ABSOLUMENT MAGNIFIQUE. I must admit to be a bit sceptical to translations. It is never easy, rarely good, but the way this grand lady sung "Ne me quitte pas" is simply unbelievable. Whoever sings that song and believes what he/she is singing make listeners crying. Thats what I did.
@billyboylb well, I don't need real acting. To me that is over the top. Bassey sings it with emotion without acting, she lets the words be felt. I feel haunted and sad listening to what she does with her voice on this. Streisand doesn't do much for me in general, but I don't know how you can say that someone who "acted" a song is less over the top. Different strokes.
2004 I completed a movie and a song for the score and inadvertlently with a verse that is in this song. For expressing profound emotions surrealistic lyrics of a song or a poem is the oly way. 1st time i heard this song in 30 yrs and i have played it over and over and over again because i am changing a sceen just to add this song in the screenplay. Beautiful!!!!! this is my daughter's site or what ever you call it.ebronebron@aol incase some one wish to respond to this comment.. "IF YOU GO AWAY"
no one sang it better and i doubt if any will come close to shirley bassey.i just love all her songs,it tells me human beings in 2011 STILL HAVE FEELINGS
The first time i heard this was 1982 in gay bar "The Rose Tattoo." I'll think of the singer another day. She sang "If you go away" in French. My lover went away today, & i'm sad.
@mercede75 WHAAAAT ? Hahahahaha. No kidding. This is one of the most brilliant interpretations I can think of. She is so subtile, she understands each word so deeply. This is extraterrestrial, man...
Jacques Brel wrote the melody and the original french lyrics. Rod McKuen wrote the english language, which is not a direct translation of the original french lyrics.
I don't like the English lyrics to the song as I'm used to listen to the original French Lyrics written by Jacques Brel..... but it is to be said, I love this English version, Shirley Bassey makes this song alive, RESPECT
I wondered at the time how anyone could adorn themselves with every jewel and expensive second hand coat (furs) money could buy yet leave a near relation destitute. Now it may be that Bassey turned over a new leaf and tried to reserve for herself a place in what you call 'heaven' by being kinder. I hope that is the case, whether there is a 'heaven' or not.
@Stryker146 Weak dude, trying to get in the last word by not using reply. I don't call anything "heaven" btw. That was a response to your silliness of dragging your fantasies about Shirley's actions into an even greater realm of fantasy...afterlife. You are simply ridiculous in your attempt to substantiate a dislike clearly stemming from your envy of those who are wealthy on something more "noble". Shame the best you can come up with is nonsense you "seem to remember reading" in some tabloid.
I always disliked this woman, especially so since I heard she had left one of her sisters destitute and,like the queen, wants everything handed to her on a plate. If she treated her family like shit I wonder how she treates her hired help. What a sorry excuse for a human being. A lady she is not! How will she cope when she is dead? Will she have a specially soft cloud made for her, like the one the queen mother has? Oh bless!
@Stryker146 Are you in the habit of going out of your way looking at videos of people you have such a well defined, if completely baseless hatred, for?
What a sad waste of your life. How will you cope when you are dead and it turns out there is a "heaven"?
@reddragonready No, I am not in the habit of 'going out of my way' to look at vids of useless articles such as Bassey. I have never looked at any vid by Bassey. I can't stand divas or prima donnas. I had just see the TV film 'Shirley' and wondered why it had ended mid-way through her career. I had remembered from many moons ago a newspaper article where one of her sisters was living in abject poverty.
@Stryker146 This film had not much in common with Shirley's real life story. You are judging her by a TV film and newspaper articles. It is amazing how impressionable you are.
@Stryker146 LOL Sorry but you still come off exactly like such a person since you stated you "always disliked her" and now you claim you just watched a docudrama on Shirley??? Just leave it alone dude. If you don't like Shirley Bassey it is extremely easy to ignore her and her music. Try that instead of wallowing in your negativity. :)
I love Shirley Bassey. I've now heard Barbra Streisand, Brenda Lee, and Shirley sing this song. I love the latter two. There's a strength in their voices that just isn't there in Barbra's. Her voice is too soft for this song. Bravo Shirley!
@BlogBitch Shirley has a yearning as well. She has quite moments and loud moments here too. When she is loud, it is like a thunderstorm, crying in the dark. Love the effect, so dark, so sad, almost to point of scariness. I envision a film in her voice. Dusty was ok, but felt average to me after listening to Shirley. To each his own.
It's a very moving song and Dame Shirley does do an amazingly emotive performance. Nobody seems to disagree with that, apart from the idiot who said she sings flat with an affected performance.
I am sorry but he didn`t write the song!!! The song has been sung before she did! And it is jack brells song " ne me quitte pas" that existed since 1800.... He just translated it!
@ladyrain669 I mean the real SONG existed before as a TRADITIONAL sort of song and has been rewritten by jacques brel!!!! I dont mean to say nothing mean though!!!
@ladyrain669 Hi. I don't wish to be pedantic, but...
