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{{short description|2008 song by Kanye West}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Say You Will
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*Avex Recording ([[Honolulu|Honolulu, Hawaii]])
| genre =
*[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
| length = 6:17
| label =
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}}
 
"'''Say You Will'''" is a song by American recording artistrapper [[Kanye West]], released as the opening track on his fourth studio album, ''[[808s & Heartbreak]]'' (2008). The song contains vocals from the Kadockadee Kwire featuring Glenn Jordan, [[Phillip Ingram]], [[Jim Gilstrap]], [[Romeo Johnson]], Kevin Dorsey, and [[Will Wheaton]]. It also includes background vocals from [[Mr Hudson]] and [[The World Famous Tony Williams|Tony Williams]]. The song was produced by West, who co-wrote it with [[Jeff Bhasker]], [[Young Jeezy]], [[Malik Yusef]], [[Mr Hudson]], and [[Consequence (rapper)|Consequence]]. In 2008, the song was recorded over a time period of 15 minutes. It is a [[Melancholia|melancholy]] [[SentimentalHip balladhop music|balladhip hop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] ballad, which features [[synth-pop]] production.
 
Lyrically, the song sees West discuss struggling to detach himself from Alexis PhifferPhifer. "Say You Will" received generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]], a number of whom named it as one of the album's highlights. Some praised the composition, while several reviewers highlighted the vocals on the song. West performed the song at the 2011 [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]], beforeand he later narratingnarrated a team of singers through a performance of it at ''Nebuchadnezzar'' in 2019. The song was used in a trailer for West's film ''[[Jesus Is King (film)|Jesus Is King]]'' (2019), before subsequently being featured in the film. [[Mobius Band (band)|Mobius Band]] shared a cover version of it in February 2009, which [[Sampling (music)|samples]] children's voices. A remix of the song was released in October 2015 that features [[Caroline Shaw]]. On the [[Electro (music)|electro]]–orchestral remix, the strength of the vocals is increased and violins from Shaw are added.
 
==Background and recording==
[[File:Esthero.jpg|thumb|150px|left|alt=[[Esthero]] attending Claudia Jordans 35th Birthday Party at Boulevard 3, Hollywood, CA 04-13-08|[[Esthero]] persuaded West to keep the beginning of the song's [[Refrain|chorus]], regardless of how many lyrics he re-recorded.<ref name="Holmes"/>]]
Outside of the"Say songYou Will", English musician [[Mr Hudson]] co-wrote fellow ''808s & Heartbreak'' track "[[Street Lights (Kanye West song)|Street Lights]]" and contributed a feature to "[[Paranoid (Kanye West song)|Paranoid]]".<ref name="linernotes"/> The musician was on vacation in Paris when he received a phone call from West, who was drawn in by his charm.<ref name="rs"/> After Mr Hudson's contributions to the album, West went on to sign him to his [[record label]] [[GOOD Music]].<ref name="rs"/> The musician subsequently released his debut studio album ''[[Straight No Chaser (Mr Hudson album)|Straight No Chaser]]'' under the label in October 2009, with West contributing vocals on the [[Single (music)|single]] "[[Supernova (Mr Hudson song)|Supernova]]".<ref name="rs">{{cite newsmagazine | author=Fennessy, Sean | title=Kanye West protege Mr Hudson has debut performance at NYC's Canal Room. | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-protege-mr-hudson-politely-introduces-himself-in-nyc-64052/ | workmagazine=Rolling Stone | url-access=limited | date=July 16, 2009 | access-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614060706/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-protege-mr-hudson-politely-introduces-himself-in-nyc-64052/ |archive-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref> "Say You Will" was solely produced by West, who served as a songwriter alongside [[Jeff Bhasker]], [[Young Jeezy]], [[Malik Yusef]], Mr Hudson, and [[Consequence (rapper)|Consequence]]. An 11-piece orchestra contributed to the song, which was conducted by Larry Gold.{{efn|See credits and personnel for the roles of the entire orchestra.}} Gold also [[String arrangement|arranged]] the [[String instrument|strings]], while Jeff Chestek engineered them with assistance from Rick Friedrich, Montez Roberts, and John Stahl.<ref name="linernotes"/>
 
Throughout the album, West uses [[Auto-Tune]] on his voice.<ref name="McGuire">{{cite web |last1=McGuire |first1=Colin |url=https://www.popmatters.com/142195-kanye-west-2496011497.html |title=Hip-Hop's Heartbreak: Kanye West - 'Say You Will' |website=[[PopMatters]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |date=May 31, 2011 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027144721/https://www.popmatters.com/142195-kanye-west-2496011497.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During the three week period that he worked on the entirety of ''808s & Heartbreak'' in 2008, "Say You Will" was recorded in 15 minutes.<ref name="TheFader">{{cite web|last=Macia |first=Peter |title=''Fader'' 58: Kanye West Cover Story and Interview |website=[[The Fader]] |url=http://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview |date=November 25, 2008 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202233800/http://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Saponara">{{cite webmagazine|author=Saponara, Michael|title=Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak' Turns 9: Ranking the Album's Tracks|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8046306/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-turns-9-ranking-the-albums-tracks|workmagazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123105455/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8046306/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-turns-9-ranking-the-albums-tracks|url-status=live}}</ref> For seekingSeeking out a [[Minimal music|minimalist]] direction sonically, West directed his team to bring unique [[drum machine]]s to Avex Recording Studio in [[Honolulu|Honolulu, Hawaii]].<ref name="linernotes"/><ref name="Kilhoffer"/> They were [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampled]] and [[Programming (music)|reprogrammed]] into West's [[Roland TR-808]] drum machine at the studio, which recording engineer [[Anthony Kilhoffer]] explained was responsible for the song's "unique sounds".