If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)

Eartha Kitt's rendition of 'If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)' is a poignant and emotional plea to a lover on the verge of leaving. The song, originally written by Jacques Brel and translated into English by Rod McKuen, captures the deep sense of loss and desperation that accompanies the end of a meaningful relationship. Kitt's soulful and expressive voice adds an extra layer of vulnerability and longing to the lyrics, making the listener feel the weight of her sorrow and hope.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional landscape that the singer is navigating. The imagery of the sun, birds, and the moon in the first verse symbolizes the beauty and joy that the lover brings into her life. The contrast between the idyllic scenes of their love and the desolation she anticipates if they leave is stark and heart-wrenching. The repeated refrain 'if you go away' underscores the singer's fear and the inevitability she feels about the departure, while her promises of creating unparalleled days and nights if the lover stays highlight her desperation to hold onto the relationship.

In the subsequent verses, the singer's despair deepens as she contemplates life without her lover. The idea of the world stopping and the emptiness that would follow their departure conveys the profound impact the lover has on her existence. The metaphor of being the 'shadow of your shadow' illustrates the lengths she is willing to go to remain close, even if it means losing herself in the process. The final plea, 'please don't go away,' is a raw and honest expression of her vulnerability and the hope that love might still prevail despite the looming separation.