Rod Mckuen wrote this version of the song. The original was written by Brel in 1959. Mckuen's version is not a translation of the original, though a couple of lines are almost the same. There is a different meaning in both songs. In the French version, the title translates to "Don't Leave Me" and the lyrics to the song are about a man, almost undignified in begging for his lover not to leave and to give the relationship a second chance.
@PorkyPiggles Thank you for your response to my comment :-) Well i understand what you are saying. I speak french myself and i have french family its also my grandfather who said the song existed before ( maybe jacques brell rewrote it in its own sense..) Well isn`t ROd Mckuen translating the song in the same context? She says if you stay?... But isnt it the same if you dont leave me then youll stay! I like both versions of course ! And again thank your for the response :-)
Subido por doogit en 21/08/2006 Such a beautiful song by Jacques Brel (recorded in 1959) Here is an English translation. Ne Me Quitte Pas (=If you go away) If you go away on this summer's 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 When 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.
It's hard to mess up a good song [though it can be done :-( ] but I prefer Dusty's version. I've been accused of listening only for cues and actually hearing the song that's in my mind. It lets me listen to even bad versions--not that I'm saying Shirley's version is bad. I just wish they would cut out the talking!
Great song all the same guys no mater who wrote it. Can Shirly sing or what! Even now. You can't mistake that voice. Does anyone know the exact relationship between Rod and Jacques when they were in Belgium? Or am I naive.
I was a girl the first time I've hear your interpretaion and love it at once - not knowing what's to come. 53 now and he went away - cancer took him . Thank you Dame Shirley Bassey.
Shirley Bassey flat on any note is just RUBBISH!!!. Clean your ears out. Her version of this song is absolutely breathtaking-the control, the feeling, the power---WOW
I first heard this song sung by Nina Simone. I memorized the French & English lyrics and sang it as a lullaby to my newborn son. It is impossible for me to sing this song without descending into abject weeping. It is burned into my heart...
I heard this song for the first time sung by Damita Jo - back in 196...... and I fell in love with the melody and the lyrics.
I think Edith Piaf also sings it with lots of feeling, but, I don't understand a word she's saying. Nevertheless, I enjoy listesning to her over and over.
are the lyrics in the french version of this song as heart-pounding as in this english version . I can't imagine any human who has ever loved, not to feel down striken by the rupture of a romantic love affair
@AlDomin45 Absolutely. Brel always has wonderful lyrics, both in meaning and in sound. My belief is that "ne me quite pas" as sung by Brel can't be topped. But out of all the English versions I heard this is definitely the best.
subtle, it aint....but it's very dramatic and interesting and a vocal tour de force. remarkable, but not as brilliant or moving as dusty...the trouble with bassey is that it's all performance and show...a circus act, who happens to be able to sing a bit.
@Hubraoul for me that is why it worked. Her voice has the effect of thunder, ...of impending doom, ...a dread and warning that he should not leave her...it worked for me big time. Of course it helps that I heard her version before the original(which doesn't do much for me).
@Rosannasfriend luckily we can have differant opinions!you are right;her voice is like thunder!!! i prefer this song ,sung sadly,heee,that is why we are human;we can be different!anyway;if music touches the soul....it has reached it's goal,don't you agree?
I once a man from Costa Rica in trinidad at a restaurant called Hanami....this song fits our story, hios name Luis.o. Carvajal. I have searched for him on all websites but to no avail. My love I am still awaiting your return....I love you.
this song has nothing to do with Brel´s original.. only the melody is the same. the lyrics are totally different. the meaning of brel´s original was different... there is only one german singer who did a perfect interpretation of the original. (brel´s wife or his daughter´s words) .. "ne me quitte pas" (original titel) means "dont leave me" and not " if you go away" .. shirley bassey is a great singer and she does a good job with this song. but no one can mediate Brel´s feelings like himself
@MsJoyTe if you knew anything about language, you would understand why the lyrics could not be interpreted perfectly and fit the music and the rhythm of the song at the same time. There are rhyming issues and how many words it takes to make the same point. YOu settle instead to get the same general message out using some different words or sentences. The song is still about not wanting someone to leave, and is still romantic, that is all one can ask for. I am shocked how many ppl here can't figu
this song has nothing to do with Brel´s original.. only the melody is the same. the lyrics are totally different. the meaning of brel´s original was different... there is only one german singer who did a perfect interpretation of the original. (brel´s wife or his daughter´s words) .. "ne me quitte pas" (original titel) means "dont leave me" and not " if you go away" .. shirley bassey is a great singer and she does a good job with this song. but no one can mediate Brel´s feelings like himself
Long after my bones have fossilized, I hope some one will play this timeless melody at my grave site so I can stand up and dance while shaking my bony fist in protest against time, life and futility of it all. I will want to reach inside my bony chest to touch the empty spot where my heart had been, and shout out loud words of intimate to those lost souls that got to love ad those sorry ones that missed to love.
I will want haven to know that I am for ever against it, even in my cold grave.
