Introduction
“If You Go Away” has become a staple in the world of popular music, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to touch the hearts of listeners for generations. Its poignant lyrics and powerful melody have resonated with countless individuals who have faced the pain of potential separation or loss, offering solace and a reminder of the enduring power of love.
Did You Know?
-
The original French version of the song, “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” was written by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel in 1959.
-
“If You Go Away” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Barbra Streisand.
-
The song was featured in the 1970 film “The Last Summer” and has since appeared in numerous other films and television shows.
Background
The English lyrics for “If You Go Away” were written by lyricist Paul Webster, who adapted Brel’s original French lyrics. Dusty Springfield’s rendition, released in 1967, quickly became a hit, reaching the Top 20 in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s success solidified Springfield’s status as one of the most popular singers of the era.
Musical Style and Arrangement
“If You Go Away” exudes a dramatic pop charm, characterized by its slow tempo, prominent piano chords, and Springfield’s signature emotive vocals. The melody, composed by Brel, is simple yet memorable, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of love, loss, and the desperate plea for a loved one to stay.
Lyrical Analysis and Meaning
The lyrics of “If You Go Away” paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the impending departure of their beloved, desperately pleading for them to reconsider. The opening lines, “If you go away, if you go away / If you go away as I know you must,” establish the song’s focus on the fear of loss and the overwhelming sense of despair that accompanies the prospect of separation. The verses that follow delve into the depths of the singer’s emotional turmoil, as they describe the emptiness and desolation that would engulf their world without their loved one’s presence.
The song’s chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “Please don’t go away,” serves as a heartfelt plea and a desperate attempt to hold on to the love that is slipping away. The lyrics emphasize the singer’s unwavering devotion and their willingness to do anything to keep their beloved by their side. The song’s message of love, loss, and the enduring hope for reconciliation has resonated with countless listeners across generations, making it an enduring anthem of emotional vulnerability and the power of love.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
“If You Go Away” has become a timeless ballad, touching hearts worldwide with its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melody, and Springfield’s emotive vocals. Its enduring popularity is evident in its numerous covers by artists across various genres and its continued presence in popular culture. The song’s message of love, loss, and the enduring power of devotion remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released, making it a true classic of popular music.
In conclusion, Dusty Springfield’s “If You Go Away” stands as a testament to the universal human experience of love, loss, and the unwavering hope for reconciliation. Its poignant lyrics, powerful melody, and Springfield’s emotive vocals have made it an enduring favorite, continuing to touch hearts and inspire listeners for generations. The song’s message of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released, making it a true classic of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
If you go away on this summer dayThen you might as well take the sun awayAll the birds that flew in the summer skyWhen our love was new and our hearts were highWhen the day was young and the night was longAnd the moon stood still for the night bird’s songIf you go awayIf you go awayIf you go awayBut if you stay I’ll make you a dayLike no day has been or will be againWe’ll sail on the sun, we’ll ride on the rainWe’ll talk to the trees and worship the windThen if you go I’ll understandLeave me just enough love to hold in my handIf you go awayIf you go awayIf you go awayNe me quitte pas il faut oublierTout peut s’oublier qui s’enfuit déjà ?Oublier le temps des malentendusEt le temps perdu a savoir commentOublier ces heures qui tuaient parfoisA coups de pourquoi le coeur du bonheurNe me quitte pasNe me quitte pasNe me quitte pasBut if you stay I’ll make you a nightLike no night has been or will be againI’ll sail on your smile, I’ll ride on your touchI’ll talk to your eyes that I love so muchThen if you go I’ll understandLeave me just enough love to hold in my handIf you go awayIf you go awayIf you go awayIf you go away as I know you mustThere’ll be nothing left in this world to trustJust an empty room full of empty spaceLike the empty look I see on your faceOh, I’d have been the shadow of your shadowIf it might have kept me by your sideIf you go awayIf you go awayIf you go awayPlease, don’t go away