Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

About

Every Time We Say Goodbye was released as a B-side to Lazy Days and marks one of Robbie Williams' earliest explorations into swing and jazz-inspired material. Written by Cole Porter in 1944 and made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, the song had long been part of the Great American Songbook; a world Williams would later revisit in full on Swing When You're Winning (2001).

Williams' rendition strips the arrangement down to piano and strings, allowing his vocal performance to take centre stage. His delivery is tender and understated, revealing a natural feel for phrasing and restraint that surprised many listeners at the time. Where Ella Fitzgerald's version glides with sophistication, Williams' carries a raw sincerity, suggesting he was already thinking beyond the Britpop textures of his debut album.

I've always loved the old standards — the way they tell a story just through melody. I think I was testing myself to see if I could really sing one.Robbie Williams

The recording's simplicity also hinted at Williams' long-standing admiration for classic vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Musically, the track closes with a subtle shift from a major to a minor key, mirroring the bittersweet theme of farewell, a detail lifted directly from Porter's original composition.

Though tucked away on a single, Every Time We Say Goodbye has since been recognised as an early signpost of Williams' versatility. It demonstrated that behind his brash public image was a performer deeply attuned to melody, emotion, and the timeless appeal of classic songwriting.