Gladys Knight, Neither One of Us → Throwback Vibez

In the 112^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” by Gladys Knight & The Pips.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. An oldie can pump you up and put a smile on your face! The songs featured here highlight musical gems from the 20^th century with occasional exceptions. All genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 112^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye)” performed by Gladys Knight & The Pips.

“I guess neither one of us (Neither one of us) / Wants to be the first to say goodbye.” Word. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Gladys Knight & The Pips recorded some of the all-time soul bops. Gladys Knight (b. 1944) always ‘ate and left no crumbs’ with her expressive, rich alto/contralto lead vocals. The Pips (Merald Bubba Knight (b. 1942), Knight’s brother, William Guest (1941 – 2015), and Edward Patten (1939 – 2005)), meanwhile, supported Gladys to the utmost.  One of the collective’s best and most successful songs is “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye).” “Neither One of Us” is the first track on the 1973 album Neither One of Us. A pop smash, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Who held off this iconic soul cut from reaching the top spot on the pop charts? One-hit wonder Vicki Lawrence (b. 1949) and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”. Knight and company would go on to win the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus in 1974. Hall of Fame songwriter Jim Weatherly (1943 – 2021) composed it; Joe Porter produced it.

“Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye)” shines from the get-go. The musical arrangement (Michael O’Martian and Artie Butler), instrumentation, and production are sublime.  Weatherly’s songwriting is epic. Gladys Knight brings his thoughtful lyrics and tuneful melodies to life like a champ.  Her performance is authentic and sincere, oozing with S-O-U-L. “It’s sad to think / We’re not gonna make it,” she sings in the first verse, and continues, “And it’s gotten to the point / Where we just can’t fake it.” In the back half, The Pips respond to keywords, making a high-flying performance even more high-flying! In the second verse, which segues from the first, The Pips get into the action even sooner (“I keep wondering (Wondering) / What I’m gonna do without you (Without you).”) The end of the verses represents the ‘chorus’ with the unforgettable titular lyrics, excerpted earlier.  Between the second and third verses, a divine bridge separates itself. Knight struggles with breaking up mightily: “When it comes to saying goodbye / That’s a simple word that I just cannot say.” Ultimately, by the end of the third and final verse, the time has come:

“Because neither one of us (Neither one of us)
Ooh, ooh, wants to be the first to say it
Neither one of us (Neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say it
Ooh, neither one of us (Neither one of us)
Wants to be the first to say
Farewell, my love
Goodbye (Goodbye).”

Gladys Knight & The Pips put their foot into “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye).” Great singing, marvelous songwriting, and terrific arranging and production make this the sugar, honey, and iced tea.  This is easily one of the best songs of the 1970s.  Notably, the late Angie Stone (1961 – 2025) sampled it on her neo-soul classic, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”.