Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Dinah Washington & Quincy Jones Lyrics
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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
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
"Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" by Dinah Washington and Quincy Jones is a classic love song about the pain of parting. The opening lines, "Ev'ry time we say goodbye, I die a little" reveals the depth of emotion that the singer feels every time they have to say goodbye to their lover. The intensity of the singer's feelings for their lover is heightened by the repetition of the phrase "ev'ry time," emphasizing that every separation from their lover causes them to experience little deaths.
The singer then expresses a sentiment that is familiar to anyone who has experienced heartbreak: they wonder why the gods above them allow their lover to leave. This pathos illuminates the singer's sense of helplessness and their struggle to understand why they can't be with their lover. The line "who must be in the know," suggests that the gods have access to knowledge that the singer does not and reveals their sense of disconnection from a higher power that might be able to provide insight into their situation.
The song then moves into a joyful recognition of the lover's presence, despite the pain of their imminent departure. The imagery of "such an air of spring" and "hear[ing] a lark somewhere," evoke a sense of renewal and hopefulness, despite the sadness that comes with the realization that the lover will soon be gone. The final verse, with its description of the change from major to minor, perfectly symbolizes the shift of emotions that characterizes the song. It's a reminder that even the most beautiful love story can be tinged with sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
Ev'ry time we say goodbye
I feel a small piece of myself dying.
I die a little
My heart is heavy with sorrow each time we part.
Ev'ry time we say goodbye
I question why fate has brought us together just to separate us again.
I wonder why a little
I cannot understand why the universe allows such pain.
Why the Gods above me
I ponder why the divine powers would let such beauty slip away from my grasp.
Who must be in the know
Surely the gods have some reason for allowing this heartbreak.
Think so little of me
Perhaps the gods do not consider me deserving of your love.
They allow you to go
The gods permit your absence from my life.
When you're near
Your presence brings joy and renewal to my life.
There's such an air of spring about it
Being near you creates an atmosphere of happiness and renewal.
I can hear a lark somewhere
The whole world seems to be so happy that even the birds are singing with joy.
Begin to sing about it
The birds join me in singing your praises.
There's no love song finer
No other song can match the beauty of our love.
But how strange the change
It is odd how our love seems to change when we part.
From major to minor
The love that once felt so great and strong now feels sad and incomplete.
Ev'ry time we say goodbye
My heart feels heavy with the realization of what I will miss until I see you again.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind