Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

Simply Red's rendition of 'Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye' is a poignant exploration of the emotional turmoil that accompanies farewells. The song, originally written by Cole Porter, delves into the heartache and existential questioning that arise each time the singer and their beloved part ways. The repeated line, 'Every time we say goodbye I die a little,' encapsulates the profound sense of loss and sorrow that the singer experiences, suggesting that each goodbye chips away at their spirit.

The lyrics also touch on a sense of cosmic injustice, as the singer wonders why 'the gods above me who must be in the know' allow such separations to occur. This line introduces a layer of existential contemplation, questioning the fairness of a universe that permits such emotional pain. The reference to 'the gods' adds a mythological dimension, implying that the forces controlling their fate are indifferent to their suffering.

Musically, the song employs a clever metaphor with the line, 'But how strange the change from major to minor,' to describe the shift in emotional tone when the lovers part. The 'air of spring' and the lark waiting to sing symbolize the joy and renewal that the beloved's presence brings, contrasting sharply with the melancholy of their absence. This juxtaposition of major and minor keys serves as a musical representation of the emotional highs and lows experienced in love and separation, making the song a rich tapestry of lyrical and musical expression.