I've had French speaking friends explain that Jacques lyrics did not translate to English in a melodic presentation. They say Rod adapted Jacque's incredible song to flow with english lyrics.
jacques brel ne me quitte pas lyrics- SHIRLEY BASSEY- GREAT SINGER -Rod McKuen - YOU ARE A GREAT GUY...BUT YOU DID NOT WRITE THE SONG...YOU TANSLATE IT!.
My gay friend ADORES Shirley - but also loves Dusty. There is room enough to love lots of people - in case you all have not heard. It's not a challenge or competition - you can appreciate all versions!
It doesnt even translate in the same way. Jaques Brel is much more beautiful in my opinion. You can see it translated on one of the Jaques Brel videos. " Don't Leave Me" , not ....." If You Go Away" No, He's not the best singer in the world, but I prefer the French lyrics.
@shawnmegorden1 I just don't get why ppl come here and don't get that we've read this same opinion enough times. Ok, his lyrics are better. You can scroll down and see that hundreds have agreed with you. It isn't something suppressed, a minority opinion dying to get out. We get it. The lyrics suck! We've been beaten over the head with it, and you guys can calm down and move on!
@shawnmegorden1 I speak 3 languages...the lyrics have to match the music..it's difficult to do. The lyrics are not bad at all in English. Comparing is pointless :-)
It doesnt even translate in the same way. Jaques Brel is much more beautiful in my opinion. You can see it translated on one of the Jaques Brel videos. " Don't Leave Me" , not ....." If You Go Away"
Ok. Brel is an excellent songwriter (and performer/actor) and Shirley Bassey is an excellent singer. But Rod McKuen is an absolute disgrace to society for lying on camera. He makes me sick; I have no respect for people like this clown.
@AlejandroDeLaVega7 I was pretty pissed too, but I wonder if he was instructed to say this for an American audience. I mean, half of the listeners probably have no idea where France or Belgium (Brel's birthplace) are!
Dusty's version is absolutely beautifully sung (and i agree, Ms. bassey is waaay too dramatic) HOWEVER, it is to be 'BEGGED'. Search for 'za_6A0XnMyw' and let me know what you think.
@geepee3999 no way. With the tragic lyrics of this song, you can be as dramatic as you damned well please. The way she did it made me feel the emotions more strongly than I would have otherwise. I also love Jacques version, and to me that is even more dramatic and raw anyway. Dusty's is good too.
Absolutely rediculous he dares say he 'wrote the song' without crediting Jaques Brel. For all you English speaking fans who think this video is 'awesome', please watch this, read the words and watch it again, and again. Then pass on to your friends one of the most amazing performances of one of the most amazing songs: za_6A0XnMyw
Yes indeed, McKuen did not write that spellbinding song, and his translation from the original text is poor, full of appalling clichés... But it seems that even the most mundane phrases sound out of this world when sung by Miss Bassey.
You cannot "translate" a song from one language into another because words don't have the same lenght, sentences are not built up in the same way, and words that rhyme with one another in French don't necessarily rhyme in English and vice versa. Either you keep the spirit of the song and adapt it in your own language,which is the case here, or you sing something completely different (like it is the case with Comme d'habitude (meaning As usual) that became My Way in English).
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sexypoetry 6 hours ago
brilliant
2focas 1 day ago
i still think nina simone's version is more heartbreaking
checheveliz 3 days ago
incredible voice, fantastic performer.
can reduce people to tears with the emotion she expresses in every song.
nobody like her.
jokingman 1 week ago
ABSOLUMENT MAGNIFIQUE. I must admit to be a bit sceptical to translations. It is never easy, rarely good, but the way this grand lady sung "Ne me quitte pas" is simply unbelievable. Whoever sings that song and believes what he/she is singing make listeners crying. Thats what I did.
1785edouard 1 week ago
I see 41 people don't know what good music is...#dumb
karmelchanahtv 2 weeks ago
Nie ma porównania z wykonaniem Violetty Villas. Żadnego. Śpiew bez dramaturgii, płaski.
literaer 3 weeks ago
I like Shirley, but she's too over the top on this. I prefer Streisand's version. Barbra really acts the song.
billyboylb 3 weeks ago
@billyboylb well, I don't need real acting. To me that is over the top. Bassey sings it with emotion without acting, she lets the words be felt. I feel haunted and sad listening to what she does with her voice on this. Streisand doesn't do much for me in general, but I don't know how you can say that someone who "acted" a song is less over the top. Different strokes.
Rosannasfriend 1 week ago
Wonderful!!!!
MrAznavour65 4 weeks ago
Bassey, Brel and Mckuen, some combinations just cannot fail.
RipleyRattler 1 month ago
THE Voice and THE Emotion!!! What more can one ask for.
haiyuj 1 month ago
very nice,thanks..
peacemaker2020 1 month ago
2004 I completed a movie and a song for the score and inadvertlently with a verse that is in this song. For expressing profound emotions surrealistic lyrics of a song or a poem is the oly way. 1st time i heard this song in 30 yrs and i have played it over and over and over again because i am changing a sceen just to add this song in the screenplay. Beautiful!!!!! this is my daughter's site or what ever you call it.ebronebron@aol incase some one wish to respond to this comment.. "IF YOU GO AWAY"
SistaDee2000 1 month ago
no one sang it better and i doubt if any will come close to shirley bassey.i just love all her songs,it tells me human beings in 2011 STILL HAVE FEELINGS
GMAHSHI1 1 month ago 2
Shirley Bassey and Rod McKuen... can it get any better than that...? I don't think so!
