About the song
“Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” remains a poignant testament to love’s complexities, epitomized in the soulful rendition by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Released in December 1972 under Motown’s Soul Records imprint, the song not only marked a pinnacle in their career but also served as a significant transition as they departed Motown for Buddah Records just months later.
Gladys Knight & the Pips had already garnered acclaim at Motown with hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “If I Were Your Woman,” yet felt underappreciated compared to label mates. The departure from Motown was marked by the recording of their final contractual album, ‘Neither One of Us,’ at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studios in Detroit and MoWest Studios in Los Angeles. Producer Joe Porter facilitated a creative environment, allowing the group to infuse their distinctive style into each track.
The song itself, originally penned by Jim Weatherly and first recorded as “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” by a country singer-songwriter, underwent a transformation under Porter’s guidance. Gladys Knight delivered a mesmerizing vocal performance, capturing the essence of heartache and reluctance in parting ways. The song’s emotional depth resonated widely, climbing the charts to become the group’s biggest hit since their Motown debut.
Debuting in December 1972, the song quickly ascended to number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart, maintaining its position for four consecutive weeks. Its crossover appeal led it to reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its impact across diverse audiences. Internationally, the song achieved notable success, further elevating Gladys Knight & the Pips’ stature on a global scale.
At the 1974 Grammy Awards, the group’s exceptional rendition earned them the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, showcasing their musical prowess and enduring influence. The song’s legacy extends beyond its initial release, inspiring numerous covers and sampling across genres, affirming its enduring relevance in popular music.
From Linda George’s successful Australian rendition to contemporary interpretations by artists like Angie Stone and Hall & Oates, “Neither One of Us” continues to resonate through its timeless portrayal of love’s bittersweet farewell. Supported by the harmonious backing vocals of the Pips and the lush instrumentation by the Funk Brothers, Gladys Knight’s emotive delivery remains a hallmark of soul music’s golden era.
In summary, “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” stands as a testament to Gladys Knight & the Pips’ artistic evolution and enduring legacy, capturing the essence of human emotions with unparalleled grace and depth.
Video
Lyrics
It’s sad to think
We’re not gonna make it
And it’s gotten to the point
Where we just can’t fake it
For some ungodly reason
We just won’t let it die (let it die)
I guess neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
I keep wondering (wondering)
What I’m gonna do without you (do without you)
And I guess you must be
Wondering that same thing too
So we go on, go on together
Living a lie (living a lie)
Because neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
Oh-oh-oh, everytime I find the nerve
Everytime I find the nerve to say I’m leaving (leaving)
Old memories, those old memories
Get in my way (my way, my way)
Oh-oh-oh, Lord knows it’s only me
Oh, He knows it’s only me that I’m deceiving
Ooh, ooh, ooh, when it comes to saying goodbye
That’s a simple word that I just cannot say
There can be no way, there can be no way (be no way)
This can have a happy ending (happy ending)
No, no, so we just go on (we go on)
Hurting and pretending
And, and convincing ourselves
To give it just one more try (one more try)
Because neither one of us (neither one of us)
Ooh, ooh, wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
Ooh, neither one of us (neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
“Farewell, my love”
Goodbye (goodbye)