Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Mel Torme & Cleo Laine Lyrics
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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, they allow you to go.
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,
Every 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,
Every time we say goodbye.
The lyrics to Mel Torme and Cleo Laine's song Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye are a poignant reflection on the pain of separation and the strange contradiction of loving someone deeply while knowing that they must leave. The opening line, "Every time we say goodbye, I die a little," captures the raw emotion of this experience, as the singer feels a piece of themselves slipping away with each farewell. The second line, "Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little," adds to this sense of bewilderment and anguish, as the singer struggles to understand why fate has brought them to this point.
The following lines reveal a sense of resignation and helplessness in the face of an unseen force that seems to be controlling events: "Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know. Think so little of me, they allow you to go." The reference to the divine underscores the sense of cosmic injustice that the singer feels, as they question why they have been forced to endure such a painful separation.
The final lines of the stanza shift to a more hopeful tone, as the beauty and joy of the relationship are remembered: "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, Every time we say goodbye." The metaphor of spring and the singing lark suggest that the presence of the beloved brings a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, but the final line reminds us that the happiness of the relationship is always tinged with a certain sadness, as every goodbye marks another painful separation.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time we say goodbye, I die a little,
With each farewell, I feel a small part of myself being extinguished.
Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little,
I question the reason behind our constant separations.
Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know.
I ponder why the higher powers are aware of my suffering.
Think so little of me, they allow you to go.
I assume that the divine forces don't take my feelings into account when letting you depart.
When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it,
Your presence brings forth an atmosphere of revitalization and renewal.
I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it,
I can hear the joyous melodies of nature responding to your presence.
There's no love song finer, but how strange the change from major to minor,
Our love is beyond compare, but it's strange how each ending shifts from a joyful, happy note to a melancholic, sorrowful one.
Every time we say goodbye.
Each parting is difficult and painful, leaving me with a sense of heartbreak and longing.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
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