Never Can Say Goodbye

The Supremes

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:
2002
3:18
61 
#2

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Oh, I never can say goodbye
No, I never can say goodbye
Even though the pain and heartaches
Seems to follow me wherever I go
Thought I tried and tried to hide my feelings
They always seem to show
Then you try to say you're leaving me
And I always had to say no
Tell me why (tell me why) is it so?

No, I never can say goodbye
Oh oh, never can say goodbye
Every time I think I've had enough
And start headed 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 him more and more and more and more
(Tell me why) is it so?
I can't let you go

Never can say goodbye
I just can't let you go
Never can say goodbye, no, no, no, oh baby
Never can say goodbye
I just can't say goodbye
(Never can say goodbye) ooh

Never can say goodbye
No, no, no I
Never can say goodbye

I know all our problems
Sooner 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 hang-up
Can't live with him, can't live without
Tell me why (tell me why) is it so?
Don't wanna let you go

I never can say goodbye
Never can say goodbye, no no no
No no no, no-no-no, oh baby
I never can say goodbye
Never can say goodbye

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The Supremes

The Supremes was an American female singing group and the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s. Originally founded as the Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, the Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco. They were the most commercially successful of Motown's acts and are, to date, America's most successful vocal group with 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Most of these hits were written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland. At their peak in the mid-1960s, the Supremes rivaled the Beatles in worldwide popularity, and their success made it possible for future African American R&B and soul musicians to find mainstream succe… more »

4 fans

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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