<ref name="Kilhoffer">{{cite webmagazine|author=Saponara, Michael|title=Kanye West's ''808s & Heartbreak'' Turns 10: Engineer Anthony Kilhoffer Revisits the Influential Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8485555/kanye-west-808-and-heartbreak-10-year-anniversary|workmagazine=Billboard|date=November 24, 2018|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124221043/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8485555/kanye-west-808-and-heartbreak-10-year-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref> West further ventured in a new musical direction, crafting buzzsaw and icy [[Synthesizer|synths]] that are juxtaposed with sonic flourishes on "Say You Will".<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="Kilhoffer"/> On the album's 10th anniversary in 20082018, Canadian singer-songwriter [[Esthero]] remembered witnessing the peak of West's singing and songwriting capabilities as it was recorded and sang the line "Hey, hey, hey, hey, don't say you will" from the song's [[Refrain|chorus]]. She emphasized the notes West settled on when he sang the line and recalled having begged him: "I don't care how many of these lines you re-record. I know you have to write lyrics and you're going to re-record them. That one, do not get rid of that. Please keep that. It's magic."<ref name="Holmes">{{cite webmagazine | author=Holmes, Charles | title=The Raw, Rushed Making of '808s & Heartbreak,' Kanye West's Most Influential Album | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/making-of-808s-heartbreak-759011/ | workmagazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | url-access=limited | date=November 23, 2018 | access-date=April 14, 2021 | archive-date=April 14, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414094851/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/making-of-808s-heartbreak-759011/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==Composition and lyrics==
{{multiple image
Musically, "Say You Will" is a [[Melancholia|melancholy]] [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]],<ref name="vibe"/><ref name="spin"/><ref name="guardian"/> featuring [[synth-pop]] production.<ref name="omh"/> Contrasting with most rap and [[Pop music|pop]] songs, the chorus-verse-chorus-verse [[Song structure|structure]] is not used.<ref name="Odyssey">{{cite web|author=Jackson, Rachel|title=Why Say You Will is Kanye's Most Influential Song|url=https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-say-you-will-is-kanyes-most-influential-song|publisher=[[Odyssey|The Odyssey Online]]|location=Baton Rouge, LA|date=September 12, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412190756/https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-say-you-will-is-kanyes-most-influential-song|url-status=live}}</ref> Two icy synth notes are repeated back and forth on the song, which it primarily relies on.<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="ripcord"/><ref name="Heaton"/> The notes are backed by drums, as well as vocals from monk choir the Kadockadee Kwire featuring Glenn Jordan, [[Phillip Ingram]], [[Jim Gilstrap]], [[Romeo Johnson]], Kevin Dorsey, and [[Will Wheaton]].<ref name="linernotes"/><ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="ripcord"/> The song also prominently features [[Electronic music|electronic]] buzzsaw synths,<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="Kilhoffer"/> sparse [[Percussion instrument|percussion]], and piano.<ref name="omh"/><ref name="Heaton"/> Strings, violin, [[viola]], [[cello]], and heavy [[Double bass|bass]] are included on the song.<ref name="linernotes"/><ref name="Odyssey"/> West starts to sing at six seconds in, following a few of the notes.<ref name="McGuire"/> He utilizes auto-tune on his voice, singing until the song's 3 minutes and 15 seconds mark.<ref name="McGuire"/><ref name="wp"/> West's performance is succeeded by an extended instrumental outro,<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="ripcord"/><ref name="Heaton"/> which utilizies the Roland TR-808 and echoes choral vocals for around three minutes.<ref name="McGuire"/><ref name="Kilhoffer"/><ref name="pf"/> Background vocals are contributed to the song by Mr Hudson and [[The World Famous Tony Williams|Tony Williams]].<ref name="linernotes"/>▼
| align = right
| footer = [[The Cure]] (left) and [[New Order (band)|New Order]] (right) influenced the song's [[Gothic rock|gothic]] and [[Electronic music|dank electronic]] elements, which are combined with its lead genres of [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]].<ref name="book"/>
| image1 = The Cure Live in Singapore 2-_1st_August 2007.jpg
| alt1 = [[The Cure]] pictured in 2007
| image2 = New Order, Chile 2019 (39751785423).jpg
| alt2 = [[New Order (band)|New Order]] pictured in, Chile 2019
| total_width = 320
}}
▲Musically, "Say You Will" is a [[Melancholia|melancholy]] [[SentimentalHip balladhop music|ballad]],<refhip name="vibe"/><ref name="spin"/><ref name="guardian"/> featuring [[synth-pophop]] production.<ref name="omh"/> Contrasting with most rap and [[PopContemporary musicR&B|popR&B]] songs, the chorus-verse-chorus-verse [[Song structure|structure]] is not usedballad.<ref name="Odysseybook">{{cite webbook |authorlast=Jackson,Beaumont Rachel|titlefirst=WhyMark Say|author-link=Mark YouBeaumont Will is(journalist) |title=Kanye's MostWest: InfluentialGod & Monster Song|url=https://wwwbooks.theodysseyonlinegoogle.com/whybooks?id=-say-you-will-is-kanyes-most-influential-songy3aBwAAQBAJ&q=hey+mama |date=2015 |publisher=[[Odyssey|TheOmnibus OdysseyPress Online]]|locationisbn=Baton9781783233946 Rouge, LA|datevia=September[[Google 12,Books]] 2016|access-date=April 195, 20212022 |archive-date=AprilNovember 12, 20192021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2019041219075620211112110758/https://wwwbooks.theodysseyonlinegoogle.comco.uk/whybooks?id=-say-you-will-is-kanyes-most-influential-songy3aBwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=hey+mama&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="vibe"/><ref name="spin"/><ref name="guardian"/> The song features [[synth-pop]] production,<ref name="omh"/> with [[Gothic rock|gothic]] and dank electronic influences of [[the Cure]] and [[New Order (band)|New Order]].<ref name="book"/> Contrasting with most rap and [[Pop music|pop]] songs, the chorus-verse-chorus-verse [[Song structure|structure]] is not used.{{cn|date=September 2024}} Two icy synth notes are repeated back and forth on the song, which it primarily relies on.