Jillian Rose Banks, known mononymously as Banks (stylized in all caps), is … Read Full Bio ↴Jillian Rose Banks, known mononymously as Banks (stylized in all caps), is an American singer and songwriter. Following the release of two EPs, Fall Over and London, in 2013, Banks released her debut album, Goddess, in 2014 to positive reviews from contemporary music critics. It reached number 12 on the US Billboard 200, while its most successful single, "Beggin for Thread", was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her second studio album, The Altar, was released in September 2016 to a similar positive reception, becoming her second top 20 album in the United States. Her third album, III, was released in 2019. It became her most critically acclaimed release to date and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200, as well as number 3 on the Top Albums Sales chart.

Go Now
Banks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We've already said good bye
Since you've got to go, oh you'd better go now
Go now go now
Before you see me cry
I want you to tell me just
What you intend to do now
'cause how many times do I have to tell you
Darlin', darlin' I'm still in love with you now

We've already said so long
I don't want to see you go
Oh you had better go now
Go now go now
Don't you even try
Tellin' me that you really don't
Want it to end this way
'Cause darlin', darlin' can't you see
I want you to stay, yeah

Since you gotta go
Oh, you'd better go now
Go now, go now, go now
Before you see me cry
I don't want you to tell me just what you intend to do now

'Cause how many times do I have to tell you, darlin' darlin'
I'm still in love, still in love with you now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Banks Bessie's song Go Now express an urgent plea to a departing lover, imploring them to leave immediately rather than lingering and causing more pain. The repetition of the phrase "go now" underscores the importance of the message and emphasizes the singer's vulnerability and emotional state. The lyrics suggest that the relationship has already ended, but the singer is still in love with their partner and struggling to come to terms with the separation.

The repeated use of the word "darling" throughout the lyrics reinforces the emotional bond between the two lovers, and the repetition of the phrase "I'm still in love with you now" serves as a reminder of the depth of the singer's feelings. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of desperation and heartache, as the singer tries to come to terms with the end of the relationship while still holding onto hope for reconciliation.

Line by Line Meaning

We've already said good bye
Our time together has ended and we've parted ways.

Since you've got to go, oh you'd better go now
Since you have to leave, it's best to leave immediately.

Go now go now
Leave quickly and don't delay.

Before you see me cry
I don't want you to witness my sadness and tears.

I want you to tell me just What you intend to do now
Before leaving, share your plan for the future with me.

'cause how many times do I have to tell you Darlin', darlin' I'm still in love with you now
Despite everything, I still love you deeply and I hope you know that.

We've already said so long
We've already been apart for a while.

I don't want to see you go Oh you had better go now
I don't want to watch you leave, but it's necessary for you to do so immediately.

Don't you even try
Don't even attempt.

Tellin' me that you really don't Want it to end this way
Don't try to convince me to continue our relationship or leave in another way.

'Cause darlin', darlin' can't you see I want you to stay, yeah
I hope you can see that I want you to remain in my life and our relationship to continue.

Since you gotta go Oh, you'd better go now
Since you must go, it's best to leave as soon as possible.

Before you see me cry
I don't want you to notice me being emotional.

I don't want you to tell me just what you intend to do now
I don't want you to share your intentions before leaving.

'Cause how many times do I have to tell you, darlin' darlin' I'm still in love, still in love with you now
I need you to understand and acknowledge that I am still deeply in love with you.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Larry Banks, Milton Bennett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

@geezerhozen6944

10y↑234

Can't believe it took me almost fifty years to learn that the Moodys were not the original artists to perform this terrific ballad. Love it.

@RAinteractive

3y↑15

Same here - and I love this version. I used to sit on the floor by the radio trying to tune in to hear it in '65 by The Moody Blues. Bessie's version is wonderful.