Alina1125 1 month ago
everytime i hear her i think of James bond movies
mszeee 1 month ago
Fascination!
gemuma56 1 month ago
well then ...did he go away or not???
vinobody 1 month ago
une très grande dame mon dieu quelle voix de diva
donsarde 1 month ago
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rafi6090 2 months ago in playlist My way
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interkoby 2 months ago
She played in Martin! Beautiful
msvalentineful 2 months ago
I love the moments where Dame Bassey is quite in restraint. Her grave notes are so beautiful and velvety.
Zuxilbaja 2 months ago
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So very beautiful. So full of life. Thank you for posting.
djchehov 3 months ago in playlist Любимите на djchehov
The first time i heard this was 1982 in gay bar "The Rose Tattoo." I'll think of the singer another day. She sang "If you go away" in French. My lover went away today, & i'm sad.
mcc11505 3 months ago
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she acts more than sings. Nothing special. other artists have sung it way better!
mercede75 3 months ago
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@mercede75 You Know NOTHING!
mixerdude007 3 months ago
@mercede75 WHAAAAT ? Hahahahaha. No kidding. This is one of the most brilliant interpretations I can think of. She is so subtile, she understands each word so deeply. This is extraterrestrial, man...
Zuxilbaja 2 months ago
Jacques Brel wrote the melody and the original french lyrics. Rod McKuen wrote the english language, which is not a direct translation of the original french lyrics.
Wikipeadia affirms this.
bdesilva46 3 months ago 7
@bdesilva46 yes cause Rod Mckuen could never have written a melody like that....ever.
Egriega 1 month ago
I don't like the English lyrics to the song as I'm used to listen to the original French Lyrics written by Jacques Brel..... but it is to be said, I love this English version, Shirley Bassey makes this song alive, RESPECT
brightmannn 3 months ago 2
'One of my favourite songs, I wrote it' he's not even ashamed of lying
lorofcb2 3 months ago
So very beautiful. So full of life. Thank you for posting.
Whorulesnow 3 months ago 14
one of the greatest of her era.
gustyr1 3 months ago
j'adore mais personne ne pourra mettre autant de sentiments que notre innoubliable JACQUES immortel dans nos coeurs,
274717fabio 3 months ago
I wondered at the time how anyone could adorn themselves with every jewel and expensive second hand coat (furs) money could buy yet leave a near relation destitute. Now it may be that Bassey turned over a new leaf and tried to reserve for herself a place in what you call 'heaven' by being kinder. I hope that is the case, whether there is a 'heaven' or not.
Stryker146 3 months ago
@Stryker146 Weak dude, trying to get in the last word by not using reply. I don't call anything "heaven" btw. That was a response to your silliness of dragging your fantasies about Shirley's actions into an even greater realm of fantasy...afterlife. You are simply ridiculous in your attempt to substantiate a dislike clearly stemming from your envy of those who are wealthy on something more "noble". Shame the best you can come up with is nonsense you "seem to remember reading" in some tabloid.
reddragonready 3 months ago
I always disliked this woman, especially so since I heard she had left one of her sisters destitute and,like the queen, wants everything handed to her on a plate. If she treated her family like shit I wonder how she treates her hired help. What a sorry excuse for a human being. A lady she is not! How will she cope when she is dead? Will she have a specially soft cloud made for her, like the one the queen mother has? Oh bless!
Stryker146 3 months ago
@Stryker146 Are you in the habit of going out of your way looking at videos of people you have such a well defined, if completely baseless hatred, for?
What a sad waste of your life. How will you cope when you are dead and it turns out there is a "heaven"?
reddragonready 3 months ago
@reddragonready No, I am not in the habit of 'going out of my way' to look at vids of useless articles such as Bassey. I have never looked at any vid by Bassey. I can't stand divas or prima donnas. I had just see the TV film 'Shirley' and wondered why it had ended mid-way through her career. I had remembered from many moons ago a newspaper article where one of her sisters was living in abject poverty.
Stryker146 3 months ago
@Stryker146 This film had not much in common with Shirley's real life story. You are judging her by a TV film and newspaper articles. It is amazing how impressionable you are.
Thorneycroft1937 3 months ago
@Stryker146 LOL Sorry but you still come off exactly like such a person since you stated you "always disliked her" and now you claim you just watched a docudrama on Shirley??? Just leave it alone dude. If you don't like Shirley Bassey it is extremely easy to ignore her and her music. Try that instead of wallowing in your negativity. :)
reddragonready 3 months ago
You should hear Jacques Brel singing it...A classic!...Miss Basset thank you for this gem!...So powerful!
