As time goes on, this heartbreak song grows in meaning as we say farewell to more and more pop and rock stars, and there's none better than to pay tribute the recently departed Moody Blues frontman Ray Thomas. The Birmingham band's version was a hit in 1965, and is notable not just for the Thomas leading the vocals, and some great backing harmonies by the others, but the pub piano that somehow turns into lush orchestration and early psychedelia, not to mention the Bohemian Rhapsody promo video that came 10 years before that of Queen.
We could have gone with the even better known Night in White Satin, but somehow this one seems more appropriate. Penned by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett. it was first recorded in 1964 by Larry Banks's former wife, Bessie Banks. A 1962 demo recording by Bessie of the song was heard by songwriters and producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who re-recorded it in late 1963, with arrangement by Gary Sherman and backing vocals from Dee Dee Warwick and Cissy Houston. Also great, it's included here for comparison.
We've already said goodbye
Since you've got to go
Oh you'd better go now
Go now, Go now
Go now
Before you see me cry
I don't want you to tell me just what you intend to do now
'Cause how many times do I have to tell you, darling, darling
I'm still in love with you now?
We've already said so long
I don't want to see you go
Oh you'd better go now
Go now, Go now
Go now
Don't you even try...
Telling me that you really don't want me to end this way
'Cause darling, darling
Can't you see I want you to stay?
Since you've got to go
Oh you'd better go now
Go now, Go now
Go now
Before you see me cry
I don't want you to tell me just what you intend to do now
'Cause how many times do I have to tell you, darling, darling
I'm still in love, still in love with you now?
I don't want to see you go
But, darling, you'd better go now.
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