If You Go Away
Rod McKuen
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If you go away on this summer day Then you might as well take the sun away All the birds that flew in a summer sky When our love was new and our hearts were high When the day was young and the night was long And the moon stood still for the nightbird's song If you go away Ne me quitte pas If you go away Ne me quitte pas But if you stay I'll make you a day like no day has been or will be again We'll sail on the sun We'll ride on the rain We'll talk to the trees And worship the wind Then if you go I'll understand Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand If you go away If you go away Ne me quitte pas If you go away If you go away as I know you will You must tell the world to stop turning till You return again, if you ever do For what good is love without loving you Can I tell you now as you turn to go I'll be dying slowly 'til your next hello Ne me quitte pas If you go away If you go away But if you stay I'll make you a night like no night has been or will be again I'll sail on your smile I'll ride on your touch I'll talk to your eyes That I love so much Then if you go I'll understand Leave me just enough love to hold up my hand If you go away If you go away Ne me quitte pas If you go away If you go away as I know you must There'll be nothing left in this world to trust Just an empty room full of empty space Like the empty look I see on your face I'd have been the shadow of your dog If I thought it'd have kept me by your side If you go away Ne me quitte pas If you go away Please, don't go away
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Written by: Jacques Roman Brel, Rod McKuen
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Lyrics OriginThe song, "If You Go Away," is an English adaptation of the French song "Ne me quitte pas," originated from the famous Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel.
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TranslationAmerican poet, singer, and songwriter Rod McKuen composed the English lyrics for "If You Go Away".
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Variety of PerformancesIt's covered by various artists in different musical genres including Gloria Lynne, Shirley Bassey, and Barbra Streisand.
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Terry Jacks VersionCanadian musician Terry Jacks recorded one of the most popular versions of the song in 1974.
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Music CompositionJacques Brel composed the music for "If You Go Away."
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ReleaseThe track "Ne me quitte pas" was initially released by Jacques Brel in 1959. Since then it has become a standard in French music.
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Emotion-Driven ThemeThe song encapsulates an intense emotional appeal, where the singer begs his lover not to leave him.
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Famous InterpretationsIt has been recorded by many famous artists such as Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Cyndi Lauper, Shirley Bassey and Dusty Springfield.
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AlbumTerry Jacks included his version of "If You Go Away" on his 1974 album 'Seasons in the Sun.'
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McKuen's PopularityThrough his song "If You Go Away," Rod Mckuen became well known as a songwriter and helped popularize prose poetry.
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Worldwide AppealDespite its origin in French, the song "If You Go Away" has gained considerable acclaim in global music culture.
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Melancholic ToneThe song's theme revolves around loss and fear of losing, conveying deep sorrow and yearning.
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Reception"If You Go Away" has been praised for its poetic lyrics and poignant melody.
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Brel’s ArtistryJacques Brel is acknowledged for his ability to express profound human emotions through his music, and "If You Go Away" is a prime example of his skill.
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Other Language VersionsApart from French and English, the song has been translated and sung in numerous other languages, illustrating its universal appeal.
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Existential ToneCritics have perceived the song’s theme as not just of personal loss, but also of existential despair.
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Live PerformancesJacques Brel's live performance of "Ne me quitte pas" is renowned for its theatrical and intense rendition.
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Genre"If You Go Away" is classified as chanson and pop music.
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Commercial SuccessTerry Jacks’ version of "If You Go Away" enjoyed appreciable commercial success in various countries including Canada and the United States.
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LegacyThe song "If You Go Away" is perceived as a significant contribution to popular music and continues to be covered by musicians even today.
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Citation
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"If You Go Away Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1250366/Rod+McKuen/If+You+Go+Away>.
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