WitchyHealer 4 months ago
My heart's just broken by soneone in Thailand. I am gonna sing this song.
panitaweelee 4 months ago
Amazing!
natentreyable 4 months ago
only thing better is seeing her in person in concert,,she blows you away..best show i ever seen.
blueyesrus 5 months ago
I love Shirley Bassey. I've now heard Barbra Streisand, Brenda Lee, and Shirley sing this song. I love the latter two. There's a strength in their voices that just isn't there in Barbra's. Her voice is too soft for this song. Bravo Shirley!
starbrightlight 5 months ago
@starbrightlight Well Barbra was 67 when she sang it.
BELTERFAN 4 months ago
I had forgotten have wonderful Shirley is...thank you...!!
brizpeg47 5 months ago
Scott Walker's version
islandwalk 5 months ago
Yeah Shirley is the queen. Love her.
LaserBeam002 5 months ago
Shirley, bet Nigel loves your version too! ;o) Give him my love.xx
Louise99100 5 months ago
Absolutely excuisite. Have heard many versions of this song..... this knocks the sox off them all!!
Louise99100 5 months ago
My vote is for Celine Dion's version.
wallofshoes 5 months ago
Formidable interprétation de Dame Shirley Bassey de ce tube français...
365emmanuel 5 months ago
@365emmanuel Superbe interprétation effectivement mais cette chanson est pas française mais belge ;o)
mdeh 5 months ago
@mdeh
Je parlais de la langue française bien-sûr...
365emmanuel 5 months ago
The opening note gave me goose bumps.
nevilleprinsloo 5 months ago
I love every expression of he face. so dame well
supphanyu 5 months ago
Bit radical, but prefer Scott's rendition. I am a fan of Dusty and Shirley Bassey, but I think it should be sung by a geezer.
gitviejo 5 months ago
Its all about personal taste. I've listened to all the versions..I could not care who did it first.
To me Dusty Springfield does it better. Love Shirley but she is too dramatic, too big. Dusty has just the right amount of understated yearning.
My vote is with Dusty Springfield on this one.
BlogBitch 5 months ago
@BlogBitch Shirley has a yearning as well. She has quite moments and loud moments here too. When she is loud, it is like a thunderstorm, crying in the dark. Love the effect, so dark, so sad, almost to point of scariness. I envision a film in her voice. Dusty was ok, but felt average to me after listening to Shirley. To each his own.
Rosannasfriend 5 months ago
No-one sings this AS she does.
ellameister 5 months ago
Not only her voice---
But the stanzas---
the music and her act---
All laced together---
and thrive our soul.
DrSylva22 5 months ago
Why are people arguing over personal opinions?
It's a very moving song and Dame Shirley does do an amazingly emotive performance. Nobody seems to disagree with that, apart from the idiot who said she sings flat with an affected performance.
PorkyPiggles 6 months ago
I am sorry but he didn`t write the song!!! The song has been sung before she did! And it is jack brells song " ne me quitte pas" that existed since 1800.... He just translated it!
ladyrain669 6 months ago
@ladyrain669 I mean the real SONG existed before as a TRADITIONAL sort of song and has been rewritten by jacques brel!!!! I dont mean to say nothing mean though!!!
ladyrain669 6 months ago
@ladyrain669 Hi. I don't wish to be pedantic, but...
Rod Mckuen wrote this version of the song. The original was written by Brel in 1959. Mckuen's version is not a translation of the original, though a couple of lines are almost the same. There is a different meaning in both songs. In the French version, the title translates to "Don't Leave Me" and the lyrics to the song are about a man, almost undignified in begging for his lover not to leave and to give the relationship a second chance.
PorkyPiggles 6 months ago
@PorkyPiggles Thank you for your response to my comment :-) Well i understand what you are saying. I speak french myself and i have french family its also my grandfather who said the song existed before ( maybe jacques brell rewrote it in its own sense..) Well isn`t ROd Mckuen translating the song in the same context? She says if you stay?... But isnt it the same if you dont leave me then youll stay! I like both versions of course ! And again thank your for the response :-)
ladyrain669 6 months ago
words by Rod McCuen.............
tmarkable 6 months ago
ahhhhhh.
cuntsgab 6 months ago
First heard this song in 1970. Never heard a better version.
rennyshelton 6 months ago
Great version and very Bassey but for me maybe Dusty Springfeild did better ?
smryan1966 6 months ago
magical voice..
atheer2002 6 months ago
If you go away, as I know you must
There is nothing left in this world to trust
Just an empty room, full of empty space
Like the empty look I see on your face
I'd have been the shadow of your shadow
If you might have kept me by your side
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.
amadus19 6 months ago
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 your eyes that I love so much
But if you go, I won't cry
Though the good is gone from the word goodbye
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.
amadus19 6 months ago
If you go, as I know you will
You must tell the world to stop turning
Till you return again, if you ever do,
For what good is love without loving you?
