The group was based around Hughes and his brothers Glenn and Norman, and they signed a deal with Fraternity Records. "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" was their first single, and its vocal harmony and organ interlude would not have been out of place in a Top Ten hit from ten or fifteen years earlier. The track reached #28 in the UK Singles Chart in March 1967.[1] They tried to follow it up with a Don Everly penned song, "It's All Over Now," but that only hit U.S. #65.
After his time with the Casinos was over, Gene Hughes became a country music promoter, but he died on 3 February 2008, at the age of 67, from complications following a car accident.
Bob Smith, who later joined the group along with Bob Armstrong, went on to an illustrious career as a Cincinnati police officer. Smith still resides in Cincinnati, living in near anonymity.
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
The Casinos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold me each evening at your side
Tell me you'll love me for a million years
Then if it don't work out
Then if it don't work out
Then you can tell me goodbye
Sweeten my coffee with a morning kiss
Tell me you'll love me for a million years
Then if it don't work out
Then if it don't work out
Then you can tell me goodbye
If you must go, oh no, I won't grieve
If you wait a lifetime before you leave
But if you must go
Mm, I won't tell you no
Just so that we can say we tried
Tell me you'll love me for a million years
Then if it don't work out
Then if it don't work out
Then you can tell me goodbye
The Casinos' "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" is a love song about the beauty of enduring love that stands the test of time, and the singer's willingness to let go if their love doesn't work out. The lyrics ask for affection and attention, with the main theme being an appeal to a lover to devote their love and attention every day for a million years. The lyrics use imagery such as "kiss me each morning for a million years," "sweeten my coffee with a morning kiss," and "soften my dreams with your sighs" to convey a sense of deep intimacy and commitment. The lyrics remind the lover that they should only leave when they're ready, and when they do, they should say goodbye so that they can part amicably.
The song was written by John D. Loudermilk and originally released in 1962 by The Tams. However, The Casinos' 1967 version became the most successful recording of the song, reaching number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the charts for 14 weeks. It has since become a popular romantic ballad that continues to resonate with many generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Kiss me each morning for a million years
Start every day by showing me your love with a kiss that lasts forever
Hold me each evening at your side
Wrap your arms around me each night and let me know that you're here for me
Tell me you'll love me for a million years
Make a promise to me that your love is eternal and will never fade away
Then if it don't work out
In case things don't go as we planned
Then you can tell me goodbye
You can let me go and end this relationship
Sweeten my coffee with a morning kiss
Greet me every morning with a tender kiss that makes my day
Soften my dreams with your sighs
Whisper your love to me softly so that I can hear it even in my dreams
If you must go, oh no, I won't grieve
I won't be saddened by your departure if you have to leave me for some reason
If you wait a lifetime before you leave
If you postpone leaving me for as long as you can
Mm, I won't tell you no
I won't insist that you stay if you need to go
Just so that we can say we tried
We can look back on our relationship with satisfaction, knowing we did our best to make it work
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Loudermilk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack J
What a wonderful song. In my opinion, it’s one of the sweetest, most romantic songs of all times. From time to time my wife and I dance to this song in the privacy of our home, just the two of us enjoying this marvelous song, and our marvelous life together.
Rachel Blunk
That's my Cousin Gene Hughes God rest his soul!
K B
@Anita Watkins a lot of people did. I argued with a friend who swore they were Black.
Barry Peterson
What a voice! Blessings..
Joey Ricci
He had an amazing voice even when he was a lot older! This song is one of my favorites, since I was a young boy, in 1967!!
Billy Walkabout
I knew Jean he was a good friend of mine rest in peace Jean
Kiesha Ozevin
Gene was with my mom when I was very young her name was Linda I remember him he was very good to me and I use to call him daddy Gene!
Nevin Cox
That "Sweeten my coffee with a morning kiss" is best single line I've ever heard in a song.
Deborah Dolan
This classic came out when I was a teenager. I loved it back then and now that I'm 68, I think I love it even more! 💖 Thank you so much! 🎵
Hello There
This was recorded when doo wop was rarely recorded anymore. It was a rarity that happened by accident and was one of the greatest songs ever to be recorded.