About the song
“Never Gonna Let You Go,” a standout hit from 1983, bears the hallmark of songwriting brilliance by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, renowned for their emotive compositions. Weil penned the lyrics while Mann crafted the melody, creating a song that resonates with heartfelt sentiment and melodic grace.
Originally recorded by Dionne Warwick for her 1982 album *Friends in Love* and subsequently by Stevie Woods, it was Sérgio Mendes’ rendition on his self-titled 1983 album that catapulted “Never Gonna Let You Go” to international acclaim. Featuring the soulful vocals of Joe Pizzulo and Leeza Miller, Mendes’ version struck a chord with listeners, becoming an instant classic.
Mendes, reflecting on his album’s energetic vibe, noted the necessity for a soulful ballad like “Never Gonna Let You Go” to provide balance. This decision proved wise as the song soared to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, matching the success of his iconic “The Look of Love” from 1968. Additionally, it dominated the Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks and made a notable impact on the R&B charts.
The song’s appeal extended far beyond American shores, finding particular resonance in Brazil, where it became a staple on Rede Globo’s soap opera *Final Feliz*. Its popularity was further underscored by its induction into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing its status as a timeless favorite.
“Never Gonna Let You Go” is celebrated not only for its chart-topping success but also for its intricate musical arrangement. Record producer Rick Beato praised its complexity, highlighting its frequent key changes, inverted chords, and unusual progressions, which contribute to its enduring allure and musical sophistication.
Over the years, “Never Gonna Let You Go” has remained a beloved classic, cherished for its poignant lyrics, soul-stirring vocals, and timeless melody. Its legacy continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its place as a standout in Sérgio Mendes’ illustrious career and in the pantheon of enduring pop ballads.
Video
Lyrics
I was as wrong as I could be
To let you get away from me
I’ll regret that move
For as long as I’m livin’
But now that I’ve come to see the light
All I want to do is make things right
So just say the word
And tell me that I’m forgiven
You and me
We’re gonna be better than we were before
I loved you then but now I intend
To open up and love you even more
This time you can be sure
I’m never gonna let you go
I’m gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we’re gonna be together
Oh I swear this time
I’m never gonna let you go
Looking back now
It seems so clear
I had it all when you were here
Oh you gave it all
And I took it for granted
But if there’s some feeling left in you
Some flickers of love
That still shines through
Let’s talk it out
Let’s talk about second chances
Wait and see
It’s gonna be sweeter than it was before
I gave some then but now I intend
To dedicate myself to giving more
This time you can be sure
I’m never gonna let you go
I’m gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Oh, so if you’ll just say
You want me too