Say You'll Be There

Album: Spice (1996)
Charted: 1 3
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Songfacts®:

  • The Spice Girls recorded this song in the home studio of their producer Elliot Kennedy. Mel C explained: "We recorded it in our trackies and socks. It was a cool vibe, dead laid-back. A lot of sentiment in the song is to do with what we've been through together. We've always been there for each other, so we wrote about that."
  • "Say You'll Be There" was the second Spice Girls single, following their megahit "Wannabe." Both songs went to #1 in their native UK, as did their next two singles, "2 Become 1" and "Mama." Those four songs were part of their debut album, Spice, which was released in 1996 but didn't catch on in America until 1997, when "Wannabe" was a #1 hit.

    They kept their UK #1 streak alive with "Spice Up Your Life" and "Too Much," both from their next album, Spiceworld. They were the first artist to hit the top spot in the UK with their first six singles.
  • Most Spice Girls songs explore relationship dynamics in some form. "Say You'll Be There" finds them trying to get out of the friendzone with a guy, promising to give him everything as long as he'll be there. The song was written by the group members along with Elliot Kennedy.
  • The Girls already used assumed identities (Baby, Sporty, etc.), but for the video, directed by Vaughan Arnell, they assumed new ones, becoming a team of desert warrior vixens. They became:

    Mel C: Katrina Highkick
    Geri Halliwell: Trixie Firecracker
    Emma Bunton: Kung Fu Candy
    Victoria Adams: Midnight Miss Suki
    Mel B: Blazin' Bad Zula

    The video was filmed in the Mojave Desert in the summer of 1996.
  • In February of 1997, "Say You'll Be There" won a Brit Award for Best Video. In addition, the Spice Girls' previous hit, "Wannabe," won for Best Song.
  • On April 12, 1997, the Spice Girls performed this song and "Wannabe" on Saturday Night Live.
  • Judd Lander played the harmonica on this track. An English session man known for his blues style, he also supplied harmonica on Culture Club's hit "Karma Chameleon."

Comments: 13

  • Shawn from Green Bay, WiUnique thing about the Spice Girls was that they all sang, and they were all different. Originally put together for a young male audience, the majority of their fans ended up being young women. This is a very catchy pop song and very successful even though it is their only hit where their widely recognized best singer, Mel C, doesn't sing a verse. The video is completely nonsensical though enjoyable to watch, especially if you're a man.
  • Rachel from Cleveland, Alwow i've never realized that the spice girls were known worldwide like that well if yall really are from australia and england and etc. i wish i was from some other place well any where but alabama. any way the spice girls rock i love their fashion at least when they're wearing clothes.
  • Mike from Hueytown , AlThis song is about half assed but the video was easy on the eyes
  • Mark from Medicine HatThey are getting back together for a series of concerts.
  • Free from Over Here, CanadaDamn!!! I still love Them Spice s!!! My Favourite was BabySpice!! man... I forgot how the songs sound and what they called
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesEven if the Spice Girls did launch a comeback, I doubt they'd reach the same heights as in the late 90s - their last album released in 2001 flopped, and all solo singles from the girls from 2002 onwards have had little or no impact. Where they went wrong was in that they became far too overblown, and I think that in the end people basically just got sick of them
  • Jen from Freddy BeachI havent heard this song in AGES!! I miss it...i still know like the whole song off by heart cuz i've heard it so many times...apparently the spice girls are back together and are touring and if they come anywhere near here my friend and i are going to see them!!
  • Sarah Floyd from Bloomingdale, Ili like this song. and i have the cd and the movie. so its exciting for me.NOT!!!!!!. ok maybe a little exciting for me. so thats all. so thats awesome for some of you people.
  • Thomas from Borehamwood, Englandthe video was so funny. tue Spice Girls style. they will be back soon don't you worry!
  • Wolf Chinnery from Hemel Hempstead,,, EnglandAfter believing that the success they had attained truly was completely their own making,they promptly sacked the one visionary who created them.Handing control to Geri Halliwell signalled the beginning of the end.Girl power was a sham eagerly propped up by the record label for obvious reasons.This is a well crafted pop song which deserved more able an artist or artists to give it credit. Spice Girls,,,an embarrassing episode in the annals of popular music,,,let them rest,deeply,in peace.
  • Casie from Denver, CoWhen I was smaller I use to love the Spice Girls. I mean cmon their like barbies but yea,this song was pretty cool. The video didnt make that much sence but it was funny where they had the dude on top of the car. FUN!!! lol
  • Mercedes from Portland Yah!, OrI LOVE SPICE GIRLS STILL!!!! i wish they came back i have all there fricken cds there awsome and if anyone thiks otherwise is missen out
  • Kat from Sydney, AustraliaGeri got a tattoo of a black panther on the set! (so sad, i have 2 of the videos!)
    - Kat, Sydney, Australia
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