@artfarty9822

3y↑13

I always thought this song shouldn't have been sung by a white boy from Britain.... I like this version way better

@syn707

2y↑9

I’m with you all. I love the Moody’s but this has a great feel….❤️❤️❤️❤️

@esalomon1820

2y↑8

yep. just learned that today. 11.12.21

@annaforehan7784

2y↑6

Me too!

31 More Replies...

@lolawaara9132

21w↑8

I just read this too. I’m 70, never knew this was the original . Rip Denny

@pamelawoodson5683

4y↑109

The version, by The Moody Blues, is the only one that I had ever heard, until today. This one is PURE GOLD! The lyrics, for me, mean SO much more, coming from a woman. This is FANTASTIC! I'll never stop loving the MB version but, now, I NEED both in my life!

@graszka8890

2y↑3

David Cassidy had a great cover too in 1972.

@Cessounette

2y↑7

@Graszka Wings also did a great version of it in 1976 (Denny Laine sang lead vocals, as he did with the Moody Blues)

@JBDazen

you sure like a comma

@johnconway9882

@J.B. Dazen Comma love! 😅😆

@billbrown4745

1y↑1

You gotta hear the live version by Gloria Jones: it's fantastic!

2 More Replies...

@alevine1951

4y↑39

Wow just heard this for the 1st time after loving the Moody Blues cover for so long. Didn't realize. Happily Bessie is 82 now and still with us.

@geraldjohnson7937

21w

Wow! I didn't realize she was the original singer until today as well! What an amazing version! Always liked the MB version, but this one is special!!!

@keziah6730

11y↑47

bessie banks version of this is absolutely amazing! truly heart wrenching stuff!

@jrose8351

17w↑1

Officially now my favorite version of this song! My guy passed away in 2016 and today would have been his 71st birthday. I’m mid-50’s but we connected so strongly over old soul music. Still miss and love him so much…

@danpeak

6y↑16

First time hearing this original! I am 64 years old and did not know this was her song. Chills.

@mikedecker6392

4y↑63

Wow, had no idea Bessie did this originally !! What a masterpiece !!!

@russellcampbell9198

3y↑3

It is.

@michaelknowler3057

47w↑5

Her husband wrote this song.

@robertblackmore2532

3y↑20

In the 1960's Dave Godin was publishing a magazine in London called Rhythm & Soul USA and put Bessie Banks on the cover. We worked together running a record store called Soul City Records and as no record company had put this original song out in the UK we decided to do it. Loved the way Bessie pours her heart out. Definitely the best version! The B side is also excellent - It Sounds Like mY Baby.

@capnbobretired

5y↑65

The Moody Blues rocked this sing, but Bessie tears your heart out and stomp kicks it until you feel the the pain and anguish from the impending parting of the couple.

@kornfed73chibears4

Just heard this version for the 1st time and I'm 48.
Thank you college radio wprk winter park fl

@russellcampbell9198

3y↑11

Glad to have lived long enough to hear this one. Wonderful.

@johnturley8621

2y↑11

I knew about this original version from the very start, before the Moodies, but never heard it before...until more than 30 years later...and now here. I place both versions together on the same pedestal. Glad to hear the original regularly at last. JAT

@marknorthwest93

8y↑151

I first heard this stunning rendition last evening on a web radio show "Night Flight' and it blew me away. Now I am going to check out more music from Bessie Banks. There is NO such thing as "old music" just good music patiently awaiting to be rediscovered and this is GOLD!

@JudeJaded15

8y↑3

agreed. thank you.

@bobtimlin3378

8y↑5

Bessie only recorded a hatful of songs - but they´re all 5*.
Check out ¨Try To Leave Me If You Can¨on Volt - sublime!

@daredevilace

8y↑11

Fun fact: this song is original, not a cover. Just mentioning that since people might misinterpret your use of "rendition".

@marknorthwest93

8y↑6

In my enthusiasm I used the wrong wording. Thanks for making my intention clear!