<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="ripcord"/><ref name="Heaton"/> The notes are backed by drums, as well as vocals from monk choir the Kadockadee Kwire featuring Glenn Jordan, [[Phillip Ingram]], [[Jim Gilstrap]], [[Romeo Johnson]], Kevin Dorsey, and [[Will Wheaton]].<ref name="linernotes"/><ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="ripcord"/> The song also prominently features [[Electronic music|electronic]] buzzsaw synths,<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="Kilhoffer"/> sparse [[Percussion instrument|percussion]], and piano.<ref name="omh"/><ref name="Heaton"/> Strings, violin, [[viola]], [[cello]], and heavy [[Double bass|bass]] are included on the song.<ref name="linernotes"/> Gold [[String arrangement|arranged]] the [[String instrument|strings]], while Jeff Chestek engineered them with assistance from Rick Friedrich, Montez Roberts, and John Stahl.<ref name="Odysseylinernotes"/> West starts to sing at six seconds ininto the song, following a few of the notes.<ref name="McGuire"/> He utilizes autoAuto-tuneTune on his voice, singing until the song's 3 minutes and 15 seconds mark.<ref name="McGuire"/><ref name="wp"/> West's performance is succeeded by an extended instrumental outro,<ref name="Saponara"/><ref name="ripcord"/><ref name="Heaton"/> which utiliziesutilizes the Roland TR-808 and echoes choral vocals for around three minutes.<ref name="McGuire"/><ref name="Kilhoffer"/><ref name="pf"/> Background vocals are contributed to the song by Mr Hudson and [[The World Famous Tony Williams|Tony Williams]].<ref name="linernotes"/>
 
In the lyrics of the song, West speaks of being unable to pull himself away from his ex-loverfiancé Alexis PhifferPhifer.<ref name="Odyssey"/><ref name="bb"/> According to him, the song is about that "ex-girlfriend you call on Friday nights just to have sex".<ref name="Saponara"/> West begins the chorus by singing, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, don't say you will".<ref name="Holmes"/> He expresses misery on the song with the lyrics "When I grab your neck / I touch your soul".<ref name="McGuire"/>
 
==Release and reception==
On November 24, 2008, "Say You Will" was included as the first track on West's fourth studio album ''808s & Heartbreak''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=GrozaKellman |first1=DanielAndy |title=''808s & Heartbreak'' – Kanye West |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/808s-heartbreak-mw0000802924 |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326172545/https://www.allmusic.com/album/808s-heartbreak-mw0000802924 |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song was met with generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]], mostly being identified by them as an album highlight. While naming the song as one of the album's tracks to be downloaded, ''[[The Washington Post]]''{{'}}s Chris Richards noted it contains "equally rich sonic detail" to "[[Street Lights (Kanye West song)|Street Lights]]".<ref name="wp">{{cite webnews | last=Richards | first=Chris | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/23/AR2008112302506.html/ | title=Kanye West, in Perfect Auto-Tune | worknewspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | url-status=livedead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109153334/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/23/AR2008112302506.html/ | archive-date=November 9, 2012 }}</ref> He analyzed, characterizing the song as sounding like slow riffing from "[[Kraftwerk]] and a choir of Gregorian monkbots" on [[the Beatles]]' "[[Eleanor Rigby]]" (1966) and observing how West "allows the beat to plink and plonk off into infinity" after his autoAuto-tunedTuned performance.<ref name="wp"/> Richards wrote that the "three gorgeous, wordless minutes" provide clarity of West "no longer clamoring for our undivided attention", instead "giving us enough space to step back and watch him take a brilliant left turn".<ref name="wp"/> Reviewing the album for ''[[The Independent]]'', Andy Gill recommended it as one of the songs to download.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gill|first=Andy|date=November 28, 2008|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-kanye-west-808s-amp-heartbreakrocafellamercury-1038395.html|title=Album: Kanye West, ''808s & Heartbreak'' (Roc-a-Fella/Mercury)|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|location=London|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201073453/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-kanye-west-808s-amp-heartbreakrocafellamercury-1038395.html|archive-date=December 1, 2008}}</ref> Steve Jones from ''[[USA Today]]'' made the same recommendation in his review.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-23-kanye-west-808s-heartbreak_N.htm | work=[[USA Today]] | location=McLean | last=Jones | first=Steve | title=Kanye weighs what's lost, gained in '808s & Heartbreak' | date=November 28, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304083719/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-23-kanye-west-808s-heartbreak_N.htm/ | archive-date=March 4, 2010 }}</ref> Writing for ''RapReviews'', Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania named "the opening strands of the haunting 'Hey-hey-hey-hey'" on the song among the moments of ''808s & HeeartbreakHeartbreak'' that will remained in one's mind "for a good while".<ref>{{cite web|last=Padania|first=Jesal 'Jay Soul'|url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2008_11F_808s.html|title=RapReviews.com Feature Of The Week - Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak'|website=RapReviews|date=November 25, 2008|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415170548/http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2008_11F_808s.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'', Jim DeRogatis selected the song as one of the notable times on the album where West's formula of autoAuto-tuneTune usage "is touching and very effective".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/music/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_heartbreak_roc.html |access-date=April 15, 2021 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |title=Kanye West, '808s & Heartbreak' (Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam) <nowiki>[3 Out of 4 Starrs]</nowiki> |last=DeRogatis |first=Jim |date=November 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020171317/http://blogs.suntimes.com/music/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_heartbreak_roc.html |archive-date=October 20, 2012 }}</ref> Scott Plagenhoef from ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' opined that the song has one of the "biggest vocal lines" on the album, before ultimately reaching "a three-minute, table-setting outro-- a patient, defeated-sounding collection of choral vocals and drum machines".<ref name="pf">{{cite web |last1=Plagenhoef |first1=Scott |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12498-808s-and-heartbreak/ |title=Kanye West: ''808s and Heartbreak'' Album Review |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=December 2, 2008 |archive-date=February 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004509/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12498-808s-and-heartbreak/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
