About the song
Let’s immerse ourselves in the timeless elegance of “If You Go Away” by the legendary Shirley Bassey. This emotive ballad, with its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melody, showcases Bassey’s unparalleled vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Originally written by Jacques Brel as “Ne me quitte pas” in French, the English adaptation of the song, “If You Go Away,” was penned by Rod McKuen. It was featured on Shirley Bassey’s album “I Capricorn,” released in 1972. This album marked a departure from Bassey’s signature sound, exploring a more introspective and mature musical direction.
“If You Go Away” resonated deeply with audiences, earning critical acclaim and solidifying Bassey’s status as a versatile and emotive performer. The song’s haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, earning it a special place in the pantheon of Bassey’s iconic repertoire.
Although “If You Go Away” did not top the music charts, it received widespread recognition and praise for its emotional depth and Bassey’s captivating delivery. Its introspective theme and evocative storytelling touched the hearts of fans around the world, cementing its status as a classic in the realm of torch songs.
As we listen to the soul-stirring strains of “If You Go Away,” let us be transported by Shirley Bassey’s emotive performance, allowing the music to evoke memories and stir emotions within us. With each note, we are reminded of the timeless beauty of Bassey’s voice and the enduring power of her music to captivate and inspire.
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Lyrics
If you go away, on this summer day
Then you might as well take the sun away
All the birds that flew in the summer sky
When our love was new and our hearts were high
When the day was young and the night was long
And the moon stood still for the night birds’ song
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away
But if you stay, I’ll make you a day
Like no day has been or will be again
We’ll sail the sun, we’ll ride on the rain
We’ll talk to the trees and worship the wind
Then if you go, I’ll understand
Leave me just enough love to hold in my hand
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away
If you go away, as I know you will
You must tell the world to stop turning till
You return again, if you ever do
For what good is love without loving you
Can I tell you now as you turn to go
I’ll be dying slowly till the next hello
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away
But if you stay I’ll make you a night
Like no night has been or will be again
I’ll sail on your smile, I’ll ride on your touch
I’ll talk to your eyes that I love so much
But if you go I won’t cry
Though the good is gone from the word goodbye
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away
If you go away as I know you must
There’ll be nothing left in the world to trust
Just an empty room full of empty space
Like the empty look I see on your face
I’d have been the shadow of your dog
If I thought you might have kept me by your side
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away