About the Song

“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a classic 1976 hit by the American R&B vocal group The Manhattans. Written by Winfred “Blue” Lovett, the group’s bass singer and songwriter, the track features a poignant spoken introduction by Lovett himself. Recorded for their self-titled album The Manhattans (released by Columbia Records), the song debuted as a single in March 1976.

The ballad achieved global success, topping charts in several countries, including the United States, Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the European Hot 100 Singles. It became the group’s signature song and greatest commercial achievement, spending two weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. charts.

This deeply emotional track tells the story of a bittersweet breakup. The narrator, constrained by “obligations” and “ties,” asks his partner to part ways with love and dignity, cherishing their memories rather than clinging to a fading relationship.

Behind the Scenes

Winfred Lovett initially envisioned this heartfelt tune as a country song, imagining it being performed by artists like Glen Campbell. Reflecting his love for country music, Lovett said:
“Back then, I was really into listening to country music. Glen Campbell and Charley Pride were big influences. Lionel Richie may have been quicker to bridge R&B and country, but I had been drawn to that sound for years.”

The song was produced by Bobby Martin, a renowned Philadelphia-based producer and former member of the MFSB session band. It was recorded in 1975 at Joe Tarsia’s Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Despite initial hesitations from the label, as disco was dominating the music scene at the time, the soulful ballad proved to be a massive hit.

Lovett later remarked:
“We were upset when Columbia decided to release an R&B-country ballad during the height of disco. But we were so wrong—it became the best decision for us!”

Kiss and Say Goodbye remains a timeless piece of R&B history and a testament to The Manhattans’ enduring legacy.

Lyric

This has got to be the saddest day of my life
I called you here today for a bit of bad news
I won’t be able to see you anymore
Because of my obligations, and the ties that you have
We’ve been meeting here everyday
And since this is our last day together
I wanna hold you just one more time
When you turn and walk away, don’t look back
I wanna remember you just like this
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye

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I had to meet you here today
There’s just so many things to say
Please don’t stop me ’til I’m through
This is something I hate to do
We’ve been meeting here so long
I guess what we’ve done, oh was wrong
Please darlin’, don’t you cry
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye (Goodbye!)

Many months have passed us by
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’m gonna miss you, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’ve got ties, and so do you
I just think this is the thing to do
It’s gonna hurt me, I can’t lie
Maybe you’ll meet, you’ll meet another guy
Understand me, won’t you try, try, try, try, try, try, try
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye (Goodbye!)

Hmmmm
(I’m gonna miss you)
I’m gonna miss you, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
Understand me, won’t you try
(I’m gonna miss you)
It’s gonna hurt me, I can’t lie
(I’m gonna miss you)
Take my handkerchief and wipe your eyes
(I’m gonna miss you)
Maybe you’ll find, you’ll find another guy
(I’m gonna miss you)
Let’s kiss and say goodbye, pretty baby
(I’m gonna miss you)
Please, don’t you cry
(I’m gonna miss you)
Understand me, won’t you try
(I’m gonna miss you)
Let’s just kiss and say goodbye

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