About the song
Since I Don’t Have You,” a poignant ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades, is a testament to the enduring power of music. This song, a collaborative effort by Jackie Taylor, James Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Joseph Rock, Joe Verscharen, Lennie Martin, and Wally Lester, first gained prominence in 1958 as a hit single for the doo-wop group, the Skyliners. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics.
The song’s melancholic tone and the group’s harmonious vocals perfectly capture the emotional turmoil of longing and loss. The lyrics express a deep sense of yearning for a loved one who is no longer present. The refrain, “Since I don’t have you, my life is incomplete,” is a powerful declaration of the emptiness that accompanies absence.
The Skyliners’ version of “Since I Don’t Have You” became an iconic example of the doo-wop genre, characterized by its close harmonies, simple instrumentation, and evocative lyrics. The group’s performance is both raw and emotive, conveying a genuine sense of heartbreak.
Over the years, the song has been reinterpreted by various artists, each offering their own unique perspective on the original. Ronnie Milsap’s country music rendition brought a fresh take on the ballad, infusing it with a twangy sensibility. Guns N’ Roses’ hard rock version, while significantly different in style, also captured the song’s emotional core.
“Since I Don’t Have You” remains a beloved classic, its enduring popularity a testament to its universal appeal. The song’s timeless message of love, loss, and longing continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.
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Lyrics
I don’t have plans and schemes
And I don’t have hopes and dreams
I don’t have anything
Since I don’t have you
I don’t have fond desires
And I don’t have happy hours
I don’t have anything
Since I don’t have you
I don’t have happiness, and I guess
I never will again
When you walked out on me
In walked old misery
And he’s been here since then
I don’t have love to share
And I don’t have one who cares
I don’t have anything
Since I don’t have
You, you, you, you
You, you, you, you
You, you, you, you
(You)