Dusty Springfield - Goin' Back

Carole King is rightly lauded as an illustrious songwriter, performer of the huge-selling "Tapestry", her life even inspiring a Broadway jukebox musical "Beautiful".  However, sometimes it seems that her song writing partner (and one-time husband) Gerry Goffin is neglected. A real shame, as his lyrics could elevate even King's  tunes, and he possessed an incredible knack of writing insightful lyrics from a female point of view, such as "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" and "(You make me feel like a) Natural Woman".

"Goin' Back" is an excellent example of Goffin's sensitive and mature lyrics, as he pines for the innocence of childhood. Tentative recordings were made by Goldie and King herself, before it was given to Dusty Springfield, recording in a single session in June 1966, produced by Johnny Franz. 

Dusty  was unquestionably the best and most successful UK female singer in this era, pipping Cilla Black and Sandie Shaw, as they often jostled for the latest sure-fire smash from the Brill Building teams  - Bacharach & David, Greenwich & Barry and Goffin & King. No coincidence that Springfield's peak, the wonderful "Dusty in Memphis" album would contain four Goffin & King compositions.

"Goin' Back"  is steeped in wistful nostalgia, as childhood seemed so simple ("Those days when I was young enough to know the truth") and carefree, with evocative images of skipping ropes, sailboats colouring books. Endorsing a credo of living a day at a time ("And live my days instead of counting my years"), he wishes to rediscover his childhood feelings.

Springfield vocals, as always, are soulful and emotive, capturing the full melancholy and longing of Goffin's lyrics. Starting with a definitive lone piano emphasising King's yearning melody, it builds gradually until the instrumental break, where the orchestra (arranged by Peter Knight) cuts loose. Then back to quiet for the end,  Dusty's final slow sustained whispered line is simply heartbreaking.

"Goin' Back" was rush released as a standalone single in the UK within three weeks, making the top ten, as was her custom. Americans had to wait two years before the Byrds released a mellow version as a single. The first of many covers, becoming a standard, recorded by the likes of  Diana Ross, The Pretenders, Phil Collins and Elkie Brooks.

But none beats Dusty's original, a perfect union of a great melody,  supreme lyricist and one of the finest voices ever.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvWiiUgT8Nk

Hear Next -  "Dusty in Memphis" or "Halfway To Paradise: The Goffin & King Songbook" three CD compilation.

** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats.