About the song
“Tragedy,” a standout track by the Bee Gees, is a powerful song that showcases the iconic talent of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Released in 1979 as part of their album *Spirits Having Flown*, this song quickly became a sensation. It soared to the number one spot on the UK charts in February 1979 and repeated this success in the United States the following month, making it one of the Bee Gees’ most memorable hits.
The origins of “Tragedy” are quite fascinating. The song was crafted during a busy period for the Gibb brothers. On an afternoon break from working on the film *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*, where they starred, the trio composed “Tragedy” along with “Too Much Heaven” and “Shadow Dancing,” the latter performed by Andy Gibb, which also reached number one in the US.
One unique aspect of “Tragedy” is its dramatic climax, marked by a distinctive explosion sound effect. This sound was created through a combination of innovative studio techniques. According to co-producer Karl Richardson, the effect was achieved using a “product generator,” a novel piece of equipment at the time. This device combined Barry Gibb’s voice with piano notes to produce a sound that was both cutting-edge and memorable.
Although “Tragedy” was not initially part of the *Saturday Night Fever* soundtrack, it has since been incorporated into various productions of the musical. Its impact on the charts was significant, momentarily knocking Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” from the top spot in the US. Notably, it was one of six consecutive number-one hits for the Bee Gees in the US, a record they share with Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles.
Critics praised “Tragedy” for its vibrant arrangement, including its synthesizers, guitars, and powerful vocals. Billboard highlighted its intense energy, while Cash Box and Record World commended its up-tempo nature and sophisticated sound. This track remains a testament to the Bee Gees’ enduring legacy in pop music.
Video
Lyrics
Here I lie, in a lost and lonely part of town
Held in time, in a world of tears I slowly drown
Goin’ home, I just can’t make it all alone
I really should be holding you, holding you
Loving you, loving you
Tragedy
When the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one to love you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one beside you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Night and day, there’s a burning down inside of me
Oh, oh
Burning love, with a yearning that won’t let me be
Down I go and I just can’t take it all alone
I really should be holding you, holding you
Loving you, loving you
Tragedy
When the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one to love you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one beside you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Aaah
Tragedy
When the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one to love you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Ah, ah
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and your heart just dies
It’s hard to bear
With no-one beside you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Ahh!
Tragedy
When the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one to love you you’re goin’ nowhere
Ahh
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and your heart just dies
It’s hard to bear
With no-one beside you, you’re goin’ nowhere
Ahh!
Tragedy
When the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on
It’s tragedy
When the morning cries and you don’t know why
It’s hard to bear
With no-one to love you, you’re goin’ nowhere