Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Ray Charles betty carter Lyrics


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Everytime we say goodbye, I die a little,
Everytime 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,

Everytime 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,
Everytime we say goodbye.

Overall Meaning

The song "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" by Ray Charles and Betty Carter is a poignant and emotion-filled ballad about the pain and confusion of parting ways. The lyrics convey a sense of despair and loss as the singer expresses the deep pain experienced with every goodbye. Every time the singer has to separate from their loved one, they feel as though a part of them dies. They wonder why the Gods above them think so little of them that they allow them to be separated from their loved one. Despite the sadness and hopelessness, the song celebrates the love and connection the singer shares with their partner. They describe feeling alive and rejuvenated when they are near, and they can hear a lark singing in the background, an indication of the beauty and joy they share together. However, the song takes a melancholic turn with the lyrics "but how strange the change from major to minor, every time we say goodbye," signaling the shift from happiness to sadness that the singer experiences whenever their partner leaves.


The lyrics are incredibly powerful, painting vivid pictures of the pain and suffering that comes with parting ways with someone you love. The song is a classic example of the kind of deep and meaningful poetry that is often found in music. The use of metaphor and imagery throughout the song helps to convey the strong emotions of the singer and adds depth and complexity to the message.


Line by Line Meaning

Everytime we say goodbye, I die a little,
Each farewell leaves me feeling a small taste of death, mourning the temporary separation.


Everytime we say goodbye, I wonder why a little,
Each time we part ways, I question and ponder why this is necessary or even possible.


Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know.
I wonder why the divine powers who must have greater insight than me have decreed this parting necessary.


Think so little of me, they allow you to go.
It seems that the higher powers have a lesser opinion of me, letting you leave me behind without mercy.


When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it,
Being in your presence is like experiencing the refreshing energy of springtime.


I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it,
Even the birds seem to recognize and celebrate the love and joy in our togetherness.


There's no love song finer, but how strange the change from major to minor,
Our love has no better anthem, but it's ironic how easily it shifts from a joyous, major key to a sorrowful, minor tone.


Everytime we say goodbye.
Every time we have to part ways, no matter how brief, it feels like an intense heartbreak and leaves me longing for the next reunion.




Lyrics ยฉ Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COLE PORTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@steps222

This is sublime. Both Charles and Carter sing from their hearts, and the result make me want to hear them over and over--which I've done. Carmen McRae said, "There's really only one jazz singerโ€”only one: Betty Carter." It was Miles Davis who suggested her pairing with Charles. The suggestion was inspired.

@charleschapman473

Miles Davis knew great talent

@roxannemoore3045

After all these years, this duet is still wonderful.

@jamesfeldman4234

If I'm hearing the ending of this Ray Charles and Betty Carter version of the song correctly, the key changes from minor to major, which would make this arrangement unique. I think the change to major at the close is a stroke of genius because instead of ending on a sad note with finality to the goodbye, it ends with a touch of hope of meeting again.

@eugenesedita

No, itโ€™s an expression of a vain hope that will never happen like a dream that ends in desperation.

@andreturner2321

Itโ€™s also in the lyrics! At the end of Rayโ€™s first verse. I think thatโ€™s so cool lol โ€œhow strange the change from major to minor, every time we say goodbyeโ€

@ithajean

@@eugeneseditaOMG Beautiful

@murph3001

Timeless beauty. What a great ballad !! Betty is magnificent and Ray well Ray remains the best there ever was. Thanks to both for the greatest ballad ever recorded

@murph5438

The most beautiful duet ever --- two great artists recorded a piece that will live forever

@sheiladubin6559

Amen

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