Milsap was born in Robbinsville, North Carolina with a congenital disorder that left him almost completely blind. He was abandoned by his mother as an infant and raised by his grandparents until the age of five, when he was sent to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Milsap showed musical aptitude at an early age. The school stressed classical music training but he preferred country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues. He released his first single, Total Disaster, in 1963 at the age of twenty. This was followed by several Ashford And Simpson, compositions, including the memorable "Let's Go Get Stoned", which, unfortunately for Milsap, was relegated to a b-side. A few months later it would become a million-selling single for the more popular blind pianist, Ray Charles. 1972 found him working regularly at Roger Miller's King of the Road Club in Nashville, Tennessee and he signed with RCA Records in 1973. He was at his peak of popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with songs that made his name familiar to pop as well as country audiences, such as "It Was Almost Like A Song," "{There's) No Gettin' Over Me," "Smoky Mountain Rain," "I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World," and a remake of Chuck Jackson's "Any Day Now" (which was named Billboard magazine's Number One Adult Contemporary hit of 1982). Milsap recorded for RCA until 1992. During that time he created five gold albums, one platinum album and one double platinum album. He also won six Grammy Awards and eight Country Music Association awards including the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award. In 2005 Milsap resigned with RCA Records and released a new country single, "Local Girls."
Milsap has recorded music with Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley and Barry Manilow.
Ronnie and his wife Joyce currently make their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Milsap enjoys his hobby of amateur (Ham) radio. More info on him can be found at: http://www.qrz.com/wb4kcg
Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends
Ronnie Milsap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We may never pass this way again
Just let me enjoy 'till its over
Or forever
Please don't tell me how the story ends
See the way our shadows come together
Softer than your fingers on my skin
That we'll remember
Of each other
Please don't tell me how the story ends
Never's just the echo of forever
Lonesome as the love that might have been
Just let me go on loving and believing
'Till it's over
Please don't tell me how the story ends
Please don't tell me how the story ends
Ronnie Milsap's song "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends" was written by Kris Kristofferson in 1970. The song's lyrics are about two lovers who are about to part ways and never see each other again. The lovers want to enjoy their last moments together without any thought of the future. They want to remember each other in a positive light and not dwell on what could have been or what might happen in the future.
The first verse talks about how this could be the last time the two lovers will be together. They want to enjoy every moment of it without any stress or worry. The second verse describes how the shadows of the two people come together, symbolizing their love for each other. However, they know that someday this might be all that they remember of each other. They don't want to know how the story ends because they want to hold on to the hope that someday they may meet again.
The third and final verse describes how the word "never" echoes the sentiment of forever. The love that could have been is now lonesome and impossible. However, the lovers still want to hold on to their love and belief in each other until the end. Thus, they ask the other not to tell them how the story ends because they want to focus on the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
This could be our last goodnight together
We may not have another chance to spend the night together, so let's make the best of it.
We may never pass this way again
This could be the only opportunity we have to be together like this.
Just let me enjoy 'till its over or forever
Allow me to cherish this moment of togetherness until it's over, or if possible, for eternity.
Please don't tell me how the story ends
Don't ruin the moment by telling me how it will inevitably come to an end.
See the way our shadows come together
Notice how our silhouettes blend together as we embrace each other.
Softer than your fingers on my skin
The feeling of our shadows merging is so subtle and gentle, it's like the touch of your fingers on my skin.
Someday this may be all that we'll remember of each other
In the future, this moment we shared may be the only memory we have of one another, so let's make it count.
Never's just the echo of forever
The notion of 'never' is just a faint reflection of the concept of 'forever'.
Lonesome as the love that might have been
The idea of a love that could have been but never came to fruition is a sad and lonely one.
Just let me go on loving and believing 'Till it's over
Allow me to continue loving and holding onto the hope of a future together until the end.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tom C
This could be our last goodnight together
We may never pass this way again
Just let me enjoy 'till its over or forever
Please don't tell me how the story ends.
See the way our shadows come together
Softer than your fingers on my skin
Someday this may be all that we'll remember of each other
Please don't tell me how the story ends.
Never's just the echo of forever
Lonesome as the love that might have been
Just let me go on loving and believing 'til it's over
Please don't tell me how the story ends.
Please don't tell me how the story ends...
terribleTed
Another Kristofferson written gem ! And Ronnie beats the stuffing out of it.
Terry Ely
Others have recorded this song but no one can do it like Milsap..he is phenomenal.
James Riddle
46 years and still the most beautiful song he ever did.
Come stay awhile with L
Kris could write some great songs.
jbird40jc
So beautiful! The way he sings it, perfection!
chentenumerouno
I could listen to this song all day and night but then I'd miss Ronnie Milsap's other great songs like It Was Almost Like A Song! 🎤🎵😄
Pamela Cantrell-Brown
It’s 2021 and this song still has so much meaning.
Jimmy Davenport
One of the greatest Kris ever wrote and nobody does it better than Mr Milshap
Charz 1975
1974: my brother and I use to listen to this 8-track in his XLT Ford 150 truck, I miss you bro RIP 😔💖!
Perry Barrett
Amazing vocal at 1:07....truly a master at work.