About the song
“We Don’t Talk Anymore” is a poignant song that marks a significant moment in Cliff Richard’s storied career. Released in 1979, this track was written by Alan Tarney and produced by Bruce Welch, the rhythm guitarist of The Shadows. The song quickly captured the public’s heart, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in August 1979 and staying at the top for four weeks. This achievement made it Richard’s tenth UK number one and his first since “Congratulations” in 1968.
The story behind the song is as interesting as its success. Alan Tarney originally intended the song for an album with the Tarney/Spencer Band. However, during a recording break for another project, Bruce Welch heard the demo and immediately recognized its potential. Believing that only Cliff Richard could do justice to the song, Welch contacted Richard’s manager. The track was swiftly recorded in May 1979 at RG Jones Recording Studios in Wimbledon.
Despite initial reservations about the song’s fit with his upcoming album *Rock ‘n’ Roll Juvenile*, Richard was persuaded to include it after its unexpected success. The single was released as a stop-gap between albums, and its popularity led to Tarney producing Richard’s subsequent albums, *I’m No Hero* and *Wired for Sound*. The track’s success was so impactful that Richard admitted it should have been on *I’m No Hero*.
The single’s B-side, “Count Me Out,” was another highlight, and in some European countries, a 12-inch single featured an extended remix of the song. Although a remixed version was released in the early 1990s, it did not replicate the original’s chart success.
“We Don’t Talk Anymore” was a major commercial triumph, selling over 4 million copies worldwide and topping charts in numerous countries including the UK, Germany, and Austria. It also reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making Richard the first artist to chart in the top 40 across four decades. The song’s enduring appeal was underscored by its inclusion as the sixth video aired on MTV during its launch in 1981.
The song’s success not only reaffirmed Richard’s prominence in the music industry but also marked a high point in his career as he approached his 39th birthday. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and enduring appeal.
Video
Lyrics
Used to think that life was sweet
Used to think we were so complete
I can’t believe you’d throw it away
Used to feel we had it made
Used to feel we could sail away
Can you imagine how I feel today?
Well, it seems a long time ago
You were the lonely one
Now it comes to letting go
You are the only one
Do you know what you’ve done?
It’s so funny how we don’t talk anymore
It’s so funny, why we don’t talk anymore?
But I ain’t losing sleep and I ain’t counting sheep
It’s so funny how we don’t talk anymore
Oh, we don’t talk, ooh
Well, it really doesn’t matter to me
I guess your leaving was meant to be
It’s down to you now, you wanna be free
Well, I hope you know which way to go
You’re on your own again
Don’t come crying to me when you’re the lonely one
Remember what you’ve done
Oh, it’s so funny how we don’t talk anymore
It’s so funny, why we don’t talk anymore?
But I ain’t losing sleep and I ain’t counting sheep
No, no, no
It’s so funny how we don’t talk anymore, anymore
Oh, we don’t talk anymore
Ooh, we don’t talk anymore
But I ain’t, no, losing sleep
No, I ain’t counting sheep
No, no, no, no
It’s so funny how we don’t talk anymore, anymore
Oh, we don’t talk, oh, we don’t talk