@GrtSatan

5y↑4

My thoughts exactly. Check out Garnett Mimms and the Enchanters original version of "Cry Baby" as well. Janice's cover was tremendous but for some reason never shone any light on the 1963 original.

10 More Replies...

@robertlyons2028

3y↑2

best version by miles

@michaelmccrory2220

2y↑10

Beautiful song, wonderfully sung!
You can hear her singing with heartfelt emotion.
👍

@brettsprang7991

3y↑2

Really Really torn between this version and Moody Blues....fantastic song

@graszka8890

and David Cassidy had a very good version in 1972

@Labeyesing

11y↑15

Always reminds me of my mom doing dishes and singing along with the radio when I was a kid.... back in happier days. Can't beat the classics.

@ricklaponte5869

4y↑12

Never heard the original version until now so much soul👍🏻

@anthonyroberts5604

6y↑29

I have always loved the Moody Blues version, and I met Denny Lane when the Moody Blues played Leeds University in 1965. However, Bessie's version has to go down as the "soul" original. She does a fabulous job with it

@AnitaLife27

12y↑27

I like the Moodys version, but this one gives me chills!!!!!!!!!!

@fisherman7510

5y↑1

It's on my favorite all time listening songs. I play it once a month to remind me that GOOD MUSIC did exist in my generation. Thank-You for keeping it available. I'll be 71 next month.

@Tarantulisimo

4y↑2

Almost all of the British bands were born & raised on American R&B/soul, & as such had their breakthrough hits by covering songs like this -- Unfortunately, more often than not, the original versions were forgotten or slept on for decades.....

@marthag7229

1y↑1

Never knew Moody Blues were not the originals. I still love this song

@ronluckenbach9492

16w

so outrageously beautiful the song and lovely BESSIE… ❤❤❤

@nosredna2

2y↑1

Tear jerker! Those backup singers are the cherry on top!

@tinfacesful

25w↑2

What ! I always thought that Dennie laine from the moody blues wrote this.
This is pure Gold a masterpiece

@elizabethhoward4790

2y↑7

Such soul in her voice......the real and fantastic original artist!!

@sarahgalloway8096

5y↑10

Who knew? I swear I thought the Moody Blues were the only ones to record this song! I l have loved them since I was a kid over this song!
Bessie excellent job! Prior to this, I had no idea who you were. I will do more research on you.

@donaldhyman545

2y↑1

1965 i went to the Brooklyn Fox Xmas Show headliner was Peter and Gordon, also Wilson Pickett, Jay and The Americans, and others. But because of the British invasion a group called the Moody Blues had a hit called "GO NOW" which I liked ..it was until years late I learned that this song was originally by Bessie Banks. I love the Moody Blues version but Bessie's has SOUL nuff said

@georgehart9974

3y↑13

What a wonderful voice that few of us knew about. Thank you for this.

@davidwalsh3439

7y↑13

A beautiful song recorded to perfection by Bessie Banks. Such an underated artiste.

@robertcolema

20w

Thank you you tube for hosting memories

@vincentedwards6749

BRILLIANT WHO EVER PASSED THIS ON TO THE MOODY BLUES
DID A GREAT JOB A WONDERFUL POST jvincent edwards

@StevenCarinci

9y↑51

Girl tears it up. Beautiful. The Moody version has that wall of sound thing. This is just closer to the heart with no echo-chamber or reverb.

@EliezerPennywhistler

8y↑4

This is SATURATED with echo chamber and reverb!

@StevenCarinci

8y↑4

Not as much as the Moody's version. This version is SO understated that it sneaks up on you. The word subtle comes to mind.

@EliezerPennywhistler

8y↑3

Do you understand what "no echo-chamber or reverb" even means?

@StevenCarinci

8y↑9

Give it a break, kid. The sound is VERY different and she doesn't sound like she's singing in a tank as in the Moody's version. I like this one better. Now get a good night's sleep.

@richardhewlett5603

7y↑2

SC Clueless about recorded music.

