The week of January 7, 1984, saw Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson atop the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Say Say Say,’ the pair’s second hit collaboration (following ‘The Girl is Mine’).
In second place is another “say” song by another duo: ‘Say It Isn’t So’ by Daryl Hall and John Oates. This song was the first single (and one of two new songs) on a greatest hits compilation released in October of 1993. It peaked at #2 for four weeks, kept from the top spot by McCartney and Jackson.
I have a very superficial appreciation of Hall & Oates — it basically extends to their half dozen #1 hits, all of which I know very well. I’m not very familiar with this one, a mere #2.
Another deep dive contender? That list is getting way too long.
Say it isn’t so painful
To tell me that you’re dissatisfied
The last time I asked you, I really got a lame excuse
I know that you lied
Now wicked things can happen
You see em’ goin’ down in war
But when you play in a quiet way
That bites it even more
[Verse 2: Daryl Hall and John Oates]
(Say it)
Tell me what you want
Yeah, I’ll do it, Baby, I promise right now
(Say it)
Who propped you up when you were stopped
Low motivation had you on the ground?
[Pre Chorus: Daryl Hall]
I know your first reaction
You slide away
Hide Away, goodbye
But if there’s a doubt, maybe I can give out
A thousand reasons why you have to say it isn’t so
[Chorus: Daryl Hall and John Oates]
(It Isn’t So)
Now Say It isn’t So
(It isn’t so)
Now Say It isn’t so
(It isn’t so)
Oh, Say it isn’t so
(It isn’t so)
[Verse 3: Daryl Hall and John Oates]
(Say it)
We like to be the strangers at the party
Two rebels in a shell
(Say it)
You like to move with the best of them
You know we, move so well
[Pre Chorus 2: Daryl Hall]
Don’t need someone to lean on
I know why there’s an open door
But if I’m faced with being replaced
I want you even more
So baby, say it isn’t so
[Chorus: Daryl Hall and John Oates]
(It Isn’t So)
Now Say It isn’t So
(It isn’t so)
Now Say It isn’t so
(It isn’t so)
Oh, Say it isn’t so
(It isn’t so)
[Refrain: John Oates]
Say it
Say it isn’t so
Say it
Say it isn’t so
Say it
Say it isn’t so
[Bridge: Daryl Hall]
Why you wanna go
Do you have to say
You wanna go?
Ooh, oh Baby say it isn’t
[Outro Coda: Daryl Hall and John Oates]
(Say it isn’t)
Say, Say, Say it isn’t
(Say it isn’t)
So
(So, Say it isn’t)
Why you have to say it isn’t
(Say it isn’t)
So
(Say it isn’t)
So
(So, Say it isn’t)
I know its so hard for you
(Say it isn’t)
So hard
(Say it isn’t)
Don’t say it, babe
(So, say it isn’t)
There must be some other way
Don’t have to
(Say it isn’t)
Some other way
(so, say it isn’t)
Ha, you don’t have to say
(Say it isn’t)
Oh, you don’t have to say
(So, say it isn’t)
Ooh, you know I wanna make you
(Say it isn’t)
(Say it isn’t)
So
Meet Me In Montauk 
Know the song well. Surprised it’s not familiar to you.
I’d be onboard for a deep dive into Hall & Oats.