About the song
“Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” is an emotional and timeless ballad by the iconic soul group Gladys Knight & the Pips. This song was released in December 1972 on Motown’s Soul Records imprint and quickly became one of the group’s biggest hits. It also holds historical significance as the last single they released before their departure from Motown to join Buddah Records in early 1973.
By the time this song was released, Gladys Knight & the Pips had been with Motown Records for over six years, having signed with the label in 1966. Despite achieving fame with hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Nitty Gritty,” and “If I Were Your Woman,” the group often felt overshadowed by Motown’s more favored acts, such as Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye. Lead singer Gladys Knight mentioned in interviews that they were often seen as outsiders within the label, which motivated their move.
“Neither One of Us” was written by country singer-songwriter Jim Weatherly and was initially recorded for the group’s final Motown album, *Neither One of Us*. The recording sessions took place at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studios in Detroit and MoWest Studios in Hollywood. The song’s production was handled by Joe Porter, who allowed the group substantial creative control. Knight’s heartfelt lead vocals were famously recorded in just one take, capturing the song’s profound sense of heartbreak and resignation.
The song’s lyrics deal with the painful realization that a relationship is ending, yet neither partner wants to be the first to say goodbye. This universal theme resonated deeply with listeners, propelling the single to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place as one of the group’s most memorable hits.
“Neither One of Us” not only marked a high point in Gladys Knight & the Pips’ career but also symbolized their transition from Motown to a new chapter with Buddah Records. The song’s success was further cemented when it won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1974.
This soulful ballad remains a testament to Gladys Knight & the Pips’ enduring talent and their ability to convey deep emotion through music. It continues to be cherished by fans and is a shining example of the group’s remarkable legacy in the world of soul and R&B music.
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Lyrics
It’s sad to think
We’re not gonna make it
And it’s gotten to the point
Where we just can’t fake it
For some ungodly reason
We just won’t let it die (let it die)
I guess neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
I keep wondering (wondering)
What I’m gonna do without you (do without you)
And I guess you must be
Wondering that same thing too
So we go on, go on together
Living a lie (living a lie)
Because neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
Oh-oh-oh, everytime I find the nerve
Everytime I find the nerve to say I’m leaving (leaving)
Old memories, those old memories
Get in my way (my way, my way)
Oh-oh-oh, Lord knows it’s only me
Oh, He knows it’s only me that I’m deceiving
Ooh, ooh, ooh, when it comes to saying goodbye
That’s a simple word that I just cannot say
There can be no way, there can be no way (be no way)
This can have a happy ending (happy ending)
No, no, so we just go on (we go on)
Hurting and pretending
And, and convincing ourselves
To give it just one more try (one more try)
Because neither one of us (neither one of us)
Ooh, ooh, wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
Ooh, neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
“Farewell, my love”
Goodbye (goodbye)