Can I tell you now, as you turn to go
I'll be dying slowly till the next hello
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.
amadus19 6 months ago
But if you stay, I'll make you a day
Like no day has been, or will be again
We'll sail on the sun, we'll ride on the rain
And talk to the trees and worship the wind
But if you go, I'll understand
Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand
If you go away, if you go away, if you go away
amadus19 6 months ago
amadus19 6 months ago
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Imposible no sentir una gran emoción escuchando a esta mujer. No hay otra versión que se la pueda comparar. ¡¡¡¡SUBLIME!!!!
Zamacola100 7 months ago
Imposible no sentir una gran emoción. No hay otra versión que se la pueda comparar. ¡¡¡SUBLIME!!!
Zamacola100 7 months ago
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~~~ just enough love to hold in my hand !
goldis21 7 months ago
... if you go awa-CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP
McScruffells 7 months ago
that voice makes me shake
MrNostalgikk 7 months ago
It's hard to mess up a good song [though it can be done :-( ] but I prefer Dusty's version. I've been accused of listening only for cues and actually hearing the song that's in my mind. It lets me listen to even bad versions--not that I'm saying Shirley's version is bad. I just wish they would cut out the talking!
jonbocz 7 months ago
She's fantastic. Brings you through an emotional journey.
chrissy1095 7 months ago
Dusty can sing to save her life compared to Dame Shirley bassey. DSB is the very best, sorry.
theoneandonly2503 7 months ago
Burkkkk. Dusty. Is better
TheMedoulette 7 months ago
This the funeral song for America
omarkarrow 7 months ago
Shirley is Shirley andDusty is Dusty. Vive la difference!
eggymoo 7 months ago
I dony like strong voice...i like angelic ones....
24681049 7 months ago
Great song all the same guys no mater who wrote it. Can Shirly sing or what! Even now. You can't mistake that voice. Does anyone know the exact relationship between Rod and Jacques when they were in Belgium? Or am I naive.
nickwatt3 8 months ago
Rod McKuen claiming he wrote this song??? WTF
nickwatt3 8 months ago 2
@nickwatt3 Indeed. He re-wrote the lyrics (to an extent) but even I as a massive Rod McKuen fan was surprised to see him say he wrote it!
wakokid2 8 months ago
@nickwatt3 All he can claim is to have translated the lyrics from Jacques Brel's song. He can claim precious little credit else.
m1234m47 8 months ago
Rod McKuen claiming he wrote this song??? WTF
nickwatt3 8 months ago
fantastic x
tangotom61 8 months ago
OUTSTANDING
Michaelbos 8 months ago
I was a girl the first time I've hear your interpretaion and love it at once - not knowing what's to come. 53 now and he went away - cancer took him . Thank you Dame Shirley Bassey.
gallinatremendissima 8 months ago
Shirley Bassey flat on any note is just RUBBISH!!!. Clean your ears out. Her version of this song is absolutely breathtaking-the control, the feeling, the power---WOW
jeangm1 8 months ago
She goes flat on the low notes and the delivery is horribly affected. But she does the big bits well.
Nicklas4500 8 months ago
her voice, her style, the power ...breath taking!
AlphaSigma10 8 months ago
more than amazing
Suleimandk 8 months ago
The rejection of promise, the supression of hope, the reason to live
are all confronted in this powerful lyric/melody/performance.
I believe. I empathize. I cry.
Barbetta
johnnyB5155 9 months ago
I first heard this song sung by Nina Simone. I memorized the French & English lyrics and sang it as a lullaby to my newborn son. It is impossible for me to sing this song without descending into abject weeping. It is burned into my heart...
Medusarants 9 months ago 28
I heard this song for the first time sung by Damita Jo - back in 196...... and I fell in love with the melody and the lyrics.
I think Edith Piaf also sings it with lots of feeling, but, I don't understand a word she's saying. Nevertheless, I enjoy listesning to her over and over.
AlDomin45 9 months ago
are the lyrics in the french version of this song as heart-pounding as in this english version . I can't imagine any human who has ever loved, not to feel down striken by the rupture of a romantic love affair
AlDomin45 9 months ago
@AlDomin45 Absolutely. Brel always has wonderful lyrics, both in meaning and in sound. My belief is that "ne me quite pas" as sung by Brel can't be topped. But out of all the English versions I heard this is definitely the best.
7Tigris 9 months ago
subtle, it aint....but it's very dramatic and interesting and a vocal tour de force. remarkable, but not as brilliant or moving as dusty...the trouble with bassey is that it's all performance and show...a circus act, who happens to be able to sing a bit.
uclrichard 9 months ago
I've literally just went through youtube and listened to all the versions of this song available...this is by far the BEST!!! <3
FierceDion86 9 months ago
Say it again, Ebdan88 !!!! Jaques Brel....poet!!!! N'est Pa?
IMAGIO1952 9 months ago
Say it again, Ebdan88 !!!!
IMAGIO1952 9 months ago
very well done,but her voice is to powerfull,this song should be sung silently,i love her,but she should not sing this song
Hubraoul 10 months ago
@Hubraoul for me that is why it worked. Her voice has the effect of thunder, ...of impending doom, ...a dread and warning that he should not leave her...it worked for me big time. Of course it helps that I heard her version before the original(which doesn't do much for me).