''[[PopMatters]]'' contributor Dave Heaton stated the song "sets the mood well" for ''808s & Heartbreak'' with its two "simple synth notes" that repeat back and forth similarly to a [[Table tennis|ping-pong]] game, recognizing the "strangeness" lendedlent by them.<ref name="Heaton">{{cite web| author= Heaton, Dave| title= Kanye West ''808s and Heartbreak'' < Reviews| url= http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/66230-kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak/| work= PopMatters| date= December 1, 2008| access-date= April 15, 2021| archive-date= December 2, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202025919/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/66230-kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak/| url-status= live}}</ref> He further noticed that "an emotional foundation" is provided by the song's 1980s "[[Sunshine pop|soft-pop]] piano" and the "extended outro" after West's performance places emphasis on "the feeling of the song while introducing the fact that West's presence as a composer/arranger" is equally or possibly more important to the album than his microphone presence.<ref name="Heaton"/> In ''[[Hotpress.com|Hotpress]]'', Alison Curtis called the song "six minutes of remorseful chanting".<ref>{{cite web |last=Curtis |first=Alison |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/808s-heartbreak-5104851 |title=''808s & Heartbreak'' |work=[[Hotpress.com|Hotpress]] |access-date=April 15, 2021 |date=December 16, 2008 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415170550/https://www.hotpress.com/music/808s-heartbreak-5104851 |url-status=live }}</ref> The staff of ''[[The Observer]]'' viewed the song as sounding like [[R. Kelly]] taking on the style of Kraftwerk, labeling it "a [[slow jam]] built around a simple radioactive [[Pulse (music)|pulse]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak |title=CD: Urban review: Kanye West, ''808s and Heartbreak'' |work=[[The Observer]] |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=November 9, 2008 |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201103614/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak |url-status=live }}</ref> Jozen Cummings of ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' described the album as West "trying to get something off his chest" while he attempts "to push something through", noting how most artists do not begin their albums with a ballad like West "does with the melancholy 'Say You Will'".<ref name="vibe">{{cite web | last1=Cummings | first1=Jozen | title=Kanye West: ''808s & Heartbreak'' | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_and_heartbreak/ | work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | archive-date=December 17, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217090645/https://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_and_heartbreak/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Cara Nash from ''No Ripcord'' viewed the song as setting the album's mood "with two synth notes beeping back and forth, desolate and bleak", which it comprises of.<ref name="ripcord"/> Nash elaborated, saying the notes are backed by "a haunting synth choir and drums", and the song's "extended outro" serves as a reminder of West's heartbreak being "defeating and relentless".<ref name="ripcord">{{cite web | last1=Nash | first1=Cara | title=Kanye West: ''808s & Heartbreak'' | url=http://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/kanye-west/808s-and-heartbreak | work=No Ripcord | date=December 21, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | archive-date=August 13, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813114926/http://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/kanye-west/808s-and-heartbreak | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' reviewer Mariel Concepcion called the subject matter of West being "unable to wrench himself away from an ex-lover" interesting, though felt that the song lacks the funness of fellow album tracks "[[Amazing (Kanye West song)|Amazing]]" and "[[See You in My Nightmares]]".<ref name="bb">{{cite webmagazine | last1=Concepcion | first1=Mariel | title=''808s & Heartbreak'' | url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews-album/808s-heartbreak-1003895511.story | workmagazine=Billboard | date=November 29, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | archive-date=December 11, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211114557/https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews-album/808s-heartbreak-1003895511.story | url-status=livedead }}</ref> In a negative review for ''[[musicOMH]]'', Adam Conner-Simons defined "Say You Will" as setting the tone for the "spaced-out synth-pop production" on ''808s & Heartbreak'' that is simple and [[Minimal music|minimal]]. He continued, commenting that the song "indifferently drip-drop[s] along for more than six minutes amid thin choral arrangements and bare-bones percussion".<ref name="omh">{{cite web | last1=Conner-Simons | first1=Adam | title=Kanye West – ''808s & Heartbreak'' | url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/kanye-west-2_1108.htm | work=[[musicOMH]] | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | archive-date=May 29, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529060514/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/kanye-west-2_1108.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
==Live performances==
[[File:Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak @ The Hollywood Bowl - Night 1 (09-25-15) (21115791583).jpg|thumb|200px|uprightleft|alt=Kanye West performing "Say You Will" at the [[Hollywood Bowl]] on September 25, 2015.|West performing the song live at the [[Hollywood Bowl]] in 2015, accompanied by a gold-painted [[Zoë Kravitz]] in the center of the lightless stage.]]
