Paul Young – Everytime You Go Away: Lyrics and Music Video

"Everytime You Go Away" by Paul Young is a soulful ballad about heartbreak and longing. Originally written by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates and first recorded by them in 1980, Paul Young’s 1985 cover became a major hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Known for its rich, emotional tone and powerful vocals, Young’s version added depth to the song with its soulful arrangement, becoming one of the defining breakup ballads of the 1980s.

Key Details:

• Release Date: February 1985
• Album: The Secret of Association
• Writer: Daryl Hall
• Producer: Laurie Latham

Themes and Meaning:

• Heartache and Longing: The lyrics express the pain and emptiness that come with being separated from someone you love. It’s about the emotional toll of being apart, even if only temporarily.

• Vulnerability and Devotion: The song captures the vulnerability of someone who feels incomplete without their partner, showcasing the intense feelings of love and dependence.

Lyrics Overview:

The chorus highlights the deep sense of longing and heartache:

• "Every time you go away, you take a piece of me with you."

These lines speak to the emotional impact of separation, conveying how the loss of a loved one can feel like losing a part of oneself.

Musical Style:

• Soulful Pop Ballad with Gospel Influences: Young’s version of the song is characterized by its soulful arrangement, featuring prominent bass, warm synths, and gospel-like backing vocals.

• Emotive Vocals: Paul Young’s expressive delivery enhances the song’s emotional impact, making it a powerful ballad that resonates with listeners.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:
  • "Everytime You Go Away" became a worldwide hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and charting high in multiple countries.

The song’s success solidified Paul Young’s presence in the music industry and remains one of his most recognized songs.

Background and Creation:

• From Hall & Oates to Paul Young: Though written by Daryl Hall, the song wasn’t a major hit until Young’s cover, which took a more soulful approach. Young’s version brought a new emotional intensity that helped it resonate with a broader audience.

• Unique Interpretation: Young’s rendition emphasized the song’s emotional depth, bringing out the longing and vulnerability in the lyrics, which contributed to its success as a ballad.

Legacy and Reception:

• Enduring Popularity: "Everytime You Go Away" has remained a popular breakup song and is frequently featured in 80s playlists and romantic ballad collections.

• Signature Song for Paul Young: Although Paul Young has several hits, this song is often seen as his signature piece, representing the pinnacle of his career and showcasing his unique vocal style.

• Critical and Fan Acclaim: Both fans and critics praised Young’s heartfelt interpretation and powerful voice, which made the song a memorable ballad that continues to touch listeners.

Cultural Impact:

• Breakup Anthem: The song has become a go-to anthem for heartbreak, often used in movies, TV shows, and playlists that explore themes of love and loss.

• 80s Love Ballad Classic: As a quintessential 80s ballad, "Everytime You Go Away" captures the decade’s penchant for soulful, heartfelt songs about relationships.

In Summary:

"Everytime You Go Away" by Paul Young is an iconic 80s ballad about love, longing, and the emotional toll of separation. Released in 1985, it became a worldwide hit and a defining song of Young’s career. With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful arrangement, and powerful vocal performance, the song remains a beloved classic and a quintessential anthem of heartbreak from the 80s.