Irene's older brother, Roy Kral, was a successful musician when Irene started singing professionally as a teenager. She sung with bands on tours led by Woody Herman and Chubby Jackson, former Herman bass player.
Irene joined Maynard Ferguson's band in the late 1950s and sang with groups led by Stan Kenton and Shelly Manne.
Irene then started a solo career until her death at 46 years of age. She was a ballad singer who stated that Carmen McRae was one of her inspirations.
Irene was made more famous posthumously when Clint Eastwood used her recordings in his 1995 movie, The Bridges of Madison County.
(from Wikipedia)
Everytime We Say Goodbye
Irene Kral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 that they allow you go
When your 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
Every time we say goodbye
"I die a little" is a metaphor for the feeling of dying inside every time they have to say goodbye. This signifies how important the person is to Irene Kral and how much their absence hurts her. When she states, "I wonder why a little," it shows that she cannot understand why they have to part, as their love song is so beautiful and perfect. Furthermore, she questions the gods above her and their lack of mercy to allow such a separation.
The next section of the song describes the environment when they are together. The element of spring is introduced, which represents new beginnings and the hope for a fresh start. She can hear a lark singing, which is another spring symbol, representing the joyful and happy atmosphere when they are together. She then states that the love song they share is the most exceptional love song but is also marked by change. The change from major to minor is a metaphor for how their love changes when they are forced to separate, from a happy and joyous melody to a sad and sorrow-filled one.
Overall, the song portrays the sadness and pain that comes with separation, and the unyielding love the two share. It conveys the bittersweet feelings of hope, happiness and love when they are together, and the pain, confusion and despair when they have to say their goodbyes.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time we say goodbye, I die a little
Each and every time we part ways, it causes me a small measure of emotional death.
Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little
As we say farewell, I experience a bit of confusion and puzzlement as to why we must separate.
Why the gods above me, who must be in the know
I question the deity's knowledge and actions, as they seem to allow this pain to occur repeatedly.
Think so little of me that they allow you go
It feels as if I’m not so highly regarded that the higher powers permit your departure from my life.
When your near there's such an air of Spring about it
When you are around, the atmosphere seems to fill with a certain rejuvenating quality, like that of the Spring season.
I can hear a lark somewhere begin to sing about it
As if in response to the joy you bring, a lark’s song of happiness fills the air.
There's no love song finer but how strange
Our love may be the best possible, yet it is strange that it must come with such pain in every ending.
The change from major to minor
It is peculiar how the change from a cheerful and bright major tone to a sorrowful minor tone occurs during every parting.
Every time we say goodbye
Reiterating the primary theme of the song - each and every time we must bid farewell.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind