I Never Said Goodbye
Engelbert Humperdinck Lyrics


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She cried and walked away just yesterday
And like a fool, I let her go
We had a silly fight the night before
I never said "I love you so"
I wept all day and then I got the call
"Would you please come to see your wife"
"Something has happened and it's very grave"
"We cannot save the lady's life"

No, I never said goodbye and I never really told her
Just how much she meant to me
No, I never said goodbye, now it's too late
And she's just a memory
How can I go on
Now that girl is gone
I will know, until I die
I never said goodbye

Her perfume lingers all around me now
A pair of shoes lie on the floor
The bed unmade, where just last night, she laid
I cannot say I closed the door
A shopping list of things she'll never buy
An apron lyin' on the chair
Is that her laugh I hear out in the hall
I turn and call, but she's not there

No, I never said goodbye
And I never really told her just how much she meant to me
No, I never said goodbye
Now it's too late and she's just a memory
How can I go on
Now that girl is gone




I will know, until I die
I never said goodbye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Engelbert Humperdinck's "I Never Said Goodbye" evoke a sense of regret and mourning for a lost love. The singer reflects on a recent argument with his wife, during which he failed to express his love for her before she tragically passed away. The verses paint a picture of a sudden and unexpected loss, emphasizing the profound impact it has had on the singer's life.


The opening lines describe the initial moment of separation, with the wife crying and leaving after a fight. The singer laments his own foolishness in letting her go without declaring his love or resolving their disagreement. This sets the stage for the emotional journey that unfolds throughout the song, as the full weight of the situation begins to sink in.


As the news of the wife's critical condition reaches the singer, he realizes the gravity of the situation and the finality of her impending passing. The abruptness of her illness and the absence of closure in their relationship intensify his feelings of guilt and sorrow for not expressing his true feelings while he had the chance.


The imagery of the wife's presence lingering in the singer's surroundings - her perfume, belongings, and the echo of her laughter - serves as a haunting reminder of what has been lost. The sense of longing and disbelief at her absence permeates the lyrics, underscoring the profound sense of regret and heartbreak. Ultimately, the song conveys a poignant message about the importance of expressing love and appreciation before it's too late, and the enduring pain of never getting the chance to say goodbye.


Line by Line Meaning

She cried and walked away just yesterday
She left in tears just yesterday


And like a fool, I let her go
Regrettably, I allowed her to leave


We had a silly fight the night before
We argued over something trivial the night prior


I never said 'I love you so'
I never expressed my love for her


I wept all day and then I got the call
I cried constantly until receiving a phone call


"Would you please come to see your wife"
"Please come visit your spouse"


"Something has happened and it's very grave"
"There has been a serious incident"


"We cannot save the lady's life"
"We were unable to save her life"


Her perfume lingers all around me now
Her scent remains with me


A pair of shoes lie on the floor
A pair of shoes is left on the floor


The bed unmade, where just last night, she laid
The bed where she slept last night remains untouched


I cannot say I closed the door
I can't confirm if I closed the door


A shopping list of things she'll never buy
A list of items she will never purchase


An apron lyin' on the chair
An apron resting on the chair


Is that her laugh I hear out in the hall
Do I hear her laughter in the corridor?


I turn and call, but she's not there
I look and call out, but she's absent




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARRY MASON, LES REED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@user-co8hb9kg7m

Для меня Энгельберт Совершенство мужчины! Безупречная внешность, голос, галантность, великолепное чувство юмора, умение преподнести себя!!!! Он знает что он красив!!!! И это здорово!!!!Любуюсь и обожаю!!!!! Таких певцов больше нет!!!! Бравооооо!!!!!

@stevecostello-vm2dh

When my wife died I've discovered this song I miss her so much love u forever sherry you'll always be number 1 baby

@margaretlafleur90

Im 80 yrs old & saw this man perform in the mid 1970’s. I was in love. Still am.

@jeanmiller1619

me too .

@maryciccone2936

I have loved him since the 60’s.

@evensout

I wasn't there when my wife of 34 years was called home... I did, in a phone call, tell her that I loved her, a few hours before--I always thought she'd be there in the morning... if you want to tell someone something, do so--things can change in but the time it takes to blink an eye... c'est le vie

@maryhudson780

Only Engelbert can sing songs of love with so much emotion he is the best singer ever....God's gift to the world....all of us who love him pray for his health...Get well our dearest Enge and remember we Love you

@gordylopez3381

He's a lengend there will never be another Englebert .

@catherinejoannides2229

Right now that is my story. My husband passed away after 58 yrs. of marriage and he was 5 min. from our house. Didnt have a chance to say goodbye. I am surprised this song didn't be a #1 hit. Every time I hear it it makes me cry.

@user-ib4gl5ll3t

so einen traumhaften Sänger gibt es nicht noch einmal

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