West performed the song live for the sixth number of his February 2009 [[VH1]] show, which was later released as his second [[live album]] ''[[VH1 Storytellers (Kanye West album)|VH1 Storytellers]]'' in January 2010.<ref name="vh1">{{cite news |last1=Montgomery |first1=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1628248/kanye-west-vh1-storytellers-cddvd-hits-stores-in-january/ |title=Kanye West VH1 'Storytellers' CD/DVD Hits Stores In January |publisher=[[MTV]] |access-date=April 14, 2021 |date=December 14, 2009 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402085658/http://www.mtv.com/news/1628248/kanye-west-vh1-storytellers-cddvd-hits-stores-in-january/ |url-status=livedead }}</ref> Spooky keyboards backed West for the performance, while he also told the story behind the song.<ref name="vh1"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Alex |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2010/01/album-review-kanye-west-vh1-storytellers/ |title=Kanye West – ''VH1 Storytellers'' {{!}} Album Reviews |website=[[Consequence of Sound(publication)|Consequence]] |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=January 20, 2010 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330205239/https://consequenceofsound.net/2010/01/album-review-kanye-west-vh1-storytellers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During his headlining set for the 2009 [[Wireless Festival]] at [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]] in London, West followed declaring the song his favorite on ''808s & Heartbreak'' by performing a highly emotional version of it.<ref name="wireless"/> While performing, he wore his customary [[Aviator sunglasses|aviator shades]] and black suit jacket while.<ref name="wireless">{{cite web| title=Kanye West Closes Wireless Festival With Crystal-themed Show| url=https://www.nme.com/news/kanye-west/45861| work=NME| date=July 6, 2009| access-date=August 1, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709072754/http://www.nme.com/news/kanye-west/45861| archive-date=July 9, 2009| url-status=live}}</ref> Kanye delivered a performance of the song for his headlining set at the 2011 [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella Festival]], which saw him declare the set his "most important" show since his mother Donda West's death.<ref name="la"/> Kanye West also said during the song's performance that as he wrote "[[Power (Kanye West song)|Power]]" (2009), he had envisioned performing it on the stage of Coachella.<ref name="la">{{cite web| author=Martens, Todd| title=Coachella 2011: Kanye West doesn't play it safe as he closes the Indio fest| url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/coachella-2011-kanye-west-doesnt-play-it-safe-as-he-closes-the-indio-fest.html| website=[[Los Angeles Times]]| date=April 18, 2011| access-date=August 12, 2020| archive-date=AprilDecember 1410, 20212018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210015903/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/coachella-2011-kanye-west-doesnt-play-it-safe-as-he-closes-the-indio-fest.html| url-status=live}}</ref> On February 22, 2012, West freestyled over the song for seven minutes during a concert in [[Melbourne|Melbourne, Australia]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lilah |first1=Rose |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-west-say-you-will-freestyle-video-new-video.4927.html |title=Kanye West 'Say You Will Freestyle' Video |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=February 22, 2012 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033658/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-west-say-you-will-freestyle-video-new-video.4927.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="huffpost">{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kanye-west-say-you-will-melbourne-freestyle_n_1296432 |title=Kanye West 'Say You Will' Freestyle: Rapper Recounts Unsuccessful Seduction During Melbourne Concert |website=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=April 14, 2021 |date=February 23, 2012 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414143522/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kanye-west-say-you-will-melbourne-freestyle_n_1296432 |url-status=live }}</ref> The freestyle included West recounting having contacted an ex-lover late at night; he requested her to come over and was led into believing she would take up his offer, but he was ultimately denied.<ref name="huffpost"/>
 
For a January 2013 concert in Abu Dhabi on [[The Yeezus Tour]], West began to perform "Say You Will", before transitioning into both freestyling and ranting.<ref name="yeezus">{{cite web |last1=Weiss |first1=Sam |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/02/video-kanye-west-freestyles-rants-over-say-you-will-in-abu-dhabi |title=Video: Kanye West Freestyles (Rants) Over 'Say You Will' in Abu Dhabi |website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] |access-date=April 14, 2021 |date=February 1, 2013 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414143522/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/02/video-kanye-west-freestyles-rants-over-say-you-will-in-abu-dhabi |url-status=live }}</ref> During the concert, West wore a [[straitjacket]].<ref name="yeezus"/> At the 2013 [[Governors Ball Music Festival|Governors Ball]], West performed the song.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Domball |first1=Ryan |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/51097-report-kanye-west-at-governors-ball/ |title=Report: Kanye West at Governors Ball |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 29, 2021 |date=June 10, 2013 |archive-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815120951/https://pitchfork.com/news/51097-report-kanye-west-at-governors-ball/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For West's two night concert of ''808s & Heartbreak'' in its entirety at the 2015 [[Hollywood Bowl]] in September, he performed the song as the first track, beginning at 9:19 p.m.<ref name="Steve">{{cite webmagazine |last1=Appleford |first1=Steve |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/kanye-west-turns-808s-heartbreak-into-high-art-at-hollywood-bowl-32991/ |title=Kanye West Turns '808s & Heartbreak' Into High Art at Hollywood Bowl |websitemagazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=September 26, 2015 |archive-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721043505/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/kanye-west-turns-808s-heartbreak-into-high-art-at-hollywood-bowl-32991/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mtv">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2283318/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-live/ |title=I Saw Kanye West Perform ''808s'' Live And The Only Heartbreak Is That It's Over |access-date=April 14, 2021 |author=Roth, Madeline |date=September 27, 2015 |publisher=MTV |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414204934/http://www.mtv.com/news/2283318/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-live/ |url-status=livedead }}</ref> West wore loose garments in white and off-white shades as he performed, while [[Chukka boot|desert-trek boots]] served as his footwear.<ref name="nyt">{{cite web | author=Caramanica, Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica | title=Review: Kanye West Shines Light on His Darkest Hour | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/arts/music/review-kanye-west-shines-light-on-his-darkest-hour.html | work=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=limited | date=September 28, 2015 | access-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108131140/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/arts/music/review-kanye-west-shines-light-on-his-darkest-hour.html |archive-date=November 8, 2020 }}</ref><ref name="lat">{{cite web | author=Ali, Lorranie | title=Review: Can we talk about Kanye West's uncharacteristically endearing '808s' show at the Hollywood Bowl? | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-review-kanye-west-ressurects-808s-heartbreak-at-the-hollywood-bowl-20150926-story.html | work=Los Angeles Times | date=September 26, 2015 | access-date=April 14, 2021 | archive-date=October 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012064853/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-review-kanye-west-ressurects-808s-heartbreak-at-the-hollywood-bowl-20150926-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He was supported by a small band, a medium-sized orchestra, and backing singers.<ref name="nyt"/><ref name="lat"/> The lights went out as soon as the performance started, which was accompanied by fireworks.<ref name="Steve"/><ref name="mtv"/> West sang to American actress [[Zoë Kravitz]] throughout, who was covered in gold paint and sulked in the center of the stage.<ref name="Steve"/><ref name="mtv"/><ref>{{cite web | author=Trammell, Matthew | title=Kanye West's ''808s & Heartbreak'' Live Show Is Proof Fam’Fam' Can't Kill Him | url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/26/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-hollywood-bowl-live-review | work=The Fader | date=September 26, 2015 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | archive-date=July 23, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723230752/https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/26/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-hollywood-bowl-live-review | url-status=live }}</ref> He faced the direction of the orchestra and singers, rarely looking towards the crowd.<ref name="lat"/> Around one minute into the performance, West requested his band to restart the song. During the outro, he had a standoff of sorts with Kravitz.<ref name="mtv"/> On November 24, 2019, West served as the offstage narrator for his debut opera ''Nebuchadnezzar'' while the song was performed by a team of singers, who sang the orchestral [[Coda (music)|coda]] as a recurring [[Motif (music)|motif]].<ref>{{cite webnews |last1=Grosinger |first1=Matt |last2=Minsker |first2=Evan |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/heres-what-happened-in-kanye-wests-opera-nebuchadnezzar/ |title=Here's What Happened in Kanye West's Opera ''Nebuchadnezzar'' |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 14, 2021 |date=November 25, 2019 |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721080513/https://pitchfork.com/news/heres-what-happened-in-kanye-wests-opera-nebuchadnezzar/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite webmagazine |last1=Thompson |first1=Paul |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-nebuchadnezzer-review-918049/ |title=Review: Kanye West Opera 'Nebuchadnezzar' |websitemagazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=April 14, 2021 |date=November 25, 2019 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414170033/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-nebuchadnezzer-review-918049/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==In popular culture==
American trio [[Mobius Band (band)|Mobius Band]] released a cover version of the song on their EP ''Empire of Love'' on February 11, 2009, coinciding with [[Valentine's Day]].<ref name="spin">{{cite news |last1=Fitzmaurice |first1=Larry |url=https://www.spin.com/2009/02/free-download-mobius-band-cover-kanye-west/ |title=Free Download: Mobius Band Cover Kanye West |website=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=February 11, 2009 |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055014/https://www.spin.com/2009/02/free-download-mobius-band-cover-kanye-west/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The cover maintains the original's melancholic tone, though has the addition of [[Sampling (music)|samples]] of children's voices and features no autoAuto-tuneTune.<ref name="spin"/> Canadian musician [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] rapped over the song's beat on "Say What's Real", which was included on his third mixtape ''[[So Far Gone (mixtape)|So Far Gone]]'' in February 2009.<ref name="drake">{{cite webmagazine | last1=Lamarre | first1=Carl | title=Why Drake Needs Kanye West's Permission to Clear 'Say What's Real': An Explainer | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8490249/drake-kanye-west-say-whats-real-so-far-gone-say-you-will-sample-explainer | workmagazine=Billboard | date=December 13, 2018 | access-date=April 19, 2021 | archive-date=January 21, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121191553/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8490249/drake-kanye-west-say-whats-real-so-far-gone-say-you-will-sample-explainer | url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2018, West tweeted a screenshot of a text message that informed him Drake had sent a clearance request for the song.