About the song

The Carpenters, known for their smooth and melodic sound, often brought a unique touch to the songs they performed. One such memorable performance is their *Bacharach Medley*, showcased during their live concerts. This medley is a tribute to the legendary composer Burt Bacharach, whose songwriting genius has left an indelible mark on popular music. The Carpenters, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter, were particularly adept at blending their voices and instruments in a way that brought out the emotional depth of Bacharach’s compositions.

The *Bacharach Medley* performed by The Carpenters is a beautifully crafted collection of some of Bacharach’s most iconic songs, seamlessly woven together. The medley typically includes hits like “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” which was also one of The Carpenters’ signature songs, as well as other Bacharach classics such as “Walk On By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” Each of these songs carries its own distinct emotion and musical style, yet The Carpenters managed to blend them into a cohesive and engaging performance.

Karen Carpenter’s voice, known for its warmth and clarity, brought a new dimension to these well-loved songs. Her ability to convey emotion through her vocal delivery made the medley particularly powerful. Richard Carpenter’s skillful arrangements and piano playing complemented Karen’s vocals perfectly, ensuring that the medley was not just a simple run-through of popular songs, but a carefully considered and heartfelt tribute.

Performing this medley live was no small feat. The complexity of Bacharach’s music, with its unusual time signatures and intricate melodies, required a high level of musicianship. The Carpenters, with their deep understanding of music and their meticulous approach to performance, were able to meet this challenge with ease. Their live performances of the *Bacharach Medley* were always well-received by audiences, who appreciated both the nostalgia of the songs and the fresh interpretation brought by The Carpenters.

The *Bacharach Medley* remains a standout in The Carpenters’ live repertoire, showcasing their talent for interpreting and performing some of the most challenging and beloved songs of the time. It’s a testament to their musical prowess and their deep respect for the work of Burt Bacharach, making it a cherished piece for both Carpenters’ fans and lovers of classic pop music alike.

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Lyrics

Knowing When To Leave

Go while the going is good
Knowing when to leave may be
The smartest thing anyone can learn, go!
I’m afraid my heart isn’t very smart
Fly while your still have your wings
Knowing when to leave never let you reach
The point of no return, fly!

Foolish as it seems

I still have my dreams
So I keep hoping, day after day
As I wait for the man I need
Night after night as I wish
For a love that can be
Though I’m sure that no one can tell where their
Wishes and hopes will lead, somehow I feel
There is hapiness waiting for me

When someone walks in your life

You just better be sure it’s right
‘Cause if he’s wrong, there’s are heartaches and tears you must pay
Keep both of your eyes on the door
Never let it get out of sight
Just be prepared when the time has come
You run away
Sail when the wind starts to blow
Bul like a fool I don’t know when to leave

Make It Easy On Yourself

And make it easy on yourself
Make it easy on yourself, easy on yourself
‘Cause breaking up si so very hard to do

(There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me

If you should find you miss
The sweet and tender love we used to share
Love we used to share
Just go back to the places where we used to go
And I’ll be there
Oh, how can I forget you
When there is always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me
I was born to love you
I will never be free
You’ll always be a part of me
When there is always something there to remind me
I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
Don’t tell me what it’s all about
‘Cause I’ve been there and I’m glad I’m out
Out of those chains those chains that bind you
That is why I’m here to remind you

What do you get when you fall in love?

You only get lies and pain and sorrow
So, for at least, until tomorrow
I’ll never fall in love again
Oh, I’ll never fall in love again

Walk On By

If you see me walkin’ down the street
And I start to cry each time we meet
Walk on by, walk on by
Make believe you don’t see the tears
Just let me grief in private
‘Cause each time I see you I break down and cry
Walk on by
I just can’t get over losing you
So if I should seem broken and blue
Walk on by, walk on by
Foolish pride that’s all that I have left
So let me have the tears and the sadness that you gave me
When you said good-bye
Walk on by, by

Do You Know The Way To San Jose

Do you know the way to San Jose?
I’ve been away so long
I may go wrong and lose my way
Do you know the way to San Jose?
I’m going back to find some place of mind in San Jose
L.A. is a great big freeway
Put a hundred down a by a car
In a week, maybe two they’ll make you a star
Weeks turn into years, how quick they pass
And all the stars there never were
Are parking cars and pumping gas
I’ve got lots of friends in San Jose
Can’t wait to get back to San Jose
Do you know the way to San Jose?

By Tam Le