He was born Joseph Goreed in Cordele, Georgia and moved to Chicago as a child. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He grew on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by jazz, blues, and gospel music. In the 1930s, as a teenager, he was a member of "The Jubilee Boys" and performed in Chicago churches.
He worked as a singer and bouncer in Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943, he was hired by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He toured with Hampton for several years but never achieved breakthrough success.
He rose to national prominence as the singer for Count Basie's Orchestra in 1954. He remained with Basie for several years. "Everyday I have the Blues" is his biggest hit.
After leaving the Basie band, Williams continued to have a successful career working with his own jazz combo. He and Basie remained on good terms and he would regularly appear with the band.
Bill Cosby cast Williams as his father-in-law "Grandpa Al" Hanks in a recurring role on the 1980s sit-com The Cosby Show.
Williams enjoyed a successful career and worked regularly until his death. He died at age 80, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joe Williams shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra who was also born Dec. 12, three years before Williams
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Joe Williams 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
The lyrics of Joe Williams's song "Every Time We Say Goodbye" express the bittersweet emotion that arises from having to part ways with a loved one. The first two lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The repetition of "every time we say goodbye" creates a haunting effect that emphasizes the sadness and pain caused by separation. The next two lines express the feeling of confusion that often comes after a separation. The singer wonders why they have to be separated from their loved one.
In the following lines, the singer expresses a feeling of betrayal towards the gods. The gods being referred to are those who control the fate of humanity. The singer is questioning why they have been left alone when they value their relationship with their loved one so much. The third stanza of the lyrics highlights the beauty and joy that the presence of the loved one brings. The presence of the lover transforms the surrounding atmosphere and makes it feel like spring. The sound of birds singing completes the picture of happiness and beauty.
The final stanza of the song emphasizes the contrast between the happiness of being together and the pain caused by separation. The song's major chords create a positive and uplifting feeling at the beginning, but the change to minor chords in the end reflects the pain and sadness felt by the singer. The song's lyrics express the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to a loved one and the uncertainty that often follows.
Line by Line Meaning
Ev'ry time we say goodbye
Each time we part ways
I die a little
I feel a small sense of emotional pain
I wonder why a little
I question why we must separate
Why the Gods above me
Why the higher power or fate
Who must be in the know
Who has the knowledge or understanding
Think so little of me
Disregarded by fate or higher power
They allow you to go
They let you slip away from me
When you're near
When you are close to me
There's such an air of spring about it
A feeling of newness and freshness arises
I can hear a lark somewhere
Birds are singing in the background
Begin to sing about it
Start to create a musical story about us
There's no love song finer
No better song for expressing love
But how strange the change
Despite its excellence
From major to minor
It changes from happy to sad
Ev'ry time we say goodbye
Whenever we must part ways
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