About the song
Don McLean, a singer-songwriter renowned for his poignant ballads and poetic lyrics, released “Since I Don’t Have You” in 1981. This heartfelt song, with its melancholic melody and McLean’s expressive vocals, quickly resonated with audiences and became a beloved classic.
Drawing inspiration from the blues and folk music traditions, “Since I Don’t Have You” explores the pain and longing of a lost love. McLean’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a broken heart, capturing the raw emotions and vulnerability that accompany such a loss. The song’s opening lines, “I’m walking down a lonely street, my heart is filled with misery,” immediately set the tone for the emotional journey that follows.
McLean’s vocal performance is particularly noteworthy in this song. His voice is filled with a sense of longing and regret, conveying the depth of the character’s emotional turmoil. The way he delivers the lyrics, with a mix of tenderness and anguish, adds to the song’s emotional impact.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a stripped-down instrumentation that allows McLean’s vocals to take center stage. The acoustic guitar provides a gentle backdrop, while the piano adds a touch of melancholy. The song’s repetitive chorus, “Since I don’t have you, my life is incomplete,” serves as a powerful refrain that reinforces the central theme of loss and longing.
“Since I Don’t Have You” is a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its emotional depth, combined with McLean’s expressive vocals and poignant lyrics, make it a truly unforgettable song. Whether you’re a longtime fan of McLean’s music or simply appreciate a well-crafted ballad, “Since I Don’t Have You” is a song that deserves to be heard.
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Lyrics
I don’t have plans and schemes and I don’t have hopes and dreams.
I don’t have anything since I don’t have you.
I don’t have fond desires and I don’t have happy hours.
I don’t have anything since I don’t have you.
I don’t have happiness and I guess I never will again.
When you walked out on me in came old misery,
And he’s been here since then.
I don’t have love to share and I don’t have one who cares.
I don’t have anything since I don’t have you.
You, you…