"What I Meant to Say" is a song written by Sam Hogin, Jim McBride and Don Cook, and recorded by American country music artist Wade Hayes.

It was released in October 1995 as the fourth and final single from Hayes' debut album Old Enough to Know Better.

Larry Flick, of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, calling it a "slow and pretty ballad."

"[2] The music video was directed by Steven Goldmann and shot completely in sepia tone.

Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of October 28, 1995.