

Daigle first performed the single "You Say" in the close out of the 2018 GMA Dove Awards.[33] She also performed the track on Good Morning America.[34] She then performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 26, 2019.[35] On May 1, 2019, Daigle performed the song during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.[36] In December 2020, Daigle performed "You Say" on the season 19 finale of The Voice.[37]

Accolades

[edit]
Awards
Year Organization Award Result Ref.
2019 Grammy Awards Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Won [38]
Billboard Music Awards Top Christian Song Won [39]
GMA Dove Awards Song of the Year Won [40]
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year Nominated

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for "You Say"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BRMA)[82] Gold 20,000
Canada (Music Canada)[83] 2× Platinum 160,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[84] Gold 45,000
France (SNEP)[85] Platinum 200,000
Netherlands (NVPI)[86] Platinum 80,000
Portugal (AFP)[87] Gold 5,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[88] Silver 200,000
United States (RIAA)[89] 6× Platinum 6,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States July 9, 2018 Christian radio Centricity [90]
January 15, 2019 Top 40 radio
[91]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"You Say" is a contemporary Christian written and performed by American Lauren , released on July 13, 2018, as the from her third studio album, . The track, which explores themes of self-doubt and divine affirmation through lyrics like "You say I am strong when I think I am weak," became a breakout hit, achieving widespread acclaim for its uplifting message and Daigle's emotive vocals. The song's release marked a pivotal moment in Daigle's career, propelling Look Up Child to 2× platinum certification and earning the album critical recognition, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2019. "You Say" itself won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the , highlighting its artistic and commercial impact within the genre, and has been certified 4× platinum by the RIAA. On the charts, it dominated the Hot Christian Songs tally, spending a record 132 weeks at number one, the longest reign in the chart's history. Additionally, it held the top spot on the Christian Airplay chart for 17 weeks, making it the first track to lead both charts for such extended periods. Internationally, the single peaked at number 47 on global charts and number 21 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success underscored Daigle's ability to bridge with mainstream pop appeal, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the industry.

Creation and Production

Background

In 2017 and 2018, grappled with profound self-doubt and an amid the pressures of sudden fame following her breakthrough success with previous albums. Transitioning from a waitress in to a prominent figure in , she experienced overwhelming highs and lows, particularly after the 2017 Dove Awards, where rising expectations led to an inner conflict over her sense of self and security as an artist. These personal challenges directly inspired the themes of affirmation and in "You Say," serving as the for Daigle's third studio album, , released on September 7, 2018. The song was crafted to explore vulnerability within , offering a reminder of spiritual strength and identity rooted in divine truth amid feelings of weakness and inadequacy. The track emerged from initial collaboration discussions in early 2018 with songwriters and producers Paul Mabury and , marking their first joint writing session since Daigle's debut album. During a tour stop, Daigle recounted an emotional breakdown in a worship session, where she felt torn by conflicting directions in her life, sparking the core idea of the song as a personal anchor of ; the trio completed it in just two hours.

Songwriting and Composition

The song "You Say" was collaboratively written by , , and Paul Mabury, with its lyrics centering on themes of divine affirmation and identity in faith, exemplified by lines such as "You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing," which contrast personal doubts with God's unchanging declarations of worth and strength. Musically, the composition is structured in a verse-chorus form featuring two verses, pre-choruses, a repeating chorus, and a bridge that reinforces through , building dynamically from introspective verses to an anthemic climax. It unfolds in the key of at a of approximately 74 beats per minute, adopting a piano-driven style that gradually incorporates subtle string swells for emotional intensity, particularly in the gospel-influenced chorus. The song draws influences from (CCM) and pop genres, evoking the emotional depth found in works by artists like , with whom Daigle toured in 2015, blending introspective storytelling with uplifting, faith-affirming melodies.

Recording and Personnel

The recording sessions for "You Say" took place in mid-2018 at Paul Mabury's private studio in , as part of the broader production for Lauren Daigle's album . The track was co-produced by Paul Mabury and , who oversaw the sessions to capture Daigle's vocal performances and instrumental layers in a focused creative environment. The production emphasized live as the foundational element, complemented by strings and subtle percussion to balance intimacy with an anthemic swell. Strings were arranged by Brett Mabury. Percussion elements, handled by Mabury himself, included light drum programming and accents to drive the build-up in the chorus. Personnel credits for the track include lead and background vocals by , with additional background vocals provided by to create a choral-like texture in the layered harmonies. was managed by the core production team under Mabury and Ingram, while mixing was handled by Mark Endert, ensuring clarity in the vocal delivery. Jason Ingram also contributed to vocal production and arrangement. Mastering was completed by Joe La Porta at Sterling Sound in New York. Other contributors included bass by Tony Lucido and guitar by Akil Thompson and Dwayne Larring. In , reverb was applied to Daigle's vocals to amplify their emotional resonance, giving the performance a spacious, cathedral-like quality that aligns with the song's themes of affirmation and vulnerability, while maintaining a polished pop sensibility.