<ref name="drake"/><ref name="drake-2"/> Subsequently, West declined the request after ranting on [[Twitter]] and engaging in a phone call with Drake.<ref name="drake"/> The mixtape was later released to [[Streaming media|streaming services]] on its 10th anniversary in February 2019 with the song included; West ultimately granted his approval and received credit as a composer.<ref name="drake-2"/> Drake clarified via [[Instagram]] that he rapped over the beat because West "just made the best shit".<ref name="drake-2">{{cite web |last1=Espinoza |first1=Joshua |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/kanye-west-clears-say-you-will-beat-for-drake-so-far-gone |title=Drake Got 'Say You Will' Sample Cleared, Despite Kanye's Initial Refusal |website=Complex |access-date=April 19, 2021 |date=February 15, 2019 |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216134520/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/kanye-west-clears-say-you-will-beat-for-drake-so-far-gone |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2016, West's wife [[Kim Kardashian]] included "Say You Will" on a playlist of her 28 favouritefavorite songs from him.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Luke Morgan |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-18-1189325 |title=Stream Kim Kardashian's playlist of her favourite Kanye West tracks |website=[[NME]] |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=August 30, 2016 |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822113712/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-18-1189325 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On October 17, 2019, West shared a trailer for his [[concert film]] ''[[Jesus Is King (film)|Jesus Is King]]'' that is slightly over a minute in length.<ref name="pf-2"/><ref>{{cite web|author=France, Lisa Respers|title=Kanye West releases 'Jesus is King' film trailer|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/18/entertainment/kanye-jesus-king-film-trnd/index.html|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=October 18, 2019|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025192831/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/18/entertainment/kanye-jesus-king-film-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The trailer is soundtracked by a [[Gospel music|gospel]] reinterpretation of the song with new lyrics, which is delivered by a choir as a temple-like image is displayed.<ref name="pf-2">{{cite news |last1=Yoo |first1=Noah |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-shares-trailer-for-new-jesus-is-king-imax-movie-watch/ |title=Kanye Shares Trailer for New ''Jesus Is King'' IMAX Movie: Watch |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 19, 2021 |date=October 17, 2019 |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127014151/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-shares-trailer-for-new-jesus-is-king-imax-movie-watch/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="independent">{{cite web|last=White|first=Adam|date=October 18, 2019|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kanye-west-jesus-king-cinema-imax-screenings-film-dates-tickets-trailer-a9161226.html|title=''Jesus is King'': First trailer for Kanye West's documentary film released|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125081212/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kanye-west-jesus-king-cinema-imax-screenings-film-dates-tickets-trailer-a9161226.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="refinery">{{cite web|author=Reilly, Kaitlin|title=Kanye West Shares ''Jesus Is King'' Trailer|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2019/10/8590591/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-trailer-imax|publisher=[[Refinery29]]|date=October 18, 2019|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123225834/https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2019/10/8590591/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-trailer-imax|url-status=live}}</ref> They continue to sing the reinterpretation while the image gives way to a biblical quote from the [[Gospel of Mark|New Testament Book of Mark]]: "In the words of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], 'The time is fulfilled, and the [[Kingdom of God (Christianity)|Kingdom of God]] is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel.'"<ref name="independent"/><ref name="refinery"/> The film was released simultaneously with West's ninth studio album [[Jesus Is King|of the same name]] on October 25, 2019, and the former includes West and his gospel group the [[Sunday Service Choir]] performing the song as a rap [[hymn]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pearce |first1=Sheldon |url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-takeaways/ |title=5 Takeaways from Kanye West's New Album, ''Jesus Is King'' |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 19, 2021 |date=October 25, 2019 |archive-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418065729/https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-takeaways/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite webmagazine | last1=Platon | first1=Adelle | title=Kanye West's IMAX Film 'Jesus Is King': Inside the Los Angeles Premiere | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8540285/kanye-wests-imax-film-jesus-is-king-los-angeles-review | workmagazine=Billboard | date=October 24, 2019 | access-date=April 19, 2021 | archive-date=October 31, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031115541/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8540285/kanye-wests-imax-film-jesus-is-king-los-angeles-review | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==Remix==
[[File:Caroline Shaw with Attacca Quartet and So Percussion at Miller Theater - 49517836807.jpg|thumb|200px|leftupright|alt=[[Caroline Shaw]] performing at the Miller Theater in 2020|The remix features vocals from [[Caroline Shaw]].]]
