Google has never failed me before when it comes to searching for songs by snatches of lyrics, but I guess there’s a first for everything.
I was listening to the local public radio station in Kansas city (either 91.5 or 90.1, I confuse them all the time as they both have NPR), and heard a vaguely folk/country song. Featured guitar and older sounding male voice. Remembered lyrics as follows:
“I know you mean the things that you mean, but the things that you say don’t mean a thing.”
and:
“You’ve said every word but the one that applies, the best thing for you would be to say goodbye.”
Call them up and ask them. If you can remember what time of day it was played, they can ask the DJ. If it was on a syndicated show, you can look it up on the show’s website.
I’ve tried both websites and no luck so far. i jotted down the lyrics mid day sometime without much thought (other than eventually googling them). Didn’t note the time or exact station. Just remembered it was one of the presets for an NPR station. As I recall, it was just guitar and singer, no other instruments. As if it was a live rendition in studio (although I don’t think it was).
My guess is that you were either listening to KCUR (89.3), the NPR station in Kansas City or KKFI (90.1) which is a community radio station in KC. Both would be more likely to be playing a song like you describe than KANU (91.5), the NPR station at the University of Kansas in Lawrence which usually plays mostly classical or jazz.
What day and time of day did you hear it? Just a WAG but today’s Cyprus Avenue program (which airs 1-2 pm Saturdays on KCUR) featured Kris Kristofferson. Could that be what you heard?