About the song
Released in 1965, “Kiss Me Goodbye” by Petula Clark is a timeless ballad that blends pop sensibilities with poignant emotional depth. The song was part of her album “I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love”, which featured several hits that solidified her reputation as one of the most successful pop artists of the 1960s. Known for her sophisticated voice and ability to convey emotion, Clark brings a sense of grace and vulnerability to this particular track, making it one of her standout pieces.
At its core, “Kiss Me Goodbye” is a song about love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of goodbyes. The lyrics reflect a poignant farewell, where the narrator asks her lover for one final kiss before they part ways. The song speaks to a love that, for reasons unknown or out of their control, must come to an end. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the end of a meaningful relationship—whether through circumstance, time, or personal decisions. The repeated refrain of “Kiss me goodbye” carries an emotional weight that underlines the difficulty of the situation, making it a heartfelt plea for closure and understanding.
“Kiss Me Goodbye” marked a distinct phase in Petula Clark’s career. While she had been known for her more upbeat, chart-topping hits like “Downtown”, this song was a departure into a more introspective, tender side of her artistry. It showcased her ability to tackle more emotional and vulnerable material, giving depth to her established pop image. The lush orchestration and Clark’s impeccable vocal delivery create an atmosphere of melancholy, while also displaying a sense of grace and dignity in the face of heartbreak.
Beyond the song’s musical beauty, “Kiss Me Goodbye” had a significant cultural impact, especially in the 1960s, an era where popular music was shifting from the carefree pop of the early 1960s to something more introspective and complex. The ballad fits neatly into this transformation, with its lyrical content reflecting the growing emotional depth of pop music at the time. It was part of a larger wave of songs that tackled more complex, adult themes—an evolution from the innocence of the early rock ‘n’ roll era to a more mature, reflective pop culture.
Although “Kiss Me Goodbye” was not as commercially successful as some of Clark’s previous hits, it still became a beloved song among fans, showing a different side of her musical range. It’s a classic example of how an artist’s ability to grow and evolve can allow them to reach even deeper into the emotional lives of their listeners. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and emotional honesty, making it timeless even decades after its release. Petula Clark’s tender performance of “Kiss Me Goodbye” reminds us that some of the most profound moments in music come from the quiet, intimate reflections of life’s most difficult moments.
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Lyrics
We choose it, win or lose itLove is never quite the sameI love you, now I’ve lost youDon’t feel bad, you’re not to blameSo kiss me goodbye and I’ll try not to cryAll the tears in the world won’t change your mindThere’s someone new and she’s waiting for youSoon your heart will be leaving me behindLinger awhile, then I’ll go with a smileLike a friend who just happened to callFor the last time, pretend you are mineMy darling, kiss me goodbyeI know now, I must go nowThough my heart wants me to stayThat girl is your tomorrowI belong to yesterdaySo kiss me goodbye and I’ll try not to cryAll the tears in the world won’t change your mindThere’s someone new and she’s waiting for youSoon your heart will be leaving me behindLinger awhile, then I’ll go with a smileLike a friend who just happened to callFor the last time, pretend you are mineMy darling, kiss me goodbyeMy darling, kiss me goodbye