About the song
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a timeless classic that has seen various renditions and enduring popularity since its debut. Written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert, this song was first released in 1975 by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass. The track was part of the group’s album *Wake Up Everybody*, although it wasn’t initially issued as a single in the United States. Despite this, the Blue Notes’ version garnered significant attention and reached number three on the US Billboard Hot Disco Singles chart, further cementing its place in disco history. When the song was released as a single in the UK in 1977, it soared to number five on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the group’s highest-charting single there. The track was also released as a 12-inch single in the US in 1979, paired with “Bad Luck”.
The song’s undeniable allure was later captured by Thelma Houston in 1976, a version that would become iconic in its own right. Originally slated for Diana Ross, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” found its true star in Houston, who propelled it to become a major hit. Following the release of her fourth studio album, *Any Way You Like It*, the song resonated deeply with audiences, leading to its release as a single after a strong positive reception from Boston DJs. Houston’s rendition topped the US soul singles chart and the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1977, a testament to its broad appeal. Additionally, it made a significant impact on the disco chart, peaking at number one, and was featured on the soundtrack of the film *Looking for Mr. Goodbar*. For her performance, Houston won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, in 1978.
Houston’s version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” experienced a revival in 1995 through several remixes, making notable chart appearances and ranking at number 19 on the US Billboard dance chart and number 35 in the UK. The track’s influence and popularity were further solidified when it was ranked number 86 on VH1’s 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders and number two on their 100 Greatest Dance Songs list. Rolling Stone included the song in their list of 500 Best Songs of All Time at number 355 in 2021, and it was ranked number 121 in their 200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time in 2022. This song’s enduring appeal across decades highlights its significant impact on music and dance culture.
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Lyrics
Don’t leave me this way
I can’t survive
I can’t stay alive without you love, oh baby
Don’t leave me this way, no
I can’t exist
I’ll surely miss your tender kiss
Don’t leave me this way
Baby, my heart is full of love and desire for you
Now come on down and do what you’ve gotta do
You started this fire down in my soul
Now can’t you see it’s burnin’ outta control
Come and satisfy the need in me
‘Cause only your good lovin’ can set me free, yeah
Don’t, don’t ya leave me this way, no
Don’t ya understand
I’m at your command, oh baby, please
Please, don’t leave me this way, no, baby
Don’t leave me this way, no
I can’t survive
I can’t stay alive without your love
Baby, don’t leave me this way
Baby, my heart is full of love and desire for you
So come on down and do what you’ve gotta do
You started this fire down in my soul
Now can’t you see it’s burnin’ outta control
So come and satisfy the need in me
Only your good lovin’ can set me free, yeah yeah
Need your lovin’ baby, need, need
Satisfy the need in me
Satisfy the need in me
Hey, hey baby
Come and satisfy the need in me
Oh baby
Come and satisfy the need in me
Ho, baby
Don’t leave me this way
Don’t leave me this way
No, don’t leave me this way
No, don’t leave me this way, baby
Don’t leave me
Don’t leave me this way, ho baby
Oh, don’t leave me this way
No, don’t leave me this way