About the song
Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” is a soulful ballad that speaks to the complexities of love and heartache. Written by Jim Weatherly, this iconic song was released as the title track of their 1973 album.
The song quickly became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success solidified Gladys Knight and the Pips’ reputation as one of the premier vocal groups of their time and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
With its emotive lyrics and Knight’s powerful vocals, “Neither One of Us” resonated deeply with audiences, capturing the pain of a failing relationship with authenticity and vulnerability. Its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials has further cemented its status as a timeless classic.
Knight’s impassioned delivery, combined with the Pips’ harmonies, creates a stirring rendition that continues to tug at the heartstrings of listeners today. “Neither One of Us” remains a beloved favorite among fans of soul music, cherished for its emotional depth and timeless appeal.
In conclusion, Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “Neither One of Us” stands as a testament to their remarkable talent and enduring legacy in the world of music. Its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies continue to resonate with audiences, making it a cherished classic in the annals of soul music.
Video
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)