About the song
“Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” stands as a pivotal song in the illustrious career of Gladys Knight & the Pips, marking both a culmination of their time at Motown and a herald of their future success. Released in December 1972 on Motown’s Soul Records imprint, the song not only became one of their biggest hits but also served as their final single before departing for Buddah Records in early 1973.
By the early 1970s, the group had established themselves with several notable hits under Motown, yet they often felt overshadowed by label mates like Diana Ross & The Supremes and The Temptations. Despite this, their distinctive blend of soul and R&B had garnered them a dedicated following. The transition to “Neither One of Us” represented a shift towards more mature, introspective material, aligning with their evolving musical identity.
Recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. and MoWest Studios, the song was produced with significant creative input from Joe Porter, allowing the group to shape the music to their unique style. Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals, famously recorded in one take at MoWest, conveyed the emotional depth of the lyrics penned by Jim Weatherly. The song’s narrative of reluctant parting resonated widely, propelling it up both the pop and R&B charts.
Upon its release, “Neither One of Us” quickly ascended to the upper echelons of the music charts, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the group’s first Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Its success underscored the group’s ability to blend soulful delivery with universal themes of love and loss, capturing audiences across genres and continents.
Beyond its initial acclaim, the song has endured through numerous covers and samples by artists spanning diverse musical landscapes, reaffirming its timeless appeal. From Linda George’s chart-topping rendition in Australia to modern interpretations by artists like DJ Koze, the song continues to resonate with new generations, a testament to its enduring emotional resonance and musical craftsmanship.
As Gladys Knight & the Pips’ swan song at Motown, “Neither One of Us” not only marked a turning point in their career but also remains a poignant reminder of their lasting impact on soul music, bridging the gap between R&B traditions and broader pop audiences.
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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)