About the song
Ah, the 1960s. An era of incredible social and cultural change, reflected in the music that dominated the airwaves. While the British Invasion was in full swing and Motown was finding its groove, a unique blend of pop and doo-wop emerged from Cincinnati, Ohio, in the form of The Casinos. Their sound was smooth, their harmonies tight, and their biggest hit, “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” remains a timeless classic that perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet pangs of young love.
Released in 1967, “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” wasn’t just another catchy tune; it was a song with a story to tell. Penned by the prolific songwriter John D. Loudermilk, the lyrics paint a picture of a relationship on the brink. The narrator, with a mix of vulnerability and defiance, lays out the conditions for his love: “If you think you can’t be true, then you can tell me goodbye.” It’s a sentiment that resonates across generations, capturing that universal fear of heartbreak and the desire for genuine connection.
The Casinos’ rendition of “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” is particularly special. Their smooth vocals, backed by a gentle, swaying melody, create an atmosphere of both melancholy and hope. The song builds beautifully, with soaring harmonies and a touch of orchestration that adds depth and emotion without overpowering the simplicity of the message. It’s a testament to the group’s talent and the enduring appeal of well-crafted pop music.
What truly sets “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” apart is its timeless quality. Decades after its release, the song continues to touch hearts and evoke memories. Whether you experienced it firsthand in the ’60s or discovered it later, the music transports you back to a time of innocence and heartfelt emotion. It’s a reminder that some feelings, like love and loss, are universal and transcend the boundaries of time.
So, let’s take a step back in time and revisit this gem from The Casinos. Let the lush harmonies and poignant lyrics of “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” wash over you, and perhaps you’ll find yourself reminiscing about your own experiences with love, loss, and the enduring power of music.
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Lyrics
Kiss-me each morning for a million years
Hold me each evening by your side
Tell me you’ll love me for a million years
Then if it don’t work out
Then if it don’t work out
Then you can tell me, goodbye
Sweeten my coffee with a morning kiss
Soften my dreams with your sighs
Tell-me you’ll love me for a million years
Then if it don’t work out
Then if it don’t work out
Then you can tell me goodbye
If you must go, oh no, I won’t grieve
If you wait a lifetime before you leave
Then if you must go
(Mmm)
I won’t tell you no
Just so that we can say we tried
Tell me you’ll love me for a million years
Then if it don’t work out
Then if it don’t work out
Then you can tell me goodbye