About The Song
(Watch the video below)
In the vast realm of popular music, few voices are as distinctive and instantly recognizable as that of Rod Stewart. With his gravelly rasp and emotive delivery, Stewart has carved out a storied career spanning over five decades, earning accolades and adoration from fans around the world. Among his many achievements, his rendition of "Every Time We Say Goodbye" stands as a poignant testament to his artistry and ability to infuse timeless classics with new life and emotion.
Originally penned by the legendary Cole Porter in 1944, "Every Time We Say Goodbye" has endured as one of the most beloved standards in the Great American Songbook. With its haunting melody and bittersweet lyrics, the song captures the universal experience of love and loss, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia that resonates with listeners across generations. Over the years, it has been covered by countless artists, each bringing their own unique interpretation to this timeless gem.
In 2002, Rod Stewart added his name to the illustrious list of artists who have tackled "Every Time We Say Goodbye," offering his own distinctive take on the classic ballad. Featured on his album "It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook," Stewart's rendition is a masterclass in vocal interpretation, showcasing his ability to imbue a song with raw emotion and authenticity.
From the opening notes of the orchestral arrangement to Stewart's heartfelt delivery of Porter's poignant lyrics, every element of the song is infused with a sense of longing and melancholy. His gravelly voice lends a world-weary quality to the lyrics, capturing the pain of separation and the fleeting nature of love with a raw honesty that is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
What sets Stewart's interpretation apart is his ability to connect deeply with the emotional core of the song, drawing listeners into the intimate world of the lyrics and allowing them to experience the pain and longing expressed therein. As he croons, "Every time we say goodbye, I die a little / Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little," his voice cracks with emotion, laying bare the raw vulnerability at the heart of the song.
Moreover, Stewart's rendition of "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is a testament to his impeccable phrasing and dynamic range as a vocalist. With each subtle nuance and inflection, he captures the nuances of Porter's lyrics, from the wistful longing of the verses to the resigned acceptance of the chorus. His delivery is nuanced and sensitive, allowing the beauty of the song to shine through without overshadowing its inherent simplicity.
In addition to Stewart's masterful vocal performance, the arrangement of "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is a thing of beauty in its own right. Backed by lush orchestration and sweeping strings, the song unfolds like a cinematic journey through the landscape of love and loss, with Stewart's voice serving as the guiding light that leads listeners through the emotional terrain.
As the song reaches its climax, Stewart's voice soars to new heights, conveying a sense of yearning and desperation that is both heartbreaking and cathartic. With each soaring note, he captures the essence of the human experience, reminding us of the transformative power of music to evoke emotion and transcend the boundaries of language and culture.
In the end, Rod Stewart's rendition of "Every Time We Say Goodbye" stands as a timeless tribute to love and loss, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human connection and the enduring power of music to capture the depth of human emotion. With his soulful delivery and heartfelt interpretation, Stewart pays homage to the enduring legacy of Cole Porter's classic ballad, infusing it with new life and emotion for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Everytime we say goodbye
I die a little
Every time we say goodbye
I wonder why a little
Why the gods above me
Who must be in the know
Think so little of me
They allow you to go
When you're near
There's such an air
Of spring about it
I can hear a lark somewhere
Begin to sing about it
There's no love song finer
But how strange the change
From major to minor
Every time we say goodbye
There's no love song finer
But how strange the change
From major to minor
Every time we say goodbye