Say Yes (Elliott Smith song)

"Say Yes" is one of Smith's widely recognized songs.^[1] It is considered happy^[2] and optimistic^[3] in both instrumentation and lyrics in comparison to the dark tone in most of his other songs.^[4] In an interview, Smith said that the song was written about "someone particular, and I almost never do that. I was really in love with someone."^[5]

Smith performed the song often,^[6][7] even during full band shows, in which he would play the song solo on an acoustic guitar.^[1]

Pitchfork said, "It's a straight-ahead love song, one that dares to hope. Listen closely and you'll hear just how fragile that hope is: Smith whispers most of the song. He wavers. His fingers pluck out a simple question on the acoustic."^[8]

"Say Yes" has been used in a wide variety of movies, including Hurricane Streets and American Pie Presents: The Book of Love, as well as being covered by Death Cab for Cutie^[9] and live by Ben Folds.^[10] It was also covered in an episode of One Tree Hill, when Bryan Greenberg sings to his daughter Jenny.^{[citation needed]}