Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – What’s So Good About Goodbye

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – What’s So Good About Goodbye: A Soulful Lament on Love’s End

In the realm of Motown soul, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles stand as true icons, their music weaving a tapestry of love, loss, and the complexities of the human condition. Among their enduring hits, “What’s So Good About Goodbye” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that captures the heartache and confusion of a love on the brink of dissolution.

Released in 1962, “What’s So Good About Goodbye” reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing its status as a Motown classic. The song’s opening notes, a delicate interplay of piano and strings, set the stage for Robinson’s emotive vocals as he delivers a heartfelt plea to his departing lover.

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The lyrics, penned by Robinson himself, explore the paradoxical nature of goodbyes, questioning their necessity and the pain they inevitably bring. Robinson’s voice conveys a mix of sorrow, confusion, and a glimmer of hope, as he sings the song’s haunting refrain:

What’s so good about goodbye? All it does is make me cry Well, if leaving causes grieving And to part can break your heart Tell me (What’s so good about it?) I could have done without it

The song’s arrangement, a subtle blend of strings, piano, and understated percussion, perfectly complements Robinson’s vocals, allowing his emotional delivery to take center stage. Each note and lyric is imbued with a sense of longing and regret, capturing the raw emotions of a love on the verge of collapse.

“What’s So Good About Goodbye” has become a timeless ballad, covered by numerous artists and earning its place in the Motown canon. Robinson’s heartfelt rendition remains the definitive version, a testament to his songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.

Beyond its musical impact, the song resonates with its exploration of universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. Robinson’s poignant lyrics and emotive delivery capture the complexities of heartbreak, making “What’s So Good About Goodbye” an enduring anthem for anyone who has experienced the pain of a love gone wrong.

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Here are some additional details about the song:

• The song was written by Smokey Robinson.
• It was released in 1962 as a single from the album I’ll Try Something New.
• The song reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 16 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
• “What’s So Good About Goodbye” has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.