About the song
“We Don’t Talk Anymore,” a seminal track by Cliff Richard, marked a pivotal moment in his career when it was released in 1979. Written by Alan Tarney and produced by Bruce Welch of the Shadows, the song swiftly ascended to the top of the UK Singles Chart, holding its position for an impressive four weeks. This achievement not only solidified Richard’s status as a pop icon but also heralded his return to the forefront of the music scene.
The genesis of the song is an intriguing tale of serendipity. Originally penned by Tarney for his own band, fate intervened during a recording session break with Charlie Dore, where Welch heard the demo and foresaw its potential as a hit. Convinced that Cliff Richard was the perfect artist to record it, Welch promptly reached out to Richard’s manager, Peter Gormley. Richard, amidst sessions for his albums Green Light and Rock ‘n’ Roll Juvenile, was initially hesitant about including the song, feeling it didn’t align with the albums’ energy. However, the overwhelming success of the single left EMI insistent on its inclusion, leading to its prominent feature on subsequent releases.
“We Don’t Talk Anymore” not only dominated the UK charts but also made significant strides internationally, reaching number one in Germany and securing a top ten position on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its enduring popularity is underscored by its commercial success, having sold over 4 million copies worldwide. In addition to its chart achievements, the song holds historical significance as one of the first music videos aired on MTV’s launch day in 1981, further solidifying its cultural impact.
The song’s enduring appeal is also evidenced by its various iterations and adaptations over the years, including remixes and cover versions by different artists across different languages and regions. Despite initial reservations about its fit within Richard’s musical repertoire, “We Don’t Talk Anymore” emerged as a cornerstone of his discography and a testament to his ability to transcend musical boundaries.
Through its infectious melody and poignant lyrics, “We Don’t Talk Anymore” continues to resonate with audiences, encapsulating the nostalgia of lost connections and the emotional resonance of Richard’s enduring career. As a pivotal track that bridged Richard’s illustrious past with his dynamic future, it remains a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and touch hearts across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Used to think that life was sweet
Used to think we were so complete
I can’t believe you’d throw it awayUsed to feel we had it made
Used to feel we could sail away
Can you imagine how I feel today
Well, it seems a long time ago
You were the lonely one
Now it comes to letting go
You are the only one
Do you know what you’ve doneIt’s so funny
How we don’t talk anymore
It’s so funny
Why we don’t talk anymore
But I ain’t losing sleep
And I ain’t counting sheep
It’s so funny
How we don’t talk anymoreOooooooh, we don’t talk
Well, it really doesn’t matter to me
I guess you’re leaving was meant to be
It’s down to you now
You wanna be free
Well I hope you know which way to go
You’re on your own again
Don’t come crying to me
When you’re the lonely one
Remember what you’ve doneIt’s so funny
How we don’t talk anymore
It’s so funny
Why we don’t talk anymore
But I ain’t losing sleep
And I ain’t counting sheep (sheeeeep)
No, no, no
It’s so funny how we don’t talk anymoreOooooooh, we don’t talk
Whoooooo, we don’t talk
But I ain’t no, losing sleep
No, I ain’t counting sheep (sheeeeep)
No, no, no
It’s so funny how we don’t talk