hip hop inspired synth-sounds, and the G-funk-infused production. The track incorporates sound effects from turntablism during the song's introduction and the verses. The verses are divided in two sections, the first one is sung in a declamatory-style by Bunton and Brown in the first verse and by Halliwell during the second verse. Beckham sings the lyrical half of each verse with a "more seductive" and "breathy" vocal timbre. A bridge follows after the second chorus. It includes an instrumental interlude from a harmonica, which some critics compared it to the work of Stevie Wonder, and a two-bar rapped section. The song closes with a coda, which consists of the group singing the chorus repeatedly until the song gradually fades out, while Chisholm adds the ad libs between the other girls' harmonies. The instrumentation includes a drum kit with syncopated handclaps and a prominent synthesizer sound, sparse use of rhythm guitar and funk bass, string glissandos and a vibraphone. Production duo Absolute played all the instruments, except for the harmonica, which was played by Judd Lander, who also played it on Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon" (1983). The main melody and lyrical rhythm of the song is highly similar to After 7's song "What U R 2 Me". As a result, Jon B—the song's composer and producer, later received songwriting credits on "Say You'll be There". The lyrics of the song, according to Brown, are about relationships—whether friendship or romantic—and to be there for each other. She commented, "you don't have to give them all the 'I love you' bit, because what's important is if you're there for each other". Chisholm commented that the inspiration for the song came from their own experiences as a group, and how they have been there for each other. According to musicologist Sheila Whiteley, the group presented an image that "exuded a brash confidence that was attractive to their teenage fans" and added that they made "an emphasis on stating where they come from and what they stand for". She commented that in the song's narrative, the Spice Girls opted for friendship over love, and the clear message is that "the relationship can be channelled and controlled by the girl". Author Juan de Ribera Berenguer, said that "love was a constant theme" in the group's songs, but added that "Say You'll Be There" holds a different approach to the subject, as it "highlights the female perspective".