About the song
In the winter of 1972, Gladys Knight & The Pips, one of the most iconic vocal groups of all time, recorded a song that would become one of their biggest hits and a timeless classic of soul music. “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” is a poignant ballad about the pain of ending a relationship, with both parties reluctant to be the first to bid farewell. Written by Jim Weatherly, a fledgling country singer-songwriter, the song was picked up by Motown producer Joe Porter, who allowed the group creative freedom to shape the song into their own unique style.
Recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studios in Detroit and MoWest Studios in Los Angeles, “Neither One of Us” was one of the last songs the group recorded for Motown before leaving the label in February 1973. The song’s success was a bittersweet victory for the group, as it climbed the charts on both the pop and R&B charts, reaching number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s crossover appeal was undeniable, and it became a staple of 1970s soul and pop music. The song’s success was also a testament to the group’s enduring talent and legacy, as they went on to achieve even greater success with their next single, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” which topped both the pop and R&B charts and cemented their status as superstars.
Over the years, “Neither One of Us” has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, including Asha Puthli, Linda George, Bob Luman, Ray Price, David Sanborn, Linda Davis, Angie Stone, Hall & Oates, Jaya, and DJ Koze. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its universal theme of heartbreak and longing, which continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
In this article, we will delve into the story behind “Neither One of Us,” from its origins as a country song to its transformation into a soul classic. We will also explore the song’s impact on the music industry and its enduring legacy as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Video
Lyrics
It’s sad to think
We’re not gonna make it
And it’s gotten to the point
Where we just can’t fake it
For some ungodly reason
We just won’t let it die (let it die)
I guess neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
I keep wondering (wondering)
What I’m gonna do without you (do without you)
And I guess you must be
Wondering that same thing too
So we go on, go on together
Living a lie (living a lie)
Because neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
Oh-oh-oh, everytime I find the nerve
Everytime I find the nerve to say I’m leaving (leaving)
Old memories, those old memories
Get in my way (my way, my way)
Oh-oh-oh, Lord knows it’s only me
Oh, He knows it’s only me that I’m deceiving
Ooh, ooh, ooh, when it comes to saying goodbye
That’s a simple word that I just cannot say
There can be no way, there can be no way (be no way)
This can have a happy ending (happy ending)
No, no, so we just go on (we go on)
Hurting and pretending
And, and convincing ourselves
To give it just one more try (one more try)
Because neither one of us (neither one of us)
Ooh, ooh, wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
Ooh, neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
“Farewell, my love”
Goodbye (goodbye)