Rosannasfriend 9 months ago
@Rosannasfriend luckily we can have differant opinions!you are right;her voice is like thunder!!! i prefer this song ,sung sadly,heee,that is why we are human;we can be different!anyway;if music touches the soul....it has reached it's goal,don't you agree?
Hubraoul 9 months ago
@Hubraoul I guess my point was she does sing it sadly, but yes I do agree with the rest of your post. :)
Rosannasfriend 9 months ago
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blackwidow6966 10 months ago
Way better than Dusty Springfield, Shirley's voice is so out of this world, what a powerful voice!
theoneandonly2503 10 months ago
this song has nothing to do with Brel´s original.. only the melody is the same. the lyrics are totally different. the meaning of brel´s original was different... there is only one german singer who did a perfect interpretation of the original. (brel´s wife or his daughter´s words) .. "ne me quitte pas" (original titel) means "dont leave me" and not " if you go away" .. shirley bassey is a great singer and she does a good job with this song. but no one can mediate Brel´s feelings like himself
MsJoyTe 10 months ago
@MsJoyTe sorry for the double post, something went wrong here.. cant delete it :(
MsJoyTe 10 months ago
@MsJoyTe if you knew anything about language, you would understand why the lyrics could not be interpreted perfectly and fit the music and the rhythm of the song at the same time. There are rhyming issues and how many words it takes to make the same point. YOu settle instead to get the same general message out using some different words or sentences. The song is still about not wanting someone to leave, and is still romantic, that is all one can ask for. I am shocked how many ppl here can't figu
Rosannasfriend 10 months ago
@MsJoyTe figure this obvious fact out, but there you have it.
Rosannasfriend 10 months ago
this song has nothing to do with Brel´s original.. only the melody is the same. the lyrics are totally different. the meaning of brel´s original was different... there is only one german singer who did a perfect interpretation of the original. (brel´s wife or his daughter´s words) .. "ne me quitte pas" (original titel) means "dont leave me" and not " if you go away" .. shirley bassey is a great singer and she does a good job with this song. but no one can mediate Brel´s feelings like himself
MsJoyTe 10 months ago
these words gets me and her talent grip me :]
zneelrahc 10 months ago
LOLoutloud
johnnyfarout 10 months ago
Long after my bones have fossilized, I hope some one will play this timeless melody at my grave site so I can stand up and dance while shaking my bony fist in protest against time, life and futility of it all. I will want to reach inside my bony chest to touch the empty spot where my heart had been, and shout out loud words of intimate to those lost souls that got to love ad those sorry ones that missed to love.
I will want haven to know that I am for ever against it, even in my cold grave.
Aliof 10 months ago
The Best - I did not appreciate Shirley Bassey, but as time went on by, she is a Diva, a superstar of all time.....
Guyana531 10 months ago
Come on! I'm french and I can tell how much Jacque Brel's version sucks comparing to this one. Who cares he took all the credit ?!
Superficiel888 11 months ago
@Superficiel888 lol. What a refreshing viewpoint!
Rosannasfriend 10 months ago
it is sooooo much sexier in french
cochylidae 11 months ago
FANTASTIC!!! AMAZING!!!
glasnostphil 11 months ago
FANTASTIC!!!
glasnostphil 11 months ago
where's morecombe and wise?
uclrichard 11 months ago
I've had French speaking friends explain that Jacques lyrics did not translate to English in a melodic presentation. They say Rod adapted Jacque's incredible song to flow with english lyrics.
ztlost 11 months ago
jacques brel ne me quitte pas lyrics- SHIRLEY BASSEY- GREAT SINGER -Rod McKuen - YOU ARE A GREAT GUY...BUT YOU DID NOT WRITE THE SONG...YOU TANSLATE IT!.
rcaciamf 11 months ago
what a voice!!!!!!!!!
ulv1981 11 months ago
Forget the intro ... just let the Diva sing, I'm in heaven!
malaybabe 11 months ago
NO one, and i mean NO ONE does it like her...:-)
Ebdan88 11 months ago 35
@Ebdan88 Have you ever heard Nina Simone sing it I think they both are incredible Nina's version is called "Ne me quite pas"
redprowlingdevil55 8 months ago
@Ebdan88
puisull 8 months ago
@Ebdan88 Sorry but Dusty Springfield blows Shirley and all others away when it comes to this song. Dusty is untouchable
wccfl07 7 months ago
@wccfl07 well I heard Dusty's own and I feel the exact opposite, though hers is good.
Rosannasfriend 7 months ago
@Ebdan88
My gay friend ADORES Shirley - but also loves Dusty. There is room enough to love lots of people - in case you all have not heard. It's not a challenge or competition - you can appreciate all versions!
Lillyvon 7 months ago 20
@Lillyvon It's all good.
freshair3451 4 months ago
@Lillyvon What is this in common with your gayish friend???
tarabanful 2 months ago
@Ebdan88 nina simone does it better , but both are amazing!
