About The Song
In the tapestry of American music, few ensembles have woven as rich and enduring a thread as The Oak Ridge Boys. Their signature four-part harmonies, blending seamlessly across genres like country, gospel, and pop, have resonated with audiences for decades. While hits like “Elvira” often steal the spotlight, a deeper dive into their discography reveals gems like “Is This Any Way For Us To Say Goodbye,” a poignant ballad that showcases the group’s versatility and emotional depth.
Released in 1987 as part of their album “This Crazy Love,” “Is This Any Way For Us To Say Goodbye” delves into the complexities of love and loss, a theme as timeless as music itself. It’s a song that speaks to the bittersweet ache of parting, the lingering questions, and the unspoken emotions that often accompany the end of a relationship. Unlike some of their more upbeat and celebratory tunes, this ballad offers a moment of reflection, a space for listeners to connect with the raw vulnerability of the human heart.
Musically, the song exemplifies The Oak Ridge Boys’ mastery of vocal arrangement. Each voice carries its own weight, contributing to a rich tapestry of sound that amplifies the emotional resonance of the lyrics. The lead vocals, often alternating between members, convey the sense of uncertainty and regret, while the harmonies provide a backdrop of melancholic beauty. The instrumentation, typical of the era, leans towards a soft rock sensibility, with gentle piano melodies and subtle guitar work that never overpowers the vocals. This allows the listener to truly focus on the message, the story being told through the interplay of voices.
The lyrics of “Is This Any Way For Us To Say Goodbye” are a masterclass in understated storytelling. They don’t rely on dramatic pronouncements or overwrought metaphors. Instead, they capture the quiet moments of doubt, the unspoken questions that linger after a farewell. The song’s strength lies in its relatability. It doesn’t offer easy answers or simplistic resolutions. Instead, it acknowledges the messy, often confusing nature of human relationships, particularly when they reach their end. It’s this honesty, this willingness to explore the gray areas of emotion, that makes the song so compelling.
For an audience that has lived through the ebb and flow of relationships, “Is This Any Way For Us To Say Goodbye” offers a moment of poignant recognition. It’s a reminder that goodbyes are rarely clean or easy, that they often leave behind a trail of unanswered questions and lingering emotions. The Oak Ridge Boys, with their unparalleled vocal prowess and their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, have crafted a ballad that transcends generations. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss, a reminder that even in the face of parting, the power of music can offer solace, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity. “Is This Any Way For Us To Say Goodbye” stands as a testament to their artistry, their ability to transform simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics into something truly special.
Video
Lyric
There were times we talked for hoursOf our love while summer flowersBlossomed just outside the windowWhere we lay words of love came easy asThe gentle evening breezesWhispered that our love had lived another dayNow the room is filled with hushesAs you move your silver brushesFrom the dresser to the suitcase on the bedA stony wall of silenceSeparates us into islandsFilled with echoes of the angry words we saidIt was just a lover’s quarrelAnd it just got out of handThe fury of a woman met the anger of a manWe spoke the two so bitterly thatIt turned into a lieIs this any way for us to say goodbye?We each demanded justiceNow the outline of the duskIs all that’s left where onceYour ivory mirror layBoth hell bent for survivalOf our pride, love cannot rivalWhen the battle ends will anything be saved?It was just a lover’s quarrelAnd it just got out of handThe fury of a woman met the anger of a manWe spoke the two so bitterly thatIt turned into a lieIs this any way for us to say goodbye?It was just a lover’s quarrelAnd it just got out of handThe fury of a woman met the anger of a manWe spoke the two so bitterly thatIt turned into a lieIs this any way for us to say goodbye?Is this anyway for us to say goodbye?