The Everly Brothers – “This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing” (1968): A Heartfelt Farewell to an Era
In 1968, amidst a changing musical landscape and growing tensions within their personal and professional lives, The Everly Brothers released a powerful and emotional track titled “This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing.” The song, released on their album “The Everly Brothers Sing”, marked a poignant moment in their illustrious career, as it spoke not only to the end of an era but also reflected the complex dynamics between the duo.
The Story Behind the Song
“This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing” stands as a reflection of the turmoil and growing frustration that the Everly Brothers, Phil and Don, were experiencing in their careers at the time. The song’s title alone speaks volumes about the brothers’ internal conflict and the sense of disillusionment they felt toward the music industry. After a series of personal and professional challenges, including disputes with management, mounting pressures from the music business, and their strained relationship, the Everlys were nearing the brink of a significant turning point in their career.
The song, which could easily be mistaken for a bold declaration of finality, is a heartfelt and bittersweet reflection of their mindset during this tumultuous time. It is filled with the melancholic tone of a band ready to step away from their glory days in the spotlight. It captures both the heartache of love lost and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. The song’s lyrics express a sense of exhaustion with fame, the music business, and the demands that came with being one of the most iconic sibling duos of their era.
The Everly Brothers’ Harmonies and Delivery
One of the key elements that defined the Everly Brothers’ sound was their harmonies. Their signature blend of voices, which was revolutionary in its day, is at the forefront of this track. The Everlys’ harmonies are as tight and seamless as ever in “This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing,” but there’s a palpable emotional depth in their delivery. It’s clear from their performance that the brothers weren’t just singing the words; they were living them.
The vocal arrangement, with its soft and introspective delivery, underscores the emotional weight of the lyrics. It’s a song that doesn’t just convey a sense of finality but also reflects the vulnerability that comes with feeling trapped by fame and the pressures that follow. As the song unfolds, the listener can almost sense the weariness and conflict in their voices, making it all the more powerful.
The Everly Brothers’ Strained Relationship and Career Struggles
By 1968, The Everly Brothers were at a crossroads. Their early success in the late ’50s and early ’60s had left an indelible mark on the music world, with hits like “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” However, by the time they released “This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing,” the brothers had faced several years of professional decline and personal discord.
There were issues with their label, Cadence Records, and the brothers had become disillusioned with the pressures of maintaining commercial success. Their personal relationship had also been strained, as the brothers had different visions for their music and career. In 1973, this tension led to their famous split, when the brothers ceased working together for a time, marking a hiatus that lasted several years.
Though this song might have been a form of symbolic closure, it would also be a reflection of the difficult chapter in the Everly Brothers’ career. Despite the turmoil, “This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing” wasn’t their official farewell — rather, it was an emotional declaration of frustration, signaling that change was on the horizon.
The Song’s Impact and Legacy
Though not as widely known as some of the Everly Brothers’ earlier hits, “This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing” holds a significant place in the duo’s discography. Its introspective nature and the raw emotion embedded in the lyrics have made it an important track for fans who followed the Everlys throughout their career. It’s a song that underscores the vulnerability and complexities that artists can experience, especially when they find themselves at the crossroads of fame and personal conflict.
While the song might have hinted at the end of a chapter, it didn’t mark the actual end for the Everly Brothers. The brothers would eventually reconcile in the mid-1970s and resume their musical career together. Nevertheless, the track stands as a testament to the highs and lows of their journey and the emotional cost of their success.
Conclusion: A Poignant and Bittersweet Farewell
“This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing” remains a poignant piece in The Everly Brothers’ catalog. It’s not just another song of the era, but a reflection of the tensions and struggles they were going through in their personal lives. With its haunting harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, it encapsulates the bittersweet emotions of an artist on the brink of change, unsure of what the future holds yet ready to move forward. While it wasn’t the last song they would ever sing, the track remains an emotional reminder of the duo’s deep connection to the music they made and the legacy they left behind.
Even though the Everly Brothers did not retire in 1968, the song’s raw emotion and honest reflection offer listeners a powerful insight into the complex relationship between the brothers and the pressures of fame — a theme that resonates not just with fans, but with anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of creative work and personal growth.
Lyrics: This Is The Last Song I’m Ever Going To Sing
This is the last song I’m ever going to sing
The last time I’ll play my old guitar
I wasted my life and I didn’t gain a thing
Oh I’m never gonna be a starI came to Nashville a long time ago
People said that I could be a star
But all that I remember is loneliness and hunger
Oh sure didn’t get so farThis is the last song I’m ever going to sing
The last time I’ll play my old guitar
I wasted my life and I didn’t gain a thing
Oh I’m never gonna be a starThe big time operators made a fool out of me
It sure don’t feel so good to fail
I’ve slept on every park bench in every park in Nashville
Oh I slept in a Nashville jailThis is the last song I’m ever going to sing
The last time I’ll play my old guitar
I wasted my life and I didn’t gain a thing
Oh I’m never gonna be a star
Oh I’m never gonna be a star
Oh never gonna be a star
Oh I’m never gonna be a star
