If You Leave

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

About If You Leave

"If You Leave" is a 1986 song by the British synthpop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). It was recorded for the soundtrack to the film Pretty in Pink (1986), in which it is played prominently during the final scene. Along with 1980's "Enola Gay", the track has been described as the band's signature song."If You Leave" is the group's highest-charting single in the United States, where it reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1986. The song was also a Top 5 entry in Canada and New Zealand, and charted at number 15 in Australia. A distinguishing track of the 1980s, it has had an enduring presence on radio. 


Year:
1988
4:28
1,861 
#7

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

If you leave, don't leave now
Please don't take my heart away
Promise me just one more night
Then we'll go our separate ways

We've always had time on our sides
But now it's fading fast
Every second
Every moment
We've got to, we've gotta make it last

I touch you once I touch you twice
I won't let go at any price
I need you now like I needed you then
You always said we'd still be friends someday

If you leave
I won't cry
I won't waste one single day
But if you leave, don't look back

I'll be running the other way
Seven years went under the bridge
Like time was standing still
Heaven knows what happens now
You've got to, you've gotta say you will

I touch you once, I touch you twice
I won't let go at any price
I need you now like I need you then
You always said we'd meet again

I touch you once I touch you twice
I won't let go at any price
I need you now like I need you then
You always said we'd still be friends

I touch you once I touch you twice
I won't let go at any price
I need you now like I need you then
You always said we'd meet again someday

If you leave
If you leave
If you leave
Don't look back
Don't look back

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) are a British New Wave group formed in 1978, whose founding members, Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals), are originally from the Wirral Peninsula, England. The band rose to fame with their fourth single "Enola Gay", which became a major hit throughout Europe in 1980, and achieved worldwide popularity the following year with their third album Architecture & Morality. Regarded as the band's seminal work, it spawned three international hit singles and propelled them to superstar status in their home country. OMD, whose music frequently eschewed traditional pop music arrangements in favour of experimentation, were retrospectively described by AllMusic's Ned Raggett as having been… more »

4 fans

Written by: Martin Handsley Cooper, Paul David Humphreys, Andrew McCluskey

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Creation History
The song "If You Leave" was composed by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) specifically for the 1986 movie Pretty in Pink.
Inspiring Film
The song was written as a direct result of the movie's plot twist. Initially, OMD wrote another song for the movie, but when director John Hughes changed the film's ending, he asked the band to write a new song that reflected the new direction.
Writing Process
OMD wrote "If You Leave" in less than 24 hours due to time constraints because the film was near its release.
Chart Performance
The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1986, making it OMD's highest-charting single in the country.
Last-Minute Replacement
OMD's song "Goddess of Love" was originally intended to be featured in the film, but was replaced by "If You Leave".
Release and Album Inclusion
While it was written for Pretty in Pink, "If You Leave" was later included on OMD's album "The Pacific Age" – but it was not meant to be part of that album originally.
Cultural References
It has remained a popular tune from the 80s and has appeared in various television shows and films since its release.
Classic 80's Sound
"If You Leave" became emblematic of the moody, synth-driven sound that was characteristic of new wave music in the mid-'80s.
Popularity
Despite its rush production, "If You Leave" has become one of OMD's most remembered and popular songs.
Music Video
The music video for "If You Leave" features scenes from Pretty in Pink, intercut with black and white footage of the band performing the song.
Legacy
The song continues to be a staple in OMD's live performances and is often the band’s closing song.

Discuss the If You Leave Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "If You Leave Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/241841/Orchestral+Manoeuvres+in+the+Dark/If+You+Leave>.

    Missing lyrics by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark?

    Know any other songs by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    If You Leave

    20.4M
    120.1K     3,652

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #4


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "They say all's well that ends well, but _____________"
    A I can't really tell.
    B it didn't end well.
    C I'm in a new cell.
    D I'm in a new hell.

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    If You Leave

    »