4 More Replies...

@edwardfranklin6331

4y↑2

I now can listen to two great versions of this great song Bessie Banks and the Moody Blues so many memories

@RMoore-zt7zs

2y↑2

The Moody Blues' cover is a very fine and more polished cover.
This original by Bessie Banks, is stark, visceral, gut wrenching.
I love them both...

@jackiebessard7988

5y↑4

Rich soul✊🏾 Hubby wrote this for her & they sure do reap the royalties from moody blues👏🏽👏🏽

@sassymess7111

20w↑3

First of all RIP to Denny Laine 🕊️. I just found out while reading his obituary that this is the original version. Bessie Banks is still alive BTW.

@NoDoubtfulDM

29w

I just discovered Moody Blues covered this song. I’ve only known it live by Paul McCartney for the last 45 years. Wings over America

@puckf17

34w↑1

Great work Bessie!! and of course Larry Banks and Milton Bennett!!❤💛💚

@jduff59

2y↑1

2021 and I just found this song? I love Denny Laine/Moody Blues hundreds of time, but this is the real McCoy!

@edwardfranklintedf4113

4y↑27

Oh my god did not know this incredible version existed thank you so much

@madisonkai

3y↑2

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL!

@TheJohnpandy

I have just discovered this gem. John ❤️

@lt3tretrois

10y↑25

2 people must clicked the wrong thumb by accident. This song is almost perfect.

@ronbalut592

2y↑6

Never heard of Bessie Banks before. A friend posted this on FB. Beautiful!

@SouLoveReal

8y↑6

The Sweet Inspirations (formerly the Drinkard Singers, featuring Cissy Houston) on back-up vocals -- DISTINCTLY.

@eflat1206

7y↑10

Just goes to show you that there are always multiple ways to interpret a song. I don't know which I like better; this original or the more famous Moody Blues cover. In terms of quality, it's apples and oranges. Both of the top variety...just brilliant. This is a song made for rainy days...

@warrendarrell6499

50w↑5

I am a musician who still plays 60s music semi-pro. Just discovered this wonderful version, the soul feeling is different from the tension of the Moody Blues interpretation. No need to rate them; each version is great.

@JackMason-oq8lf

42w↑1

Pat Boone was amazing on "Blueberry Hill." But for Fats Domino, ain't that a shame.

@ahjaanhugh

9y↑56

I have liked The Moody Blues from the the beginning but Bessie Banks' version in my opinion has more emotion and soul.

@yomasane3670

5y↑1

The production of the original is more dramatic, especially the slight pause at 2:05, she softly sings, ''Go now.'' and the backing chorus voices answer in soaring high register. The MB cover lacks the finesse of that moment.

@fourangelsmomma

9y↑56

Bessie Banks sang this before The Moody Blues, VERY beautifully, I might add. Her husband, Larry Banks wrote it for her. What a talented team they were!

@EliezerPennywhistler

8y↑3

They were divorced when she recorded it.

@MRDOOWOP1

6y↑2

Love it ❤

@imannonymous7707

5y↑1

What label was this on , i agree btw

@jackjc1447

4y↑2

@im annonymous ,
it was originally released by tiger records in january 1964.

@JXLYBANKS

3y↑4

THANK YOU MY GRANPA AND MY FAMILY THANK YOU 🙏🏾

1 More Replies...

@ralphwinfield2872

20w

Lively, yet sad...

It's a very Heart-touching song...

God bless Ms. Banks!!

@GrtSatan

3y↑3

A heart wrenching performance. So very moving and emotional.

@1949LA-ARCH

8y↑8

Thank's for posting......very dramatic, true to form, hurting deep down into the soul. Love is lost !

@doreenl5027

3y↑2

She is awesome. She lives in Staten Island

@mustlovepretzels

5y↑2

Never heard this version until today. I like it. Thanks sukouyant & YouTube. Cheers!