Release and Formats

Single Release

"You Say" was released as the from Daigle's third studio album, , on July 13, 2018, through in collaboration with . The track marked Daigle's first release following her 2015 album How Can It Be, introducing themes of self-worth and divine affirmation that would anchor the forthcoming project. Upon its launch, the single became available for digital download and streaming on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, enabling immediate global access to listeners. This digital-first rollout aligned with industry standards for contemporary Christian music, prioritizing online distribution to build early momentum ahead of the album's full release. The accompanying album Look Up Child arrived on September 7, 2018, with "You Say" positioned as its thematic cornerstone, encapsulating the record's message of encouragement and spiritual resilience. Complementing the digital strategy, the initial promotion featured a targeted radio airplay campaign aimed at Christian Adult Contemporary formats, where the song debuted strongly and began accumulating spins shortly after release.

Track Listings

The single "You Say" was released digitally featuring the original version as the sole track, with a duration of 4:34. A promotional /vocal version, serving as an acoustic edit, was issued digitally in , running 4:36. The original recording appears on the standard edition of Lauren Daigle's 2018 album as track 5. Live versions are included on deluxe and special editions, such as the 2024 album Sessions (Exclusive Acoustic Recordings), where "You Say (Live Acoustic)" is track 5 with a length of 4:19. An international variant, the Spanish-language adaptation "Tú Dices," was released as a digital single on May 1, 2020, mirroring the structure of the original, with a double single including "Rescata" issued on May 15, 2020.

Digital Single

No.TitleLength
1You Say4:34

Piano/Vocal Single

No.TitleLength
1You Say (Piano/Vocal)4:36

Tú Dices / Rescata Single

No.TitleLength
1Tú Dices4:34
2Rescata3:42

Release History

"You Say" was initially released as a digital single in the United States on July 13, 2018, through , serving as the lead single from Lauren Daigle's third studio album, . The track quickly gained traction in digital streaming platforms, marking Daigle's first release following a period of creative development. The song appeared on the full album , which was released globally on September 7, 2018, including physical formats such as and vinyl in various regions, distributed internationally by partners including . In Europe, a 45 RPM double vinyl edition of the album was issued in 2019 by . In 2020, amid continued popularity driven by streaming and , released a Spanish-language version titled "Tú Dices" as a single on May 1, 2020, followed by the double single "Tú Dices / Rescata" on May 15, 2020, to broaden its international appeal.

Promotion and Media

Music Video

The official music video for "You Say" was directed by John Gray and released on July 13, 2018, via Lauren Daigle's official YouTube channel. Produced by Daigle alongside Joshua Wurzelbacher and Alicia St. Gelais, the video was filmed over a single day on July 9, 2018, at the Nashville studio and house where the album Look Up Child was recorded. The visual narrative centers on Daigle performing in a minimalist interior space bathed in soft, golden-hour lighting, with dynamic abstract projections on the walls—ranging from turbulent clouds and waves to serene light—symbolizing the song's exploration of inner doubt, vulnerability, and ultimate spiritual resolution. These elements underscore the themes of identity and affirmation drawn from the track's composition, creating an intimate, reflective atmosphere through shots that highlight Daigle's emotional delivery. Behind-the-scenes accounts reveal a focused production emphasizing natural lighting to evoke warmth and authenticity, with the quick turnaround from filming to release allowing for minimal while prioritizing raw emotional expression. The video's premiere coincided with rising anticipation for , and it rapidly amassed viewership, exceeding 25 million views on and contributing to a surge in the song's overall streaming and chart momentum.

Live Performances

"You Say" made its live debut at the 49th Annual on October 16, 2018, where performed the song as the show's closing number, captivating the audience with its emotional delivery and orchestral arrangement. This performance marked the song's first public presentation following its July release, helping to propel it within the scene and earning widespread acclaim for its inspirational impact. Daigle brought "You Say" to mainstream television with a live rendition on ABC's on December 20, 2018, showcasing the track's crossover appeal to a broader audience beyond . The appearance highlighted the song's growing popularity, as it had already topped the Christian chart, and underscored Daigle's emergence as a bridge between faith-based and pop music markets. During the Look Up Child Tour from late to 2019, "You Say" became a central element of Daigle's setlists, frequently serving as the main set closer to energize crowds across and . The tour, supporting the of the same name, featured the song in dynamic live formats that amplified its themes of self-worth and faith, contributing significantly to its promotion and the artist's rising international profile. In 2020, amid the , Daigle delivered a notable virtual performance of "You Say" on the season finale on May 17, joining winner for a remote that adapted the song's intimate message to a socially distanced format. This appearance on the ABC competition show extended the track's reach during a time when live events were halted, reinforcing its role in providing comfort and inspiration globally.

