About the song
Chicago, a band synonymous with the smooth sounds of soft rock, delivered a heart-wrenching masterpiece in 1976 with “If You Leave Me Now.” This ballad, penned and sung by bass player Peter Cetera, became an instant classic, capturing the universal fear of abandonment and the deep-seated longing for love’s enduring presence.
The song’s soaring melody, coupled with Cetera’s emotive vocals, paints a vivid picture of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The lyrics, filled with vulnerability and regret, resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the pain and heartache that can accompany love’s loss.
“If You Leave Me Now” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Chicago’s biggest international hit. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and Cetera’s powerful performance.
Beyond its commercial success, “If You Leave Me Now” garnered critical acclaim, earning Grammy Awards for Best Arrangement and Best Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s impact was so profound that it reportedly dominated the airwaves in New York City, playing simultaneously on stations across different formats.
Over the years, “If You Leave Me Now” has continued to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the song’s emotional depth and Chicago’s enduring popularity.
Video
Lyrics
If you leave me now
You’ll take away the biggest part of me
Ooh, no, baby please don’t goAnd if you leave me now
You’ll take away the very heart of me
Ooh, no, baby please don’t go
Ooh, girl, I just want you to stayA love like ours is love that’s hard to find
How could we let it slip away
We’ve come too far to leave it all behind
How could we end it all this way
When tomorrow comes and we both regret
The things we said todayA love like ours is love that’s hard to find
How could we let it slip away
We’ve come too far to leave it all behind
How could we end it all this way
When tomorrow comes and we both regret
The things we said todayIf you leave me now
You’ll take away the biggest part of me
Ooh, no, baby please don’t goOoh, girl, just got to have you by my side
Ooh, no, baby please don’t go
Ooh, mama, I just got to have your loving