@dmvargha

9y↑73

I never knew that the Moody Blues did a cover. Both versions are excellent in their own ways.

@cityzen2717

7y↑3

That was a very different version of the band from the familiar line-up with Justin Hayward and John Lodge.

@mercwindow

dmvargha shame that when the Moody Blues were chosen for radio play it destroyed Bessie Banks career as she was dropped everywhere.

@secondcomingofbast9908

3y↑7

@mercwindow That's pure bullshit. The Moody's version didn't air in the states until November '63, at least six months after Bank's version had aired. The airtime hers received was long over. If anything, the Moody's could have only helped her by drawing attention to her earlier version but she either couldn't capitalize on it or chose not to.

@Selvikus

3y↑3

@Second Coming Of Bast Correction: November '64

@secondcomingofbast9908

3y↑4

@Vulture I stand corrected. Thank you. That also makes my point even more valid, btw.

1 More Replies...

@robertpence1081

3y↑1

She is very good wow really really great

@waynekozak1462

6y↑8

this version is so good, it hurts my heart.

@johantrenier1685

21w↑1

I like both.

@patrickhicks9880

3y↑2

what a lovely voice

@anitarauld

Sooooo beautiful thanks💃

@niccoarcadia4179

8y↑1

I always thought the Moody Blues version was good 'til I discovered Bessie! I also heard an acceptable rock version by Detroit's Fijid Pink made in '72. Bessie's bluesy soul version is so easy to listen to that I feel relaxed in a tranquil mood.

@robbiejohnson2011

So beautiful. Merci for sharing it.

@vordman

20w↑1

This is the original and very soulful, but the cover by The Moody Blues is perfect.

@devans00

Heart stomping soul music. Love it. 🙌🏾🫶🏾❤

@hooverguy6072

Wonderful, she really means it. full of agnst. You can feel her heart and soul going into this song, taking you with it. Making you want to cry.😥

@mv11000

20w↑1

The "sooo long" @ 1:10 gave me goosebumps, don't ask me why. Really loved the MB version, but this one knocks me off my feat.

@mary-annkomarensky87

20w

Thank you Bessie💖 Love your version of 🎶Go Now🎶

@downtoearth13

I'm into finding original versions (thank you You Tube) .. this one eluded me til I just heard it mentioned on the old PBS/TimeLife series "The History of Rock and Roll

@andrewkeup9359

6y↑2

superior version!!!

@tongolele12

9y↑13

WOW!! This is great-- had not heard it before-- soul, bluesy love it! Thanks for posting. I think this oneo f those rare instances when I like THE original better than the BIG HIT

@justinhaley2286

2y↑1

The best version. Powerful.

@michaelhaydn3493

9y↑27

there are moments in Bessie Banks' version of Go Now that demonstrate more ownership of the tune. that's easy to say, once you understand that the tune was originally written for her to sing, by Larry Banks ( husband ) and his song writing partener.

@mercwindow

Michael Haydn and they had recently broken up making it even more poignant. Shame Bessie was dropped from air play when the moody blues version came out . It all but ended her big time

@ralphwinfield2872

20w

Excellent!!!!!

@EbonItalo07

16y↑4

OH My God.....This is just as great as the Moody Blues's version..Had nooo idea that this song was the original version..WOW

@chihuahuabulldog

3y↑1

Beautiful! Thank you for posting/sharing.

@jussix48

20w

Very fine...! 🕵🏻🎶💚👍👍

@lopezb

16y↑3

Never would have found this without youtube!!!! Was looking for the Moody Blues version, which I had never owned... it was my favorite of theirs....fantastic stuff!!!! Thanks......

@kennethmarshall306

4y↑5

I was familiar with the Wings and The Moody Blues’ version. I had never heard this recording before today and I have to say I prefer this

@JackMason-oq8lf

42w

Isn't it noteworthy that Denny had only one spot in that show, doing the Moody version of Go Now, the only song he was ever associated with. It's a Hoot & a Hollar to think how much those backup singers must have cost.