A remix of "Say You Will", featuring violinist and composer [[Caroline Shaw]], was uploaded by West to his [[SoundCloud]] on October 19, 2015, alongside a remix of [[the Weeknd]]'s "[[Tell Your Friends (song)|Tell Your Friends]]" under the title of "When I See It".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hendicott |first1=James |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-242-1206855 |title=Kanye West launches surprise tracks 'Say You Will' (feat Caroline Shaw) and 'When I see It' |website=NME |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=October 19, 2015 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233307/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-242-1206855 |url-status=live }}</ref> The cover art for both is a photo of flowers, which had been used for merchandise at West's ''808s & Heartbreak'' concert.<ref name="flowers"/> [[Photographer]] [[Nick Knight (photographer)|Nick Knight]] released a body of large still-life images alongside his "Flora" exhibition of flowers in 2012, with the artwork being one of the images from the body.<ref name="flowers"/> Manipulation by heat and water was used for the image's development process, creating the visual effect of melting flowers.<ref name="flowers">{{cite web |last1=Sanchez |first1=Karizza |url=https://www.complex.com/style/2015/10/kanye-west-when-i-see-it-say-you-will-cover-art-details |title=Kanye West's 'When I See It' and 'Say You Will' Cover Art Details |website=Complex |access-date=September 29, 2018 |date=October 20, 2015 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233617/https://www.complex.com/style/2015/10/kanye-west-when-i-see-it-say-you-will-cover-art-details |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Shaw, West first approached her backstage at a 2014 performance and requested her phone number. Shaw remembered starting off not overly enthusiastic about a collaboration, saying that one of West's producers "asked me if I'd be interested on working on songs for a live show with an orchestra", leading to her getting "the sense that maybe he wanted to ask me to be a composer and orchestrate something, and that wasn't something that was really interesting" due to the role being fulfilled by many people.<ref name="guardian"/> She further recalled not doing anything "for a week or two", before taking "a deep dive into [the West album] ''808s and Heartbreak''", and admitted: "Say You Will is the song that hit me most." Shaw explained that the song "does something with music that I love: the last two minutes [of it], nothing happens. Absolutely nothing".<ref name="guardian">{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Stacey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/09/caroline-shaw-classical-music-kanye-west |title=Is Caroline Shaw really the future of music? {{!}} Music |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=December 11, 2018 |date=June 9, 2016 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214071441/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/09/caroline-shaw-classical-music-kanye-west |url-status=live }}</ref> The remix was recorded in the lead up to the album concert.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Alex |url=https://consequence.net/2015/10/kanye-west-surprise-releases-two-new-tracks-when-i-see-it-and-say-you-will-remix/ |title=Kanye West surprise releases two new tracks: 'When I See It' and 'Say You Will' Remix — listen |website=Consequence of Sound |access-date=April 20, 2021 |date=October 19, 2015}}</ref>
 
Musically, the remix of "Say You Will" is an [[Electro (music)|electro]]–orchestral ballad.<ref name="guardian"/> The remix was [[Arrangement|arranged]] by Shaw, who played additional violins.<ref name="guardian"/><ref name="shaw">{{cite web|last=Shepherd|first=Jack|date=October 20, 2015|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kanye-west-releases-two-surprise-tracks-remix-say-you-will-and-weeknd-sampling-when-i-see-a6700836.html|title=Kanye West releases two new songs: A remix of 'Say You Will' and The Weeknd sampling 'When I See'|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=April 20, 2021}}</ref> The vocals are strengthened for it, with Shaw's voice being [[Loop (music)|looped]] to sound somewhat like the vocal ensemble [[Roomful of Teeth]] that she is a member of.<ref name="shaw"/><ref name="atlantic">{{cite web|last=Meyer|first=Robinson|date=October 19, 2015|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2015/10/kanye-west-caroline-shaw-say-you-will-soundcloud/411379/|title=Kanye West and Caroline Shaw Collaborate on 'Say You Will'|website=[[The Atlantic]]|url-access=limited|access-date=April 20, 2021|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202041513/https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2015/10/kanye-west-caroline-shaw-say-you-will-soundcloud/411379/|url-status=live}}</ref> The opening is wordless, featuring Shaw recalling her earlier work by singing unconnected vowel and consonant sounds. As the remix continues, West's vocal melody changes while his voice gets louder. At the same time, the [[timbre]] of Shaw's voice opens and [[pizzicato]] strings come in.<ref name="atlantic"/> The remix reached number two on the [[Billboard Twitter Real-Time|''Billboard'' Twitter Trending 140]] chart in October 2015, being held off the summit by "When I See It".<ref>{{cite webmagazine | last1=Weiner | first1=Natalie | last2=Anderson | first2=Trevor | title=Kanye West: Listen to 2 Previously Unreleased Kanye West Tracks | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/6731081/kanye-west-new-music-say-you-will-remix-when-i-see-it/ | workmagazine=Billboard | date=October 19, 2015 | access-date=April 19, 2021 }}</ref>
 
==Credits and personnel==
Line 72 ⟶ 85:
'''Personnel'''
{{Div col}}
* [[Kanye West]]{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, productionproducer
* [[Jeff Bhasker]]{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, keyboards
* [[Mr Hudson]]{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, background vocals
Line 122 ⟶ 135:
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|kanye-west|say-you-will}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->
 
{{Kanye West songs}}
Line 130 ⟶ 140:
[[Category:2000s ballads]]
[[Category:2008 songs]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B ballads]]
[[Category:Kanye West songs]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West]]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_You_Will_(Kanye_West_song)"