‘Speaking Terms’ by Ella Langley - Lyrics & Meaning

‘Speaking Terms’, one of the deep-cuts from Ella Langley's celebrated 2026 album, Dandelion, finds the Alabama native reflecting on her relationship with God and Jesus.

Although one of the few songs on Dandelion that wasn't penned by Langley, with Joybeth Taylor and Helene Cronin writing this one, ‘Speaking Terms’ feels like a deeply personal meditation on the ‘Choosin’ Texas’ hitmaker's relationship with her faith.

Given how intimate and vulnerable the subject matter of ‘Speaking Terms’ is, it's no surprise that the composition is stripped-back and minimal throughout. Langley's soulful, introspective vocals glide across a pensive, pared-down acoustic guitar riff, with the swelling, atmospheric cry of pedal steel drifting in and out in the background.

When Langley begins ‘Speaking Terms’, it seems the Alabama native is singing mournfully about a strained relationship with a romantic partner. She describes a breakdown in communication, where our protagonist seems to be the only one making the effort.

However, as the track progresses, it becomes clear Langley is not discussing a potential break-up, rather, she's exploring her relationship with God and Jesus. The narrator is lamenting how, despite her prayers, she hasn't been hearing any replies from Heaven.

It's a powerful and candid reflection on the doubts that can swirl around when going through testing times, with Langley expressing her sincere hope that her and God are “still on speaking terms”. It sets up the conclusion of the album beautifully, particularly on ‘Butterfly Season’, where Langley becomes more in-tune with her faith and has learned to find the “answers in the silence” when she is praying.

“I carry on this one-way conversation

I’m listening but you don’t say a word

If your answer’s in the silence I’ll be patient

But it’s hard to know my prayers are being heard

I’m waiting on a whisper just something to confirm

If you and me are still on speaking terms

-

I mostly come around now

When things aren’t working out

I show up with my questions my stumbles

And my doubts always thinking of myself

And always asking you for help

-

I carry on this one way conversation

I’m listening but you don’t say a word

If your answer's in the silence I’ll be patient

But it’s hard to know my prayers are being heard

I’m waiting on a whisper just something to confirm

If you and me are still on speaking terms

-

Even though I know

You're more than I deserve

I wanna get back to how we were

-

So I carry on this one way conversation

I’m listening but you don’t say a word

If your answer's in the silence I’ll be patient

But it’s hard to know my prayers are being heard

I’m waiting on a whisper just something to confirm

If you and me are still on speaking terms”

For more on Ella Langley, see below:

Ella Langley

Artist