About the song
“If I Remember to Forget” is a soulful ballad by Little Anthony & The Imperials, released in 1964 as part of their album “The Best of Little Anthony & The Imperials.” The song is an evocative example of the group’s ability to blend emotional depth with smooth doo-wop and R&B melodies, capturing the heartbreak and vulnerability of a love lost. Little Anthony & The Imperials were known for their harmonious vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and this track is no exception, showcasing their talent for expressing complex emotions through music.
The meaning of “If I Remember to Forget” revolves around the pain of trying to move on from a past relationship. The narrator expresses the emotional struggle of wanting to forget the person they loved, but finding it difficult to do so. The song’s title, which suggests the paradox of remembering to forget, speaks to the mental and emotional tug-of-war between holding on and letting go. It’s a poignant reflection on how memories and feelings can linger even when you try to move forward. The lyrics are simple yet profound, conveying a universal experience of love, loss, and the struggle to heal from heartbreak.
Musically, “If I Remember to Forget” features the signature smooth, lush harmonies of Little Anthony & The Imperials, with a driving, rhythmic backdrop that complements the emotional intensity of the song’s lyrics. The arrangement is marked by a rich instrumental foundation, combining soulful melodies with a touch of doo-wop style that defined much of the group’s sound in the 1960s. Little Anthony’s distinctive falsetto voice is at the forefront, capturing the vulnerability and longing at the heart of the song, and lending a sense of urgency to the emotional plea of the narrator.
While “If I Remember to Forget” was not a chart-topping hit like some of the group’s other songs, it remains a beloved track among fans and is often cited as an example of the group’s ability to deliver heartache and longing through music. The song exemplifies the classic R&B ballad style of the era, characterized by its slow tempo, rich vocal harmonies, and emotionally-driven lyrics. In terms of its social impact, the track contributed to the 1960s R&B and doo-wop scene, a period when African-American artists were finding greater mainstream success and influencing pop culture. The Imperials’ style helped bridge the gap between the smoother sounds of pop and the more emotional, socially-conscious aspects of soul and R&B.
In a broader cultural context, “If I Remember to Forget” resonates with listeners of all ages because of its timeless theme of love and loss. It touches on the complex, often contradictory emotions that come with the end of a relationship, a sentiment that continues to be a central theme in music today. Even decades after its release, the song remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to capture the rawness of human emotion, and it continues to be an enduring piece of the legacy of Little Anthony & The Imperials.
Though not as widely remembered as some of the band’s bigger hits, “If I Remember to Forget” stands as a beautiful, heartfelt ballad that showcases the emotional depth and vocal prowess of Little Anthony & The Imperials. It remains a classic example of 1960s R&B and doo-wop, demonstrating the group’s lasting impact on the genre.
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Lyrics
If I remember to forget
I can almost be myself again
But each time i meet someone that
We knew it reminds me of you and it starts again
Hurting my heart again
If I remember to forget
All the little dreams that fell apart
If I don’t recall the things you would say
For a while I’m okay
But I know
It gonna take a long long long time trying to pretend that were only friends that I’m over you that it had to end
Some how i can’t believe it’s really true
Therе is someone new whosе is holding
I remember to forget
I’ll be strong enough to pass you by
But don’t be fooled if there’s a tear in my eyes I forgot to cry
And girl sometimes I just forget to remember to forget