About the song
**If You Go Away** is a poignant ballad by the legendary singer-songwriter Glen Campbell, released in 1967. The song, penned by Jacques Brel and adapted to English by Rod McKuen, explores the pain of separation and the fear of losing a loved one. Campbell’s heartfelt rendition of this timeless classic has cemented its place in the hearts of countless listeners.
The song’s melancholic melody sets the stage for a poignant exploration of grief and longing. Campbell’s rich baritone voice conveys the depth of emotion behind the lyrics, capturing the raw pain of a broken heart. The arrangement is simple yet effective, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar and a subtle string section that enhances the song’s emotional impact.
The lyrics of **If You Go Away** are filled with poignant imagery and heartfelt expressions of love and loss. The protagonist grapples with the fear of being alone and the possibility of never seeing their loved one again. Campbell’s delivery is both vulnerable and powerful, allowing listeners to connect with the character’s emotions on a deep level.
The song’s bridge is particularly moving, as Campbell sings about the emptiness that would fill his life if his partner were to leave. The lyrics are filled with raw emotion and a sense of despair, creating a powerful and unforgettable moment in the song.
**If You Go Away** is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. It’s a testament to the power of music to evoke strong emotions and connect with listeners on a personal level. Campbell’s heartfelt rendition of this poignant ballad has made it a beloved song for generations to come.
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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 nights were long
And the moon stood still for the night bird’s song
If you go away if you go away if you go away
But if you’ll stay I’ll make you a day like no day has been or will be again
We’ll sail the sun we’ll glide 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 fill up 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
‘Til 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 slow to the next hello
If you go away if you go away if you go away
If you go away as I know you might 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 have been the shadow of your shadow
If I thought it might have kept me by your side
If you go away if you go away if you go away
But if you’ll stay I’ll make you a night like no night has been or will be again
I’ll sail on your smile I’ll glide on your touch I’ll talk to your eyes that I love so much
But if you go I know I will cry and all the good is gone from the words goodbye
If you go away if you go away if you go away please don’t go away