“Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”

Beginning their album of duets on a gentle cloud of blissful romanticism, Ray Charles and Betty Carter’s version of “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” serves as an introduction to the two singers who will take the starring roles in the series of moments and mini-dramas that will unfold over the next twelve songs.

“Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” was written by Cole Porter for the 1944 revue The Seven Lively Arts, where it was first sung by Nan Wynn. It has become a standard covered by a wide range of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Milsap, and Lady Gaga. Sideshow Bob even performed it in an early episode of The Simpsons.

As for Ray Charles and Betty Carter, this is not so much a duet but a prelude to the album for the benefit of the listeners. Ray sings the lyrics by himself first, taking his sweet time and floating through the pretty melody with absolute mastery. His voice heaves with delicacy and longing but he is clearly in command: ladies and gentlemen, the part of the Man will be played by Ray Charles!

Then it’s Betty’s turn. With her ultra-clear tones, she sings the same lyrics that Ray just sang, taking the same time and mirroring his sense of urgency and dependency on the other. Her purity both complements and contrasts with Ray’s voice, though she lets her vocals dip down into a sultriness on a couple of words just to give a little intriguing roughness to her otherwise astonishing clarity. The part of the Woman will be played by Ms. Betty Carter, how about a round of applause!

When Betty sings her final line, Ray comes and joins her for a final iteration of the song’s title – their first moment together; the two disparate streams are finally made one. Adding some color to the edges are the Jack Halloran Singers, though they are kept comparatively quiet on this recording.

The lyrics of “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” are high melodrama, an almost histrionic expression of self-pity that takes hold whenever ones beloved has to part. The relationship isn’t in danger, it’s just that parting is such sweet sorrow:

Every time we say goodbye, I die a little
Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little
Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know,
Think so little of me they allow you to go

As this project was a musical collaboration, “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” is a good choice to start it off since it uses music as a metaphor for the together-then-apart dynamic: “How strange the change from major to minor,” the lovers each ponder.

Marty Paich arranged the songs on the Ray Charles And Betty Carter album, including “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”, and producer Sid Feller mentions the song in his wearyingly hype-heavy liner notes:

…all of us agreed that their rendition of “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” was, again, one of those fabulous recording triumphs which should become a classic. This one gave me a great personal “boot,” and both the engineer and I smiled about the fact that we both had gooseflesh as we listened to the take. I think you’ll experience the same emotion – each time you hear this one!

Listen to “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”

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