About The Song
“Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” is a soulful ballad recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips in December 1972 on Motown’s Soul Records imprint. It became one of their biggest hit singles and the last released prior to their departure from Motown for Buddah Records in February 1973. It topped the Billboard R&B chart and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song earned the group a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
The song “Neither One of Us” by Gladys Knight & the Pips, written by Jim Weatherly, delves into the emotional complexities of a failing relationship. The song explores the reluctance of both partners to acknowledge the end of their relationship. The lyrics reflect the struggle of neither partner wanting to initiate the inevitable separation, leading them to continue living a lie. “Neither One of Us” remains a cherished soul classic, showcasing the vocal prowess of Gladys Knight & the Pips, and is often regarded as one of their best recorded performances.
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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 the 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
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)
Lord knows it’s only me
Oh He knows it’s only me
That I’m decieving
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’t have a happy ending (Happy ending)
No, no
So we just go on (We go on)
Hurting and pretending
Convincing ourselves to give it just one more try (One more try)
Because neither one of us (Neither one of us) wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us (Neither one of us) wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us (Neither one of us) wants to be the first to say
Farewell, my love
Goodbye (Goodbye)