Story Behind The Song

Released in 1985, “The Last Kiss” marked a successful return to the UK charts for David Cassidy, more than a decade after the height of his teen idol fame. Best known for his starring role in The Partridge Family and a string of early 1970s hits, Cassidy reinvented his sound for the mid-1980s, embracing contemporary pop production while retaining the smooth, expressive vocal style that had made him a household name.

Written by Alan Tarney & David Cassidy, “The Last Kiss” is an emotional pop ballad that reflects on love, separation and the lingering memories left behind when a relationship comes to an end. Cassidy delivers the song with warmth and sincerity, supported by polished synthesisers, subtle guitar work and a richly layered arrangement typical of the era. The production gives the track a modern feel while allowing his distinctive voice to remain at the forefront throughout. George Michael provides backing vocals on the track (uncredited).

The success of “The Last Kiss” introduced David Cassidy to a new generation of listeners and demonstrated that he could adapt to the changing musical landscape of the 1980s. Although his greatest fame had come in the previous decade, the song proved he remained a capable and charismatic recording artist. Today, it is remembered as one of the strongest recordings from the later stages of his career, admired for its heartfelt performance, memorable melody and polished production, while standing as a fitting reminder of Cassidy’s enduring appeal as both a singer and entertainer.

The song peaked at No. 06 on the UK charts on 16th March 1985.

Eighties Archive Song Number

EA-0035

Highest Chart Position

No. 06

Date Released

February 1985

Genre

Electronic, Pop, Synth-Pop, Ballad

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

2nd March 1985

Record Label

ARISTA RECORDS

Catalogue Number

ARIST 589

ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.

Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.

A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS

David Cassidy - The Last Kiss - UK 7'' Cover - Front
UK 7'' Cover - Front
David Cassidy - The Last Kiss - UK 7'' Cover - Back
UK 7'' Cover - Back

TRACK LISTING

A-Side The Last Kiss (4:30)
(Alan Tarney, David Cassidy)
Produced By Alan Tarney
B-Side The Letter (4:34)
(Alan Tarney, David Cassidy)
Produced By Alan Tarney

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 2nd March 1985 – 13th April 1985
34
11
06
08
11
19
33

OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS

The Last Kiss (Single Version) (4:37)
The Last Kiss (Extended Mix) (6:47)

See ALL releases of ‘The Last Kiss’ on Discogs.

OFFICIAL VIDEO

LYRICS

There were times all along that I thought I was catching on
Now I see it was only time catching up with me
As you stand at the door I know I’ve never wanted you more
There’s just one thing before you turn and you walk out on me

If this is the last kiss
If this is the last touch

If this is the last time I can ever be holding you
If this is the last race
I can never forget your face
If this is the last kiss I’ll get used to it
I’ll get through this somehow someway

I won’t stand in your way
I won’t even begin to say
That you never looked better
Never looked so good to me
Though I’ve asked this before
I won’t ever ask anything more
Just close your eyes and please
Do this for me
And if this is the last kiss
If this is the last touch

If you’ve ever been a lover she’s got what you’re looking for
So don’t surrender
’cause you might discover
That somebody
Somewhere is waiting for you to remember the last kiss
Just remember the last touch
Remember the last time

I can ever be holding you
Just remember the last race
I can never forget your face

If this is the last kiss
Can’t get used to it
I’ll get used to it
No how
No
No way
Never get used to it
Never get used to it

Never get used to it
Never get used to it
No way

Written By – Alan Tarney, David Cassidy

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