Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) 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
But for some ungodly reason we just won't let it die
I guess neither one of us wants to be the first to say goodbye.

I keep wondering what I'll do without you
And I guess you must be wondering that same thing too
So we go on together living a lie
Because neither one of us wants to be the first to say goodbye.

Everytime I find the nerve to say I'm leaving
Old melodies get in the way
Lord knows it's only me that I'm deceiving
When it comes to saying goodbye that's a world I just can't say.

There can be no way this can have a happy ending
So we just go on hurting and pretending
And convincing ourselves to give it just one more try
Because neither one of us wants to be the first to say
Farwell my love, goodbye.
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Cover art for Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) lyrics by Gladys Knight and the Pips

These lyrics don't leave much room for interpretation .. the honeymoon is long over, but neither one of them has the guts to admit it, even though they both know it.

And when they do muster up the courage to address the issue .. old (good) memories come back to mind and gives them strength - perhaps misguided strenght - to stick together.

I think a lot of relationships drag on due to the delusions that fill our minds, and this song captures that perfectly.

BTW - Gladys is simply a GOD among mortals. Her voice is very emotional, yet never over-the-top. Always tasteful.

Unlike 99.9% of her would-be competitors, she doesn't hit you over the head with a sledge hammer to get her feelings communicated. Just close your eyes and let her gentle arpeggios scoop you up and place you down on her emotional sould train.

Cover art for Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) lyrics by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Captures a lot of emotion, started to appreciate GLadys more after hearing this several times. Catch You Tube version of this with horn section adding soul on the Midnight Special show in 1973, awesome rendition introduced by The Bee Gees of all people.

Cover art for Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) lyrics by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Wow, what a great performance on mid nite special show in 1973 with the full horn accompaniement. This woman can emote, one of the best voices of her era overshadowed by Streisand and Diana Ross.

Cover art for Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) lyrics by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Gladys rocks the house. She is a living legend & called the Empress of Soul. Pure class.

My Opinion
 
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