Never Say Goodbye
 

At the risk of being skewered, I think this is the 80's song that holds up worst with time (not counting stuff that was crap to start with like King of the Mountain). Now, don't get me wrong: at the time, I was wearing a big perm, holding a lighter, and crying my eyes out to the tune too. It very nearly was the theme of my prom and it had my vote. But I think I can safely blame that on the sentimentality that comes with overwrought teenage hormones. It was relevant then. But now, every time I hear it I cringe. If it were released today, I'd hold it in the same esteem as Live Before You Die and the like. The guitar is whiney and awful. The lyrics are dripping with Velveeta. It just astounds me that a song I LOVED so much 20 years ago makes me cringe today. I still remember the first and only time I heard it performed live--St. Louis, 2000. I thought I'd been treated to the Holy Grail of live songs. I'll always remember Jon came out by himself with an acoustic guitar and started it and then Richie joined him. It was a magical moment and will always be a great memory. I just have a weird love/hate relationship with this song. I was wondering if anyone else who used to love it finds it cringeworthy now.

Can't say I agree with you Becky. NSG is actually my favorite Jovi ballad.

It is easily my least listened to of the 'big' jovi ballads, and yeah I think you may be right in saying it has dated alot, more than something like 'Ill be there for you'.. or maybe its just the ''you lost more than that in my backseat babyyy'' line that makes me cringe. Still a good song, more suited to the acoustic arrangement.. could do with a lyric rewrite or two,mind.

andi

I think it's perfect, dated or not.

I can see your point, but I reckon this song will hold many a fond memory for probably 99% of long term fans.
it takes me back to some very "SPECIAL" times ;) and i remember it being a very popular song even for non believers too.

I love this song. Is it dated? Maybe. But really, so is the rest of SWW, even if the singles remain in heavy rotation on classic rock stations. Also, the guitar has never once struck me as winey. I love the guitar tone on track. What i do wonder is why they ever thought removing the acoustic intro was a good idea. Sure, it's only 15/20 seconds, but it's beautiful. Definitely better with it, than without it.

I still think it's one of their best ballads ever. Member of the big 4 ballads:
- NSG
- IBTFY
- BOR
- TAALS

I also have to disagree with you Becky. I love it. It's easily in my top 40.

Talking big ballads, I'd rank them;

Bed of Roses > I'll Be There For You > Always > Never Say Goodbye > This Ain't a Love Song

But seriously, how can anyone fault any one of those five songs. They are all top 40, some top 10.

I agree that it sounds a little dated and it is, but NSG still holds a place in my all time great Jovi set list. I was absolutely delighted to have seen it live at Zeebrugge last July. Still a great song that might make some of my mates cringe (that's most BJ to be honest) but to me it never fades...

Sorry I dont agree with any of this.

I loved it 25 years odd years ago and i still love it today.
Best ballad for me is Livin In Sin