Goodbye to Love (1972) 10/10/20

Richard Carpenter was watching an old Bing Crosby movie, “Rhythm of the Rain,” when he had an epiphany. The film was about a struggling composer who was trying to write a song called “Goodbye to Love,” but didn't quite get around to it before the end credits rolled.

Richard thought it was a “Great Song” title, and since Bing' character couldn't get it written in the film, he'd give it a shot in real life. He got as far as the opening lines:

“I'll say goodbye to love.

No one ever cared if I should live or die.

Time and time again,

the chance for Love has passed me by...”

And he then hit a lyrical wall. He was able to finish the melody, harmonies and overall arrangement, but to finish the words, he handed it over to his collaborator, John Bettis.

Together, Richard and John felt they had something special going, but Richard thought the song could use a special touch. Something surprising. Something Bold. Something Different.

And that's when he hit on the idea of adding an electric fuzz guitar solo—something you'd NEVER hear in a melancholy ballad.

Guitarist Tony Peluso was called in to provide the solo, but Tony's musical instincts were to under-play it. Richard finally told him to forget his instincts and “go for it.” He also told Karen, John and anyone else who would listen that they'd be surprised at how it would all turn out.

In the end, he was right. The only person who WASN'T surprised was Richard Carpenter!

In 1972, the song went to #2 on Billboard's Easy Listening Chart and #7 on the Hot 100. In Canada, the song was even bigger: #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart, and #4 on the Top 40.

Unfortunately, some Carpenters fans were not “Goodbye to Love” fans. Richard and Karen received quite a bit of hate mail, calling them “sellouts to rock and roll.”

On the other hand, music critics and musicologists loved it. Some even called it the "prototypical power ballad." Personally, I loved the song from day one...and hopefully, those who didn't have changed their tune by now. :-)

“Goodbye to Love:” a “Great Song of 1972!