About the song
“If I Can’t Have You” is a quintessential disco track crafted by the iconic Bee Gees—Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb—in 1977. This vibrant song first made its debut as part of the soundtrack for the legendary film *Saturday Night Fever*, initially recorded by Yvonne Elliman and released in November 1977. It wasn’t long before the Bee Gees’ own version of the track was released, appearing a month later as a B-side to their hit single “Stayin’ Alive.”
The Bee Gees’ rendition of “If I Can’t Have You” was not just a commercial success but also a pivotal moment in their musical journey. The song later featured prominently on the Bee Gees’ compilation album, *Their Greatest Hits: The Record*. Its enduring appeal was further evidenced when a remix version was released in 2007 on the album *Bee Gees Greatest*. This remix marked the Bee Gees’ triumphant return to the U.S. Hot Dance Tracks charts after a 28-year hiatus, demonstrating the song’s timeless allure.
Maurice Gibb once noted that “If I Can’t Have You” was the very first track they worked on when recording music for the *Saturday Night Fever* soundtrack. The initial recording was done at Château d’Hérouville, and it was a basic track at that stage. The song was then polished and completed at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. This journey from conception to completion highlights the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating this disco classic.
Overall, “If I Can’t Have You” remains a defining song of the disco era, showcasing the Bee Gees’ exceptional songwriting talent and their ability to create music that resonates across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Don’t know why
I’m survivin’ every lonely day
When there’s got to be no chance for me
My life would end
And it doesn’t matter how I cry
My tears of love are a waste of time
If I turn away
Am I strong enough to see it through?
Go crazy is what I will doIf I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, oh
If I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, ohCan’t let go and it doesn’t matter how I try
I gave it all so easily to you my love
To dreams that never will come true
Am I strong enough to see it through?
Go crazy is what I will doIf I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, oh
If I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, ohIf I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, oh
If I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, ohIf I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, oh
If I can’t have you
I don’t want nobody, baby
If I can’t have you, uh-uh-uh, oh