“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something timeless about the ache of a farewell. In 1976, The Manhattans delivered this universal experience with “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” a song that has since etched itself into the collective heart of soul and R&B lovers. Even today, the song’s bittersweet tones and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, echoing the pain of parting while capturing the grace in a final goodbye.
About the Composition
- Title: Kiss and Say Goodbye
- Composer: Written by Winfred “Blue” Lovett
- Premiere Date: Released in 1976
- Album/Collection: The Manhattans (1976)
- Genre: Soul/R&B
Background
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a classic example of 1970s soul, a genre defined by its emotive storytelling and deep connection to themes of love and loss. Winfred “Blue” Lovett, the bass vocalist of The Manhattans, wrote the song with the intent to craft a timeless ballad. Lovett’s inspiration reportedly came from the complexity of romantic partings, capturing both the difficulty of letting go and the tenderness found in those final moments together.
Upon its release, the song became an instant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart, solidifying The Manhattans’ place in soul music history. Its lush production and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with audiences, helping it transcend its era and remain relevant over the years.
Musical Style
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is characterized by its smooth vocal harmonies, a trademark of The Manhattans. Lovett’s deep narration in the introduction sets a somber tone, contrasting with the lush arrangement of strings and soft percussion. The song’s slow tempo and minor key evoke a sense of melancholy, perfectly complementing its lyrics. Each note seems to underscore the sorrow of saying goodbye, making it one of the most poignant farewell ballads in R&B.
Lyrics
The lyrics tell the story of a couple parting ways, acknowledging that their love, though genuine, can’t continue. Lines like “This has got to be the saddest day of my life” and “I had to meet you here today” bring listeners into an intimate, bittersweet moment, making them feel the pain of separation. The repetition of “I love you” throughout the song only heightens its emotional impact, creating a timeless narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexity of love and loss.
Performance History
Over the years, “Kiss and Say Goodbye” has been performed by The Manhattans at countless venues, each performance adding to its legacy. Its initial success on both pop and R&B charts underscored its cross-genre appeal, and it has since been covered by various artists, each one bringing a unique interpretation to this soulful goodbye. The Manhattans’ version remains the most beloved, a true classic that continues to touch audiences in live performances and recordings alike.
Cultural Impact
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” has left an indelible mark on music and culture. Its enduring popularity has made it a favorite in movies, television shows, and nostalgic playlists. The song’s universal theme has allowed it to transcend cultural boundaries, being embraced by listeners across generations. Its influence can also be seen in subsequent R&B ballads, serving as a template for how to convey complex emotions through both music and lyrics.
Legacy
Decades after its release, “Kiss and Say Goodbye” remains a staple of soul music, cherished by those who remember the era and younger listeners discovering it anew. Its emotional depth and musical sophistication continue to make it relevant, proving that themes of love, loss, and farewell are timeless. Today, the song is celebrated as one of The Manhattans’ most important contributions to music, a piece that encapsulates the beauty of a goodbye.
Conclusion
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a reminder of how powerful music can be in conveying the emotional weight of parting ways. Listening to it feels like stepping into the shoes of the song’s narrator, experiencing the heartache of a final farewell. I highly recommend exploring this masterpiece, starting with The Manhattans’ original recording, which captures the soul of the song in a way that remains unparalleled.
Video
Lyrics
This has got to be the saddest day of my life
I called you here today for a bit of bad news
I won’t be able to see you anymore
Because of my obligations, and the ties that you have
We’ve been meeting here everyday
And since this is our last day together
I wanna hold you just one more time
When you turn and walk away, don’t look back
I wanna remember you just like this
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye
I had to meet you here today
There’s just so many things to say
Please don’t stop me ’till I’m through
This is something I hate to do
We’ve been meeting here so long
I guess what we done, oh was wrong
Please darling, don’t you cry
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye
Many months have passed us by
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’m gonna miss you, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’ve got ties, and so do you
I just think this is the thing to do
It’s gonna hurt me, I can’t lie
Maybe you’ll meet, you’ll meet another guy
Understand me, won’t you try, try, try, try, try, try, try
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’m gonna miss you, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
Understand me, won’t you try
(I’m gonna miss you)
It’s gonna hurt me, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
Take my handkerchief, wipe your eyes
(I’m gonna miss you)
Maybe you’ll find, you’ll find another guy
(I’m gonna miss you)
Let’s kiss and say goodbye, pretty baby
(I’m gonna miss you)
Please, don’t you cry
(I’m gonna miss you)
Understand me, won’t you try
(I’m gonna miss you)
Let’s just kiss
And say goodbye