About the song
“Please Don’t Go” stands as a poignant ballad in the disco era’s repertoire, originally penned by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch, members of the iconic KC and the Sunshine Band. Released as the second single from their sixth album, *Do You Wanna Go Party* (1979), this track diverged from the band’s usual upbeat, dance-centric style to deliver a heartfelt plea for reconciliation.
The song’s original version, in the key of D flat, marked a significant departure for the group, showcasing their versatility beyond disco anthems. Lyrically, “Please Don’t Go” portrays a deeply emotional narrative where the protagonist begs for a second chance in love, revealing a vulnerable side amidst the band’s typically energetic discography.
Upon its release, the song swiftly climbed the charts, becoming the band’s first sentimental ballad to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a notable shift in their musical trajectory. However, the success was bittersweet as it coincided with the group’s decision to disband shortly thereafter, with Harry Wayne Casey embarking on a solo career thereafter.
As a double-sided single, “Please Don’t Go” was paired with “I Betcha Didn’t Know That,” a track aimed at R&B stations that also found moderate success on the R&B chart, peaking at number 25. The song’s widespread appeal wasn’t confined to the United States alone; it achieved international acclaim, reaching the top spot in Australia and Canada, and charting well across Europe and beyond.
In Australia, it topped the ARIA Charts, becoming the band’s sixth and final number-one hit there. Similarly, it secured the number-one position on the RPM national chart in Canada, solidifying its popularity in North America. Internationally, it made notable appearances in charts across Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK, further cementing its status as a global hit.
Over the years, “Please Don’t Go” has endured as a classic, its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics resonating with audiences well beyond its disco origins. Its enduring popularity is underscored by cover versions by Double You in 1992, KWS in the same year, and Basshunter in 2008, each iteration bringing a fresh interpretation while honoring the timeless appeal of the original composition.
Thus, “Please Don’t Go” remains not only a pivotal track in KC and the Sunshine Band’s discography but also a testament to the enduring power of emotive storytelling through music, continuing to captivate listeners with its universal themes of love, loss, and longing.
Video
Lyrics
I love you
Yeah
Babe, I love you so
I want you to know
That I’m gonna miss your love
The minute you walk out that door
So please don’t go
Don’t go
Don’t go away
Please don’t go
Don’t go
I’m begging you to stay
If you leave, at least in my lifetime
I’ve had one dream come true
I was blessed to be loved
By someone as wonderful as you
So please don’t go
Don’t go
Don’t go away
Please don’t go
Don’t go
I’m begging you to stay
Hey, hey, hey
Yeah
Babe, I love you so
I, I want you to know
That I’m gonna miss your love
The minute you walk out that door
So please don’t go
Don’t go
Don’t go away
Hey, hey, hey
I need your love
I’m down on my knees
Beggin’ please, please, please
Don’t go
Don’t you hear me, baby?
Don’t leave me now
Oh, no, no, no, no
Please don’t go
I want you to know
That I, I, I love you so
Please don’t leave me, baby
Please don’t go