About the song

“She’s Gone,” a soulfully evocative track from Hall & Oates, was released in 1976 and has since become one of the defining songs of the duo’s early career. The song, which features a smooth blend of pop and R&B influences, showcases the vocal talents of Daryl Hall and the instrumental prowess of John Oates, capturing the essence of their signature sound.

This track emerged from Hall & Oates’ fifth studio album, *Daryl Hall & John Oates*, and is notable for its melancholic yet compelling narrative. “She’s Gone” is a poignant ballad that explores themes of loss and longing, painting a vivid picture of the emotional aftermath of a relationship that has come to an end. The lyrics convey a deep sense of regret and reflection, as the narrator grapples with the realization that his partner is no longer by his side.

Musically, “She’s Gone” is distinguished by its lush arrangement, characterized by soulful melodies and a rich instrumental backdrop. The song features a prominent string section, adding a layer of depth and sophistication to the overall sound. Daryl Hall’s vocal performance is both haunting and heartfelt, delivering the song’s lyrics with a genuine sense of vulnerability and sorrow.

Upon its initial release, “She’s Gone” did not achieve immediate commercial success, but it gained considerable popularity in subsequent years. The song’s impact was particularly felt in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it experienced a resurgence in popularity, eventually becoming one of Hall & Oates’ most beloved tracks.

The song’s success was further solidified when it was re-released in 1980, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Hall & Oates’ reputation as one of the most influential pop and soul acts of the era. “She’s Gone” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and musical excellence, and continues to resonate with audiences today as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of Hall & Oates.

Video

Lyrics

Everybody’s high on consolation
Everybody’s trying to tell me what is right for me, yeah
My daddy tried to bore me with a sermon
But it’s plain to see that they can’t comfort me
Sorry, Charlie, for the imposition
I think I got it (got it), I got the strength to carry on, yeah
I need a drink and a quick decision
Now it’s up to me, ooh, what will be
She’s gone, she’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I better learn how to face it
She’s gone, she’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I’d pay the devil to replace her
She’s gone, and she’s gone
Oh why, what went wrong?
Get up in the morning, look in the mirror
One less toothbrush hanging in the stand, yeah
My face ain’t looking any younger
Now I can see love’s taken a toll on me
She’s gone, she’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I better learn how to face it
She’s gone, and she’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I’d pay the devil to replace her
She’s gone, and she’s gone
Oh why, what went wrong?
Think I’ll spend eternity in the city
Let the carbon and monoxide choke my thoughts away, yeah
And pretty bodies help dissolve the memories
They can never be what she was (was) to (to) me
And she’s gone, and she’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I better learn how to face it
She’s gone, and she’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I’d pay the devil to replace her
She’s gone, and she’s gone
Oh why, what went wrong?
She’s gone
Oh I, I better learn how to face it
She’s gone, she’s gone
I can’t believe that she’s gone
Oh I, I’d pay the devil to replace her
She’s gone
Oh I, I better learn how to face it
She’s gone, she’s gone
I can’t believe that she’s gone
Oh I, I’d pay the devil to replace her
She’s gone (she’s gone)
She’s gone (she’s gone)
She’s gone (she’s gone)
She’s gone (she’s gone)
She’s gone (she’s gone)
She’s gone (she’s gone)
She’s gone (she’s gone)

By Tam Le