Leo Sayer – More Than I Can Say

About the song

Few songs manage to capture the timeless essence of love and longing quite like “More Than I Can Say” by Leo Sayer. Released in 1980 as part of his album Living in a Fantasy, the song became one of Sayer’s biggest hits, reaching No. 2 on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. With its gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Sayer’s signature falsetto, this track remains a beloved soft rock classic, instantly recognizable to generations of listeners.

Interestingly, “More Than I Can Say” wasn’t originally written by Leo Sayer. The song was penned by Sonny Curtis and Jerry Allison, both members of The Crickets, the legendary band that played with Buddy Holly. It was first recorded in 1960 but never gained significant commercial traction. When Sayer revived the song two decades later, he transformed it into an emotional, radio-friendly ballad, perfectly suited for the softer rock sound that defined the late ’70s and early ’80s.

One of the key reasons for the song’s enduring appeal is its simplicity—both in structure and sentiment. The lyrics revolve around a deep, almost aching love, with the narrator struggling to put his feelings into words. Lines like “Oh, oh, yeah, yeah, I love you more than I can say” might seem straightforward, but when delivered with Sayer’s warm, heartfelt vocals, they carry a genuine emotional weight that resonates deeply with listeners.

Musically, the song is built around a smooth, mid-tempo rhythm, soft acoustic guitar strumming, and a gentle but memorable melody. The subtle use of synths and light percussion gives it that unmistakable early ’80s pop ballad feel, making it both soothing and nostalgic. Sayer’s falsetto vocals, a defining feature of his style, add an extra layer of tenderness to the song, making it not just a declaration of love, but almost a plea—a longing that feels real and deeply personal.

Beyond its chart success, “More Than I Can Say” has had a lasting legacy. It has been covered by various artists over the years, but Leo Sayer’s version remains the definitive recording, beloved for its sincerity and warmth. Even today, the song is a staple on classic rock and soft rock radio stations, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless romance.

For many, “More Than I Can Say” is more than just a love song—it’s a moment in time, a melody that brings back memories, and a reminder of love’s simplest yet most profound emotions.

Video

Lyrics

Oh oh, yea, yea

I love you more than I can say
I’ll love you twice as much tomorrow
Oh love you more than I can say

Oh oh, yea, yea

I miss you every single day
Why must my life be filled with sorrow
Oh love you more than I can say

Don’t you know I need you so
Tell me please I gotta know
Do you mean to make me cry
Am I just another guy

Oh oh, yea, yea

I miss you more than i can say
Why must my life be filled with sorrow
Oh love you more than I can say

Oh, don’t you know I need you so
So tell me please I gotta know
Do you mean to make me cry
Am I just another guy

Oh oh, yea, yea

I love you more than I can say
I’ll love you twice as much tomorrow
Oh love you more than I can say

I love you more than I can say
I love you more than I can say (more than I can say)

I love you twice as much tomorrow (more than I can say)
I love you twice as much tomorrow

I love you more than I can say
(More than I can say) I love you more than words can say yeah