Everytime You Go Away
Daryl Hall & John Oates
The Heartache of Separation: A Deep Dive into 'Everytime You Go Away'
Daryl Hall & John Oates' song 'Everytime You Go Away' is a poignant exploration of the emotional turmoil that accompanies repeated separations in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and frustration as the protagonist grapples with the recurring departures of their partner. The opening lines, 'Baby, if we can't solve any problems / Why do we lose so many tears?' set the stage for a narrative steeped in unresolved issues and emotional pain. The recurring theme of the partner leaving, symbolized by the line 'Everytime you go away / You take a piece of me with you,' underscores the deep emotional impact these separations have on the protagonist.
The song delves into the complexities of love and the difficulty of maintaining a relationship when one partner is constantly leaving. The protagonist's plea, 'Can't you see we've got everything / Going on and on and on?' highlights their belief that the relationship has potential, yet it is continually undermined by the partner's departures. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines, 'Maybe you're too close to see / I can feel your body move / But doesn't mean that much to me,' suggesting a disconnect between physical presence and emotional availability.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring sense of confusion and longing. The protagonist repeatedly questions, 'Why you have to go away right now?' and expresses a deep sense of loss and incomprehension. The repetition of 'Everytime you go away' serves as a haunting reminder of the cyclical nature of their pain. The song captures the essence of a love that is both deeply felt and perpetually out of reach, leaving the protagonist in a state of perpetual heartache and yearning.