About the Song
Ah, now we’re venturing into a different territory with the Jackson 5’s soulful ballad, “Never Can Say Goodbye”. Released in 1971, this song departs from the high-octane dance tracks the group was known for and dives into a realm of bittersweet emotions and unresolved feelings.
“Never Can Say Goodbye” grapples with the complexities of a love on the rocks. The opening lines, “I keep thinkin’ that our problems / Soon are all gonna work out,” immediately establish a sense of uncertainty and hope. The lyrics, penned by Clifton Davis, paint a picture of a relationship riddled with doubt and confusion. There’s a constant push and pull between wanting to hold on and the nagging feeling that things might be over. This emotional tug-of-war resonates with anyone who’s ever faced the heartache of a faltering relationship.
Musically, “Never Can Say Goodbye” is a masterclass in creating emotional tension. The gentle strum of an acoustic guitar sets a melancholic tone, while soaring strings and soulful backing vocals add a layer of yearning. However, the heart of the song lies in Michael Jackson’s vocals. Here, he sheds the youthful exuberance of their earlier hits and delivers a performance brimming with vulnerability and raw emotion. His voice cracks with genuine feeling, perfectly capturing the pain and confusion of a love on the verge of collapse.
Despite its melancholic tone, “Never Can Say Goodbye” ultimately offers a glimmer of hope. The repeated refrain, “Never can say goodbye,” expresses a desperate desire to hold onto the relationship, even if the future remains uncertain. This yearning for connection resonates deeply with listeners, making “Never Can Say Goodbye” a timeless ballad that transcends the boundaries of age and experience.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a lost love or simply appreciating a beautifully crafted song, “Never Can Say Goodbye” by the Jackson 5 is a journey worth taking. Let the music wash over you and prepare to be swept away by its emotional honesty and enduring melody.
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Lyrics: “Never Can Say Goodbye”
Never can say goodbye (Never can say goodbye, girl)
No, no, no, no, I
Never can say goodbye (Never can say goodbye, girl)Even though the pain and heartache
Seems 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 (Tell me why)
Is it so (Is it so)That I never can say goodbye (Never can say goodbye, girl)
No, no, no, no, I
Never can say goodbye (Never can say goodbye, girl)Every time I think I’ve had enough
I start heading for the door
There’s a very strange vibration
Piercing me right to the core
It says, “Turn around, you fool
You know you love her more and more.”
Tell me why (Tell me why)
Is it so (Is it so)
Don’t wanna let you goI never can say goodbye, girl (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 (No-no-no)
Ooh, oh
I never can say goodbye, girl (Never can say goodbye, girl)
Ooh-ooh (Don’t wanna let you go, girl)
I never can say goodbye
No-no-no, no-no-no (No-no-no)
Ooh
Never can say goodbye (Never can say goodbye, girl)
No, no, no, no, I
Never can say goodbye (Never can say goodbye, girl)I keep thinking that our problems
Soon are all gonna work out
But there’s that same unhappy feeling
And there’s that anguish, there’s that doubt
It’s the same old dizzy hang up
Can’t do with you or without
Tell me why (Tell me why)
Is it so (Is it so)
Don’t wanna let you goI never can say goodbye, girl (Never can say goodbye, girl)
Ooh-ooh, baby (Baby)
I never can say goodbye
No-no-no, no-no-no (No-no-no)
Ooh, oh
I never can say goodbye, girl (Never can say goodbye, girl)
Ooh, oh (Hey, baby)
I never can say goodbye
No-no-no, no-no-no (No-no-no)
Ooh, ow, girl
I never can say goodbye, girl (Never can say goodbye, girl)
Ooh-ooh, baby (Hey, baby)
I never can say goodbye
No-no-no, no-no-no (No-no-no)
Ooh-ooh
I never can say goodbye, girl (Never can say goodbye, girl)
Ooh, now, ha (Hey, baby)