About the song
“I Go to Pieces” is a memorable song originally written by Del Shannon, and it gained significant popularity through the British duo Peter and Gordon. Released on February 20, 1965, the track became a top ten hit in the United States, marking an important moment in the duo’s career as their first single not penned by the famous songwriting team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Del Shannon had initially written “I Go to Pieces” for Lloyd Brown, an R&B singer he discovered. Shannon arranged and produced Brown’s version but struggled to find a record label willing to release it. Although Shannon tried to record his own version in August 1964, the session was not successful. However, after Peter and Gordon’s successful release, Del Shannon revisited the song, recording it himself in March 1965. His version appeared on his album “1,661 Seconds with Del Shannon” and was later remade by Nils Lofgren and featured on a posthumous album in 1991.
Peter and Gordon, who were on tour in Australia in 1964 with Del Shannon and other groups, first heard “I Go to Pieces” when Shannon performed it for the Searchers, who showed no interest in it. Recognizing the song’s potential, Peter and Gordon decided to record it. They went to Abbey Road Studios to lay down their version, which eventually became a hit in the U.S. The song also saw success in other countries, including Sweden and Australia.
Despite its success, “I Go to Pieces” faced some controversy after the September 11, 2001, attacks, when Clear Channel Communications advised against playing certain songs, including this one. However, the song’s enduring appeal was evident when Peter and Gordon reunited in 2005 for a tribute concert and included the song in their performances. It continues to be a highlight in Peter Asher’s multimedia shows, celebrating the music of the 1960s.
Video
Lyrics
When I see her comin’ down the street
I get so shaky and I feel so weak
I tell my eyes look the other way
But they don’t seem to hear a word I say
And I, go to pieces and I wanna hide
Go to pieces and I almost die
Every time my baby passes by
I tell my arms they’ll hold someone new
Another love that will be true
But they don’t listen, they don’t seem to care
They reach for her but she’s not there
And I, go to pieces and I wanna hide
Go to pieces and I almost die
Every time my baby passes by
I remember what she said when she said
“Goodbye, baby, we’ll meet again soon, maybe
But until we do, all my best to you”
I’m so lonely, I think about her only
I go to places we used to go
But I know she’ll never show
She hurt me so much inside
Now I hope she’s satisfied
And I, go to pieces and I wanna hide
Go to pieces and I almost die
Every time my baby passes by
Go to pieces and I cry
Every time my baby passes by
Go to pieces and I cry