About the song
Shirley Bassey, the Welsh songstress renowned for her powerful voice and emotive performances, brings a unique depth to the classic song “If You Go Away.” Originally a French chanson titled “Ne me quitte pas,” composed by Jacques Brel in 1959, the song was later adapted into English by Rod McKuen. Bassey’s rendition of this poignant piece stands out as a testament to her interpretative skills and vocal prowess.
The English version, “If You Go Away,” transforms Brel’s original into a haunting ballad of love and loss. McKuen’s lyrics retain the melancholic essence of Brel’s work, conveying a profound sense of longing and despair. Shirley Bassey recorded this song for her 1967 album “And We Were Lovers,” which features a collection of romantic ballads and showcases her ability to convey deep emotion through music.
“If You Go Away” did not achieve major chart success upon its release, but it has since become one of Bassey’s signature songs, beloved by fans and frequently performed in her live shows. The track’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless message and the emotional intensity that Bassey brings to every performance. Her rich, dramatic voice adds layers of meaning to the lyrics, capturing the listener’s heart with every note.
Musically, the song is characterized by its lush orchestration and dramatic crescendos, which perfectly complement Bassey’s vocal delivery. The arrangement enhances the song’s emotional impact, creating an atmosphere of intense yearning and heartbreak. Bassey’s interpretation of “If You Go Away” stands out not only for its technical excellence but also for the depth of feeling she infuses into the song.
The lyrics of “If You Go Away” are a plea to a lover not to leave, expressing the devastating emptiness that would follow their departure. Lines such as “If you go away, as I know you will, you must tell the world to stop turning” reflect the song’s central theme of overwhelming sorrow. Bassey’s performance captures this sentiment with a sincerity and vulnerability that resonate deeply with audiences.
Over the years, “If You Go Away” has been covered by many artists, but Shirley Bassey’s version remains one of the most powerful and memorable. Her ability to connect with the song’s emotional core and convey its poignant message has ensured its place as a classic in her repertoire.
Shirley Bassey’s “If You Go Away” is more than just a cover of a famous song; it is a masterful interpretation that highlights her exceptional talent and emotional depth. The song continues to touch the hearts of listeners, a testament to Bassey’s enduring legacy as one of the great vocalists of our time.
Video
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