About the song
“If You Go Away” is an evocative ballad, renowned for its touching and introspective lyrics. This English adaptation of Jacques Brel’s poignant 1959 song “Ne me quitte pas” was crafted by Rod McKuen. The original French song, translating to “Do Not Leave Me,” features Brel’s heartfelt plea for his lover to stay. McKuen’s English version, released in 1966, has since become a cherished pop standard, interpreted by numerous artists.
The song’s melody, with its rich and complex structure, draws inspiration from classical music, including Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6. This classical influence complements the emotional depth of the lyrics, adding a layer of sophistication to the song’s appeal.
Lyrically, “If You Go Away” paints a vivid picture of longing and hope. The narrator expresses the profound impact the departure of their lover would have, using dramatic imagery like “there’ll be nothing left in the world to trust.” If the lover chooses to stay, the narrator promises a future full of devotion and joy, pledging to create unforgettable moments together. Despite these heartfelt promises, the song acknowledges the inevitability of the lover’s departure with lines like “If you go, as I know you will,” indicating a sense of resignation.
McKuen’s adaptation differs notably from Brel’s original French lyrics. While Brel’s version is characterized by a more desperate tone, asking the lover to stay through almost self-deprecating pleas, McKuen’s English version contrasts what would happen “if you go away” with what could be if the lover stays. The English lyrics soften the somberness of the original, focusing more on the choices and consequences rather than an outright plea.
Throughout its history, “If You Go Away” has been recorded by a variety of artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song. Notable versions include those by Damita Jo and Terry Jacks, both of whom achieved considerable success with their renditions. Shirley Bassey’s version is particularly celebrated and was featured in the 2002 film “Merci Docteur Rey.” McKuen himself admired Bassey’s interpretation, expressing his appreciation through personal correspondence.
In 1986, artist Nick Currie, known as Momus, revisited Brel’s original with a translation titled “Don’t Leave,” offering a version that closely mirrors the original French sentiment. This demonstrates the enduring impact of Brel’s work and the versatility of its adaptations across different languages and musical styles.
Video
Lyrics
If you go away
On this summer day
Then you might as well
Take the sun away
All the birds that flew
In the summer sky
When our love was new
And our hearts were high
And the day was young
And the nights were long
And the moon stood still
For the night bird’s song
If you go away
If you go away
If you go away
But if you stay
I’ll make you a day
Like no day has been
Or will be again
We’ll sail the sun
We’ll ride on the rain
We’ll talk to the trees
We’ll fly with the wind
If you go away, as I know you will
You must tell the world to stop turning ’til
You return again, if you ever do
For what good is love without loving you?
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away
But if you stay, I’ll make you a night
Like no night has been or will be again
I’ll sail on your smile, I’ll ride on your touch
I’ll talk to the eyes that I love so much
If you go away
If you go away
Please
Don’t go away
Please Dont go