About the song
Paul Young – “Everytime You Go Away”: A Soulful Anthem of Longing and Heartache
Released in 1985, “Everytime You Go Away” became one of the most defining hits of Paul Young’s career and a standout ballad of the 1980s. The song, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, remains a beloved classic that combines smooth pop production with soul-inspired vocals and a deeply emotional narrative of loss, longing, and the pain of separation.
Though many listeners associate the song solely with Paul Young, “Everytime You Go Away” was originally written and recorded by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates, appearing on their 1980 album Voices. However, Hall & Oates never released it as a single, and it wasn’t until Paul Young’s interpretive cover that the song received global recognition and acclaim.
Musical Arrangement and Style
Paul Young’s version of “Everytime You Go Away” showcases his distinctive voice, which blends British pop with deep American soul and R&B influences. The song’s arrangement is gentle yet emotionally charged. The instrumentation includes a haunting synth backdrop, a melodic fretless bass line by Pino Palladino, and subtle guitar and keyboard flourishes that create a sense of atmosphere and emotional weight.
One of the most notable features of the song is its minimalist yet rich production. Producer Laurie Latham opted for a sound that gave space for Paul Young’s expressive vocals, allowing the lyrics and melody to shine without overwhelming them with excessive instrumentation. The result is a track that feels both intimate and grand, simple yet emotionally layered.
Lyrical Themes
At its core, “Everytime You Go Away” is a song about emotional vulnerability and the pain of being left behind. The lyrics convey a message of deep affection and devotion, contrasted with the heartache caused by repeated goodbyes. The chorus captures this perfectly:
“Everytime you go away / You take a piece of me with you.”
These lines are not only memorable but also deeply relatable. The song speaks to anyone who has experienced the sorrow of watching someone they love walk away—whether temporarily or permanently. It doesn’t just lament the absence, but underscores the emotional toll that absence takes on a person’s soul.
Paul Young delivers the lyrics with genuine emotion and restraint, never over-singing, but instead letting the sadness and tenderness of the song speak for themselves. His version taps into something universal—the need for love, the fear of loss, and the quiet devastation that comes with emotional separation.
Chart Performance and Reception
“Everytime You Go Away” was a massive international success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1985, becoming Paul Young’s biggest hit in the United States. It also charted highly in the UK, Canada, Ireland, and several European countries, solidifying his status as an international pop star during the mid-1980s.
Critically, the song was praised for its emotional sincerity and Young’s vocal performance. It was nominated for several awards and became a staple on radio stations, music video channels, and later, romantic compilations. The track remains one of the best examples of blue-eyed soul—a term used to describe soulful music performed by white artists with authenticity and depth.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
In the decades since its release, “Everytime You Go Away” has retained its emotional power. It has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials—often used to underscore themes of heartbreak or poignant farewell.
Paul Young continues to perform the song live, and it remains a fan favorite. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the strength of its composition, the quality of its arrangement, and the heartfelt honesty of the performance. For many, it is a quintessential breakup ballad—a song that encapsulates the sorrow of losing someone you deeply care about.
The success of “Everytime You Go Away” also helped introduce a broader audience to Paul Young’s music, which includes a mix of pop, soul, and R&B influences. It stands as a shining example of the emotional depth that 1980s pop music could achieve when crafted with sincerity and artistic care.
Conclusion
“Everytime You Go Away” by Paul Young is more than just a chart-topping hit from the 1980s—it is a timeless expression of love, loss, and emotional vulnerability. Through its soul-inspired vocals, subtle production, and heartfelt lyrics, the song continues to resonate with listeners around the world. It reminds us that even in separation, love leaves a lasting imprint—a piece of ourselves that goes with the one we cherish.