Signed to the Swan record label by producer Jerry Ross, the trio's first single releases were on that imprint. Their first single release was entitled 'Where Is Johnny Now?' b/w 'Your True Love'.
Their follow up song was entitled 'Who Do You Love?', a song that made the pop charts, peaking at number 25 in 1964. Further singles, 'I Found Out Too Late' and 'Gotta Be More Than Friends' were less successful. Moving to ABC later in the Sixties, they failed to return to the charts. At ABC however they released the popular song 'Let's Break Up For A While'.
During their early career, the group were associated with Kenny Gamble, who arranged their vocals on the groups debut album release, 'Who Do You Love'.
Their songs proved to be highly popular, at a later date, on the Northern Soul scene, including 'Gotta Have Your Love' (number 33 on the R & B charts in 1965 and featuring background vocals by Valerie Simpson, Nick Ashford, and Melba Moore), 'Evil One', 'Gonna Be a Big Thing', and 'Slow Fizz' (1966). The latter song ended their contract with ABC and the group went their seperate ways.
How Could I Say Goodbye
The Sapphires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But then you told me how much you missed me
And then you took me in your arms and kissed me
Oh How could I say goodbye
Oh How could I say goodbye
You're a troubled kind of guy that's why that's why
Without a word you go run off someplace
Oh oh how you made me cry
Oh oh how you made me cry
Till you come back on your own sweet time
And kiss away the tears and tell me
You're mine mine
I was gonna say goodbye to you tonight
Tell you we're finished I've had enough of you
Then you walked in I can't help it I love you
Oh How could I say goodbye
Oh How could I say goodbye
The Sapphires' song "How Could I Say Goodbye" is a classic love ballad that explores the confusion and emotional turmoil that comes with contemplating the end of a relationship. The song's opening lines hint at an impending goodbye, but the singer's resolve is quickly weakened by a heartfelt confession of love from their partner. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "How could I say goodbye," underscores the singer's reluctance to end things despite the turmoil and uncertainty that defines their relationship.
Throughout the song, we see clues that the singer's partner is a troubled person who struggles with commitment and has a pattern of leaving without warning. Despite this, the singer is deeply in love with them and unable to resist their charm and affection. The line "without a word you go run off someplace" suggests that the partner is unreliable and doesn't communicate well, leaving the singer feeling hurt and confused.
Despite the challenges they face, there is a sense of hopefulness in the song's final lines. The singer admits they were ready to end things but ultimately can't resist their partner's love and affection. The final line, "I can't help it, I love you," encapsulates the song's central theme β that love is a powerful force that can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I was gonna say goodbye to you tonight
I was planning to end our relationship tonight
But then you told me how much you missed me
You expressed your longing for me, which made it difficult for me to say goodbye
And then you took me in your arms and kissed me
You showed me physical affection, making it even harder to leave
Oh How could I say goodbye
Expressing my emotions, it's too challenging to leave you
You're a troubled kind of guy that's why that's why
I acknowledge that you have some difficulties in life that makes it hard for you to stay in one place
Tell me you can't stay for too long in one place
You confess to me your inability to stay in one location/relationship for extended periods of time
Without a word you go run off someplace
You disappear without notice, leaving me wondering where you have gone
Oh oh how you made me cry
Your inconsistent behavior, often disappearing unexpectedly, has caused me emotional harm
Till you come back on your own sweet time
Until you choose to come back, whenever you please
And kiss away the tears and tell me
You show me love by comforting me and expressing your devotion
You're mine mine
You affirm your commitment to me and our relationship
Tell you we're finished I've had enough of you
I'm expressing my desire to break up with you, having had my fill of our relationship
Then you walked in I can't help it I love you
You unexpectedly arrive, and despite my plans to break up, I realize I still love you
Oh How could I say goodbye
Expressing my emotions, it's too challenging to leave you
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.