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Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ev'ry time we say goodbye
I die a little
Ev'ry time we say goodbye
I wonder why a little

Why the Gods above me
Who must be in the know
Think so little of me
They allow you to go

When you're near
There's such an air of spring about it
I can hear a lark somewhere
Begin to sing about it

There's no love song finer
But how strange the change
From major to minor
Ev'ry time we say goodbye

When you're near
There's such an air of spring about it
I can hear a lark somewhere
Begin to sing about it

There's no love song finer
But how strange the change
From major to minor
Ev'ry time we say goodbye

Overall Meaning

In "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," Ella Fitzgerald sings about the pain she experiences every time she says goodbye to her lover. The singer feels like a part of her dies every time they part ways, and she wonders why the universe allows them to be separated. She questions why the gods above would not think of her enough to allow her to be with the person she loves. When they are together, it feels like spring all around them, and they hear the birds singing as if they are singing a love song. Nonetheless, every time they must say goodbye, the beautiful love song changes from major to minor, signifying the sadness and pain that occurs.


The song is a romantic ballad that depicts love, loss, and longing in a beautiful and melancholic way. The use of the change from major to minor in the melody of the song reflects the emotions the singer is feeling. The song's harmonious rhythm, vocals, and subdued notes are a perfect blend that creates a bittersweet sound that forces you to feel the emotions being expressed. The lyrics are simple yet relatable to anyone who has been in love and had to let go of someone they loved.


Overall, "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" is a beautiful piece of music that expresses the depth of heartbreak and longing. Ella Fitzgerald's soulful voice brings the emotional lyrics to life in a way that is timeless and classic.


Line by Line Meaning

Ev'ry time we say goodbye
Each time we part ways


I die a little
A part of me feels lost or sad


I wonder why a little
I question the reason for our separation


Why the Gods above me
I question the higher powers


Who must be in the know
Assuming they have knowledge beyond me


Think so little of me
They regard me with little importance


They allow you to go
Permitting our separation to occur


When you're near
In your presence


There's such an air of spring about it
There's a renewal or refreshing quality in the air


I can hear a lark somewhere
I hear birds singing


Begin to sing about it
Start singing because of the positive aura present


There's no love song finer
This is the best love song


But how strange the change
The situation takes an unexpected turn


From major to minor
From happiness to sadness


Ev'ry time we say goodbye
Each time we part ways




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@marieblue

Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” was introduced in the 1944 musical revue “Seven Lively Arts.”

Numerous notable covers include ones by Ray Charles, John Coltraine, Nina Simone, Carly Simon, Sarah Vaughan and Robbie Williams. But Ella Fitzgerald’s version (1956) is considered to be THE DEFINITIVE INTERPRETATION‼️

Cole Porter incorporated a musical joke in the song’s score by including a chord change that goes from minor to major in opposition to the lyric “how strange the change from major to minor.”

ONE AGELESS CULT CLASSIC❕ 💙🎵💜

Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed will you remain, Ella Jane Fitzgerald (1917 - 1996)… 🌹



@sage6199

Everytime we say goodbye, I die a little,

Everytime we say goodbye, I wonder why a little,

Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know.

Think so little of me, they allow you to go.

When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it,

I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it,

There's no love song finer, but how strange the change from major to minor,

Everytime we say goodbye.

When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it,

I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it,

There's no love song finer, but how strange the change from major to minor,

Everytime we say goodbye.



@Chloe-wt9gy

Every time we say goodbye, I die a little.
Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little.
Why the gods above me, who must be in the know,
think so little of me they allow you to go.
When you're near there's such an air of spring about it.
I can hear a lark somewhere begin to sing about it.
There's no love song finer but how strange the change from major to
minor,
Every time we say goodbye, every single time we say goodbye



All comments from YouTube:

@hughmonks206

This was the last song at my brother's funeral as we left the crematorium. Every time I hear it now it puts a tear in my eye as I miss him so much. Ella's diction is perfect and is a great lesson for anyone who wants to be a singer. I don't believe there will ever be another Ella.

@hellz1996

This was my parents 'song', he sang it to her when had to go back to the Army, mum said she used to cry everytime
Unfortunately it was both their songs at both their funerals. Most recently my mum's in September 2020.
I miss you mum and dad, beyond life, but you are back together now. xxxx

@janettamcgee8124

Your comment made me tear up. Ella was a favorite of both my parents. My late mom would play Ella's music while she cleaned house when I was a child in the early 1960's. My late father raved that Ella on the Memorex commercials was better than "half of the junk on the radio." At least we will always have Ella and great memories.

@helenwilliams7576

@@janettamcgee8124 It is a sad song isn't it? Ella came to play not far from where we live, my dad took my mum there, its funny how all the memories come flooding back of your childhood.
Please don't be upset x x

@riderudredd

Played this at my old mans funeral, He said this song was the only thing that ever brought a tear to his eye when he went to see her live. A true soother of the untamed soul.  

@barneypitt3868

At my dad's funeral, I was in charge of the tape player (people still used tapes then). I played Ella, alternating with Bing Crosby. He would have liked it.

@magdahearne497

It reminds me of my mum every time I hear it, she used to sing it a lot.... I'm sure our loved ones are just in the next room listening to it 💖

@patriciaphillips6644

I used to sing this to myself in the bath; I sounded good. Now I cannot get into the bath or out again for that matter but the beauty and memories associated with this song will never leave me.

@ericsaur9791

That's beautiful

@canuteomanye5854

I die a little when I hear you sing. U are blessed

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