83Niusha83 7 months ago
@Ebdan88 nina simone does it better , but both are amazing! watch?v=CeSYRoj34oA
83Niusha83 7 months ago
@Ebdan88 Jacques Brel does it a bit better
DanBlabbers 6 months ago 2
you didn't write the song punk!!
yoheff988 11 months ago
LISTEN MORE AND SPEAK LESS ,PLEEEAAAAAAAAAAASE
yaminovitchable 11 months ago 2
@MikeySTRANGELUVJacko what an insightful comment.
Rosannasfriend 11 months ago
YOU DID NOT WRITE THIS SONG
BREL DID, WHEN HE WAS IN PAIN
MsTania66 11 months ago
very romatic song by very powerful sound
INNOCENTAWORLD 11 months ago
It doesnt even translate in the same way. Jaques Brel is much more beautiful in my opinion. You can see it translated on one of the Jaques Brel videos. " Don't Leave Me" , not ....." If You Go Away" No, He's not the best singer in the world, but I prefer the French lyrics.
shawnmegorden1 1 year ago
@shawnmegorden1 I just don't get why ppl come here and don't get that we've read this same opinion enough times. Ok, his lyrics are better. You can scroll down and see that hundreds have agreed with you. It isn't something suppressed, a minority opinion dying to get out. We get it. The lyrics suck! We've been beaten over the head with it, and you guys can calm down and move on!
Rosannasfriend 1 year ago
@shawnmegorden1 I speak 3 languages...the lyrics have to match the music..it's difficult to do. The lyrics are not bad at all in English. Comparing is pointless :-)
TheSamara89kitten 1 year ago
It doesnt even translate in the same way. Jaques Brel is much more beautiful in my opinion. You can see it translated on one of the Jaques Brel videos. " Don't Leave Me" , not ....." If You Go Away"
shawnmegorden1 1 year ago
i"m only goin the match for christ sake
5050zulu1 1 year ago
Well, what is said in the English's version is far from what is said in the French one
MrJIsBack 1 year ago
Ok. Brel is an excellent songwriter (and performer/actor) and Shirley Bassey is an excellent singer. But Rod McKuen is an absolute disgrace to society for lying on camera. He makes me sick; I have no respect for people like this clown.
AlejandroDeLaVega7 1 year ago
@AlejandroDeLaVega7 I was pretty pissed too, but I wonder if he was instructed to say this for an American audience. I mean, half of the listeners probably have no idea where France or Belgium (Brel's birthplace) are!
bartonim 1 year ago
The original song was "Ne me quitte pas " by Jaques Brel and translated to English by Terry Jacks for Frank Sinatra
washapo 1 year ago
Dusty's version is absolutely beautifully sung (and i agree, Ms. bassey is waaay too dramatic) HOWEVER, it is to be 'BEGGED'. Search for 'za_6A0XnMyw' and let me know what you think.
geepee3999 1 year ago
@geepee3999 no way. With the tragic lyrics of this song, you can be as dramatic as you damned well please. The way she did it made me feel the emotions more strongly than I would have otherwise. I also love Jacques version, and to me that is even more dramatic and raw anyway. Dusty's is good too.
Rosannasfriend 1 year ago
Too much melodrama, very little emotion.
squeakymonkfish 1 year ago
Absolutely rediculous he dares say he 'wrote the song' without crediting Jaques Brel. For all you English speaking fans who think this video is 'awesome', please watch this, read the words and watch it again, and again. Then pass on to your friends one of the most amazing performances of one of the most amazing songs: za_6A0XnMyw
geepee3999 1 year ago
I think I have heard every version there is of this beautiful song. Shirley and Dusty
version are tops in my opinion. One of the best song I have ever heard
tunenut122 1 year ago
@tunenut122 Dusty owns this song. Her version IS the best.
Eamonn20a 1 year ago
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isiscy 1 year ago
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5050zulu1 1 year ago
he did not write this song whoever the fuck he is just did a tame translation of a J Brel song...
STEVEFINNERTY 1 year ago
Yes indeed, McKuen did not write that spellbinding song, and his translation from the original text is poor, full of appalling clichés... But it seems that even the most mundane phrases sound out of this world when sung by Miss Bassey.
tullypring 1 year ago
Bravissima Shirley !! E' tra le mie cantanti preferite.
Ascoltate anche NON ANDARE VIA (Ne me quitte pas, in italian)
della grande Dalida.
dalitaly 1 year ago
@dalitaly DUSTY is MUCH BETTER.
Eamonn20a 1 year ago
Shirley Bassey for me 1 of five best women singers ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!
God bless u with a talent shirley and us...to hear u and LOVE !!!!!!!
12fame36 1 year ago
all right then, I'm stayin
itnow 1 year ago 2
@itnow LOL.
Rosannasfriend 1 year ago
You cannot "translate" a song from one language into another because words don't have the same lenght, sentences are not built up in the same way, and words that rhyme with one another in French don't necessarily rhyme in English and vice versa. Either you keep the spirit of the song and adapt it in your own language,which is the case here, or you sing something completely different (like it is the case with Comme d'habitude (meaning As usual) that became My Way in English).