Reception and Impact

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "You Say" received widespread acclaim from Christian music outlets for its emotional authenticity and vulnerability in addressing self-doubt and divine affirmation. CCM Magazine awarded the parent album Look Up Child a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating, listing "You Say" among its favored tracks. Similarly, praised the song's crossover potential, emphasizing its soul-stirring balladry that resonated beyond genre boundaries, marking it as a pivotal moment in contemporary 's mainstream integration. Secular reviewers offered mixed perspectives, often critiquing the track's adherence to predictable conventions while acknowledging its broad emotional pull. For instance, a review in described Daigle's performance of "You Say" as soulful and uplifting in message, yet noted its familiarity as "hardly one we haven't heard before," suggesting the and echoed longstanding tropes in faith-based songwriting without much innovation. Critics frequently analyzed "You Say" as a bridge between (CCM) and mainstream pop, drawing parallels to Adele's introspective ballads for its dramatic piano-driven structure and Daigle's versatile range. Stereogum observed that the song evokes Adele's "Someone Like You" in melody and arrangement but infuses it with hopeful, identity-affirming lyrics rooted in , positioning it as an accessible entry point for non-evangelical listeners while retaining worship-friendly elements.

Commercial Performance

"You Say" achieved substantial commercial success , earning a 6× from the RIAA, denoting 6 million certified units that encompass a combination of digital downloads, physical sales, and on-demand audio and video streams. By 2020, the single had accumulated nearly 930,000 digital downloads in the U.S., contributing to its early momentum following its July 2018 release as the from Lauren Daigle's Look Up Child. The song's streaming performance has been equally impressive, surpassing 647 million global plays on as of November 2025. Overall, "You Say" has generated hundreds of millions of on-demand streams in the U.S. alone, underscoring its enduring appeal in the genre and beyond. On radio, "You Say" dominated airplay charts, holding the No. 1 position on Billboard's Christian chart for a record-setting 17 weeks from September 2018 through early 2019, reflecting strong support from Christian radio stations. It further crossed over to mainstream audiences by reaching No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary radio chart in August 2019, marking the first time a song had topped both the Christian and Adult Contemporary lists. This radio success, coupled with over 2.3 billion audience impressions by 2020, highlighted the track's broad and cultural resonance.

Accolades

"You Say" by won the Grammy Award for Best Performance/Song at the held on February 10, 2019. At the 50th Annual on October 15, 2019, the song was awarded Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. It received a nomination for Top Christian Song at the , though the award went to For King & Country's "joy.". Following its release, "You Say" was recognized by the ASCAP Christian Music Awards as one of the most performed songs in for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, reflecting its enduring popularity in live and broadcast performances.

Chart Performance and Certifications

Weekly Charts

"You Say" achieved significant success on various weekly music charts worldwide, particularly within the genre while also crossing over to mainstream audiences. On the Hot chart, the song debuted at number 33 on July 28, 2018, before ascending to number 1 the following week. It accumulated 132 non-consecutive weeks at the top position from August 4, 2018, to August 7, 2021, marking the longest reign in the chart's history. The track also made an impact on the , entering at number 53 on July 28, 2018, and reaching its peak of number 29 on the chart dated March 30, 2019, where it spent one week; it totaled 43 weeks on the ranking. In Canada, "You Say" entered the at number 95 on February 2, 2019, climbed to its peak of number 52 on March 30, 2019, holding that position for one week, and remained on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. On the UK Official Singles Chart, the song reached a peak position of number 21 in May 2019 and has charted for at least 24 weeks as of April 2025.
ChartPeak PositionWeeks at PeakTotal Weeks on ChartPeak Date
Hot Christian Songs ()1132 (non-consecutive)381+August 4, 2018 (first #1)
Hot 100 ()29143March 30, 2019
Billboard Canadian Hot 10052120March 30, 2019
UK Official Singles Chart21124+ (as of April 2025)May 2019

Year-End and Decade-End Charts

"You Say" achieved significant recognition on year-end charts following its release. In 2018, it topped the year-end chart at number 1, underscoring its immediate dominance within the genre. The song's crossover momentum carried into 2019, where it ranked number 60 on the year-end chart, marking a rare achievement for a contemporary Christian track on the all-genre list. On the decade-end chart for the , "You Say" secured the number 1 position, propelled by its unprecedented 132 weeks at the top of the weekly chart.

Certifications and Sales

"You Say" has received several certifications from major recording industry associations, reflecting its strong commercial success across different markets. In the United States, the song was certified 6× Platinum by the (RIAA) in 2024, denoting 6 million units sold or streamed. This certification was presented to during a live at in Nashville. Earlier, it achieved 4× Platinum status by 2022, highlighting its sustained popularity. Globally, "You Say" has surpassed 6 million equivalent units, incorporating physical sales, downloads, and across platforms worldwide as of 2025. This is supported by from comprehensive , including over 649 million on Spotify alone.

References

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