The Eighties Archive
Beyond its infectious rhythm, the track carries profound cultural and political significance. The Communards were openly political and fiercely advocacy-driven, using their platform to champion gay rights and challenge the conservative social climate of Thatcherite Britain.
During an era darkened by the devastation of the HIV/AIDS crisis and widespread institutional prejudice, public spaces for the queer community were both sanctuary and battleground. Reclaiming a classic disco anthem and infusing it with such uninhibited energy was a radical act. The song became a soundtrack for safety, solidarity, and visibility in clubs across Europe and America. It proved that electronic pop music could be incredibly popular while remaining uncompromisingly authentic to its subcultural roots. Decades after its release, the duo’s version remains a masterful example of how dance music can uplift communities, preserve history, and turn heartbreak into an eternal celebration.
| A-Side | Never Can Say Goodbye (4:30) (Clifton Davis) Produced By Stephen Hague |
| B-Side | ’77, The Great Escape (2:14) (Somerville, Coles) Produced By The Communards, David Jacob |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 7th November 1987 – 9th January 1988 |
Officially Released Versions
Never Can Say Goodbye (Single Version) (4:27)
Never Can Say Goodbye (Extended Mix) (11:!2)
Never Can Say Goodbye (Extended Remix) (7:50)
Never Can Say Goodbye (San Paulo Mix) (7:24)
Never Can Say Goodbye (The Dub Mix) (6:39)
Lyrics
No no no no
Never say, never say
Say goodbye, no no no
I never can say goodbye, no no no no I
I never can say goodbye
Every time I think I’ve had enough, I start heading for the door
There’s a very strange vibration-a piercing me right through the core
It says “turn around you fool, you know you love her more and more”
Tell me why, (Tell me why) is it so?
Don’t want to let you go
I never can say goodbye boy, ooh baby baby
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh, oh
I never can say-a goodbye boy, ooh, no, no
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh
Never can say goodbye, no no no no I
Never can say goodbye (Never say goodbye boy)
I keep thinkin’ that our problems soon are all gonna work out
But there’s that same unhappy feelin’, there’s that anguish, there’s that doubt
It’s the same ol’ dizzy hang up, can’t do with you or without
Tell me why, (Tell me why) is it so?
Don’t want to let you go
I never can say goodbye boy, ooh ooh baby
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh, oh
I never can-a say-a goodbye boy, ooh, oh
I never can say goodbye, no no no no no no no, ooh, oh
Never can say goodbye boy
Never can say goodbye boy
Every time I think I’ve had enough, I start heading for the door
There’s a very strange vibration-a piercing me right through the core
It says “turn around you fool, you know you love her more and more”
Tell me why, (Tell me why) is it so?
Don’t want to let you go
I never can say goodbye boy, ooh ooh baby
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh, oh
I never can-a say-a goodbye boy
Written By Clifton Davis
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Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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About Eighties Archive
We hope this will be your one stop shop for enjoying your Eighties music nights. There are over 3,500 chart entries to add to this site, so call in often, as we will be adding entries every day. We will be adding more features to the site as time goes on. But for now, enjoy!