@SpartanOrDie

10y↑8

Pretty amazing that I have never heard of this original version.

As for Gene O'Brien's post, I imagine that the people who caused Bessie Banks to "miss out" on fame and fortune are the publishing company that her husband signed with. Certainly the Moody Blues didn't take her money.

@sargentwaag1483

I would think people would seek her out.

@gerwynevans2729

5y↑4

Many believe the Moody Blues' cover is the superior version. I love both.

@msscoventry

18w

Thanks for posting

@TheScunneredMan

9y↑86

Well we all have to admit to being a bit ignorant at times. So this is where I confess, as long tie MOODIES fan, I thought Only they recorded this. I'd never heard of this recording. Sung with real soul.

@jschuler53

6y↑1

In a history of Moody Blues,-here on You Tube--they say that this song by Bessie Banks was brought to them. They loved it and used it.

@wasteofspace20

6y↑2

Honesty is a great trait in people. I respect it.

@fmmaj9noname332

5y↑3

@A lesser Gracie Denny Laine had heard it and thought his group should do it. Covering songs was very common back then, even more so in the 50s. Sonny James and Tab Hunter both had hits with the tune Young Love AT THE SAME TIME. And Three Dog Night made their careers covering other people's songs, from Laura Nyro to Hoyt Axton to Paul Williams (and the musical Hair).

@jv-ep2tc

5y↑2

ditto. just discovered it tonight.....after decades.....

@lucytupper69

4y↑3

I believe this song was written by Bessie’s husband and his friend, a US marine.

9 More Replies...

@charlesmolinari1570

Ms. Banks could melt hearts with this one.

@MyersSgt

11y

I used to dance to this song in the late '60's. Good memories !!

@garymaher

8y↑6

WOW! Had no idea there was an original of this. Fantastic!!

@garthfarkley

Thank you.

@karaokecurt

6y↑2

Never even new anyone else recorded this. Just WOW !!

@malcolmnewton8541

7y↑1

Heard this on AFN in the 60's found a copy on Soul City (UK label) which lead to me collecting that label. Actually saw it on 'Red Bird' (another UK label). Its a soul song from back in day. Hey 'Obsidian' us UK whiteys never suppressed black people, as you say we loved their music and still do.

@johnozed

Fantastic 8 million years later!
I'm one year older than this classic...

@dianefiske-foy4717

This is great!

@DeeDeeWarwickMusic

2y↑2

Background vocals by Dee Dee Warwick and The Sweet Inspirations (Cissy Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Estelle Brown)

@billylucius7288

1964 Soul inspiration. love it!!!

@jamie2728

21w↑2

RIP Denny Laine

@SeansCafe

15y↑2

I have been looking for this version for quite while now. Thanks for posting! I too am a huge Mooody Blues fan, but, this song belongs to this lady.

@MM-fd8qz

Best version...

@Dexhu

16y↑1

I'm a great Moody Blues fan and didn't know this was done by Bessie Bank and written by Her Husband Larry and Milton Bennett! It is a Great rendition done by who it was written for! I don't see how it is better then the Moody Blues version that has had so much acclaim by so many people and the Moody Blues made the song so famous! The song still has a following today by many! It is just a great song done in different presentations that are both great! Why compare them when both is outstanding!

@JackMason-oq8lf

42w

This song made the Moody's famous. It was their biggest hit. This song did nothing for the Banks family. Zilch.

@williamfitzgerald1382

18w

And without the Moodies' hit version, you never would have heard of Bessie Banks.@@JackMason-oq8lf

@denisbouchard2916

11y↑1

WOW she blows the doors off the place ! wish they made a vid of her singing this ....

@scousler1

5y↑6

Bessie did a damn fine job on this song, but the Moody Blues made it a hit with their strong 4 man chorus background. I'm sure they listened and drew inspiration from her version first.

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now