About the song
Bon Jovi, the iconic American rock band, has gifted us with countless anthems that have resonated with audiences for decades. Among their vast repertoire, “Never Say Goodbye” stands out as a poignant and heartfelt ballad. Released in 1987 as part of their groundbreaking album “Slippery When Wet,” this track showcased a softer side of the band, contrasting with the high-energy rock songs that had propelled them to stardom.
Despite not being officially released as a single in the United States, “Never Say Goodbye” quickly captured the hearts of fans. Its soaring vocals, delivered with raw emotion by Jon Bon Jovi, combined with the melancholic melody and powerful guitar riffs, created a timeless piece of music. The song’s lyrical depth explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.
“Never Say Goodbye” is a power ballad in the truest sense. Its slow tempo and drawn-out vocals provide a stark contrast to the faster-paced tracks on “Slippery When Wet.” The song’s musical structure, featuring a progression through the keys of A major, C♯ minor, D major, and D minor, adds to its emotional impact.
While Richie Sambora’s lead vocals can be heard on some early demos and alternate takes, Jon Bon Jovi’s signature voice ultimately took center stage on the final version. His passionate delivery brings the song’s lyrics to life, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
“Never Say Goodbye” has endured as a fan favorite over the years, and Bon Jovi continues to perform it live in concert. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time, this ballad is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
As I sit in this smokey room
The night about to end
I pass my time with strangers
But this bottle’s my only friend
Rememberin’ when we used to park
On Butler Street, out in the dark
Remember when we lost the keys and
You lost more than that in my backseat, baby
Remember how we used to talk
About busting out, we’d break their hearts
Together, forever
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
You and me and my old friends
Hoping it would never end
Say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Holdin’ on, we’ve gotta try
Holdin’ on to never say goodbye
Remember days of skipping school
Racing cars and being cool
With a six pack and the radio
We didn’t need no place to go
Remember at the prom that night
You and me, we had a fight
But the band they played our favorite song
And I held you in my arms so strong
We danced so close
We danced so slow
And I swore I’d never let you go
Together, forever
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
You and me and my old friends
Hoping it would never end
Say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Holdin’ on we’ve gotta try
Holdin’ on to never say goodbye
Oh, and I guess you’d say
We used to talk about busting out
We’d break their hearts
Together, forever
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
You and me and my old friends
Hoping it would never end
Say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Holdin’ on, we gotta try
Holdin’ on to never say goodbye, yeah yeah