Never Can Say Goodbye

Gloria Gaynor

About Never Can Say Goodbye

"Never Can Say Goodbye" is a song written by Clifton Davis and originally recorded by The Jackson 5. The song was originally written and intended for the Supremes, however, Motown decided it would be better for the Jackson 5. It was the first single released from the group's 1971 album Maybe Tomorrow, and was one of the group's most successful records. It has been covered numerous times, most notably in 1974 by Gloria Gaynor and in 1987 by British pop group The Communards.


Year:
2003
2:58
26 
#1

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I never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye

Even though the pain and heartache
Seem to follow me wherever I go
Though I try and try to hide my feelings
They always seem to show,

Then you try to say you're leaving me
And I always have to say no
Tell me why is it so

That I never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye

Every time I think I've had enough
And start heading for the door
There's a very strange vibration
Piercing me right through the core
It says, turn around, you fool
You know you love him more and more
Tell me why is it so

Don't wanna let you go
I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (don't wanna let you go girl)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh ooh (don't wanna let you go girl)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh

Never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye

I keep thinking that our problems
Soon are all gonna work out
But there's that same unhappy feeling
There's that anguish, there's that doubt
It's the same old dizzy hangup
Can't do with you or without
Tell me why is it so
Don't wanna let you go

I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (hey baby)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh oh (hey baby)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh
I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (hey baby)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh oh (hey baby)

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Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor (born September 7, 1943) is an American singer, best known for the disco era hits; "I Will Survive" (Hot 100 number 1, 1979), "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Hot 100 number 9, 1974), "Let Me Know (I Have a Right)" (Hot 100 number 42, 1980) and "I Am What I Am" (R&B number 82, 1983). more »

1 fan

Written by: Clifton Davis

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Release
"Never Can Say Goodbye" was initially performed and recorded by "The Jackson 5". The melody was written by Clifton Davis and released by Motown Records in 1971.
The Jackson 5 Version
The song was one of the group's most successful single releases, hitting #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the Billboard Soul singles chart.
The Innovator
It was "The Jackson 5's" first single released without a picture sleeve and was also one of the first songs to feature young Michael Jackson's noticeable vocal growth.
Gloria Gaynor's Interpretation
Disco singer Gloria Gaynor covered "Never Can Say Goodbye" in 1974. Her version was a massive success, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #34 on the R&B singles chart.
Disco Anthem
Gaynor's version was among the first disco records and has been credited for beginning the disco movement.
The Communards' Revamp
British synth-pop band "The Communards" released a Hi-NRG version of the song in 1987. Their version peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and enjoyed a significant amount of European chart success.
The Supremes' Version
The song was also covered by female Motown artists "The Supremes" in 1971, around the same time as "The Jackson 5".
Songwriters Hall of Fame
The song's writer, Clifton Davis, was chastised in the music industry due to the "separate but equal" medley in the song, but he maintained that the melody was adaptable. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.
Usage in Pop Culture
The song has been featured in various movies and television shows over years, reflecting its enduring popularity.
The Song’s Legacy
"Never Can Say Goodbye" has been covered by numerous other artists beyond these main four, reflecting its enduring popularity and broad appeal.

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    Never Can Say Goodbye

    3.7M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #9


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