Introduction
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a track from the 1976 album by the American R&B vocal group The Manhattans. Crafted by Winfred Lovett, a member of the group and the bass singer and songwriter, Lovett also delivered the spoken introduction to the song. Recorded for the 1976 album titled “The Manhattans,” which Columbia Records released, the song hit the airwaves as a single in March of the same year. The global success of “Kiss and Say Goodbye” is evident in its presence on musical charts across numerous countries, securing a Top 10 position in various nations. Notably, it clinched the No. 1 spot in the United States, Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, and on the European Hot 100 Singles chart. Exceptionally, on the Adult Contemporary Chart, it didn’t secure the top position, but across all other Pop Singles Charts and R&B Singles Charts in the U.S., “Kiss and Say Goodbye” claimed the number 1 spot. The song, resonating widely, emerged as one of the major hits not only in 1976 but also throughout the 1970s.
The composition of the song “Kiss and Say Goodbye” can be attributed to Winfred “Blue” Lovett, the bass singer for The Manhattans. Lovett, who also delivered the spoken introduction present in both the full-length LP version and the commercial single (though omitted from the DJ 45), revealed that the inspiration for the lyrics and melody struck him late one night. Recalling the creative process, he mentioned, “Everything was there. I got up about three o’clock in the morning and jotted down the things I wanted to say. I just put the words together on my tape recorder and little piano. I’ve always thought that when you write slow songs, they have to have meaning. In this case, it’s the love triangle situation we’ve all been through. I figured anyone who’s been in love could relate to it. And it seemed to touch home for a lot of folks.”
Interestingly, Lovett initially envisioned the song as a country tune more suited for vocalists like Glen Campbell or Charley Pride. However, he ultimately chose to perform it with his group. In the song, The Manhattans’ lead singer, Gerald Alston, takes the spotlight, commencing his vocal part after Lovett’s spoken introduction.
The initial demo of the song featured The Manhattans’ backing band, “Little Harlem.” After a review of the recording tape, producer/arranger Bobby Martin opted to re-record the song, this time with backing by MFSB at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Recorded in early 1975, Columbia Records delayed the release of the song for 14 months. Winfred “Blue” Lovett expressed reservations about both the timing of the release and certain aspects of the recording. He noted, “I was critical, a perfectionist in the studio, and there are still parts of it that make my skin crawl. For example, in one place, the background vocals go off pitch. Somehow, though, that didn’t seem to bother anyone else.”
Video
Lyrics
This has got to be the saddest day of my life
I called you here today for a bit of bad news
I won’t be able to see you anymore
Because of my obligations, and the ties that you have
We’ve been meeting here everyday
And since this is our last day together
I wanna hold you just one more time
When you turn and walk away, don’t look back
I wanna remember you just like this
Let’s just kiss and say goodbyeI had to meet you here today
There’s just so many things to say
Please don’t stop me ’till I’m through
This is something I hate to do
We’ve been meeting here so long
I guess what we done, oh was wrong
Please darling, don’t you cry
Let’s just kiss and say goodbyeMany months have passed us by
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’m gonna miss you, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’ve got ties, and so do you
I just think this is the thing to do
It’s gonna hurt me, I can’t lie
Maybe you’ll meet, you’ll meet another guy
Understand me, won’t you try, try, try, try, try, try, try
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye(I’m gonna miss you)
I’m gonna miss you, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
Understand me, won’t you try
(I’m gonna miss you)
It’s gonna hurt me, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
Take my handkerchief, wipe your eyes
(I’m gonna miss you)
Maybe you’ll find, you’ll find another guy
(I’m gonna miss you)
Let’s kiss and say goodbye, pretty baby
(I’m gonna miss you)
Please, don’t you cry
(I’m gonna miss you)
Understand me, won’t you try
(I’m gonna miss you)
Let’s just kiss
And say goodbye