Phil Collins

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
We never talked about it
But I hear the blame was mine
I'd call you up to say I'm sorry
But I wouldn't want to waste your time

'Cause I love you, but I can't take any more
There's a look I can't describe in your eyes
If we could try, like we tried before
Would you keep on telling me those lies? (Telling me lies)

[Chorus]
Do you remember?... (Do you remember?)
Uh, do you remember?... (Do you remember?)

[Verse 2]
There seemed no way to make up
'Cause it seemed your mind was set
And the way you looked it told me
It's a look I know I'll never forget
You could've come over to my side
You could've let me know
You could've tried to see the distance between us
But it seemed too far for you to go (too far for you to go)

[Chorus]
Do you remember?... (Do you remember?)
Uh, do you remember?... (Do you remember?)
[Verse 3]
Through all of my life
In spite of all the pain
You know people are funny sometimes
'Cause they just can't wait
To get hurt again

[Chorus]
Tell me, do you remember?... (Do you remember?)

[Verse 4]
There are things we won't recall
And feelings we'll never find
It's taken so long to see it
'Cause we never seemed to have the time

There was always something more important to do
More important to say
But "I love you" wasn't one of those things
And now it's too late (now it's too late)

[Chorus]
Do you remember?... (Do you remember? Now it's over. Do you remember? Uh, it's over)
Uh, do you remember?... (Do you remember? Now it's over. Do you remember? Uh, it's over)
Uh, yeah
Tell me, do you rememeber?... (Do you remember? Now it's over)
Do you remember? (Do you remember? Uh, it's over)
Tell me now, tell me now (Do you remember? Now it's over)
Tell me now, tell me now (Do you remember? Uh, it's over)
Do you remember?...

Do You Remember? by Phil Collins is a single released in 1990 from the album “…But Seriously”. The song was written and produced by Collins and Hugh Padgham. It’s a heart-wrenching ballad about a man whose relationship is falling apart due to his lover’s neglect. With its beautiful tune and relatable lyrics, it became a popular hit, peaking at #2 on the U.S. Hot 100 Airplay and #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

About Do You Remember?

The song opens up with a melodious keyboard tune which is almost immediately followed by heartbreaking lyrics sung by Collins. The song is from the perspective of a man who is struggling with a failing relationship. The lyrics are full of nostalgia for the happy times they had together, and Collins sings ‘do you remember?’ repeatedly, trying to bring back those moments to his lover’s memory. The song's metaphoric nature involves Collins musing about the small nuances that made their relationship unique and special, realizing that these are the things that are missing now.

The song's distinctive rhythm separates it from Collins's other hits, as he chooses live drums over synth beats, keyboards over electronic snare sounds, and electric piano over synthesizers. Collins’s decision to use real drums in “Do You Remember?” gave the song a more organic sound than the pop hits he had previously released. His music choices for the song reflect the emotional nature of the lyrics and helps convey the message of the song.

What strikes me most about “Do You Remember?” is that it is a quintessential example of Phil Collins usual style of singing with his unique husky voice, harmonious music, and soulful lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. The song's lasting appeal is testament to Collins’ skill in crafting music that stands the test of time. The tune's opening often evokes memories of the 80s to those who grew up in that era and experienced the sound first hand. In the end, this is one of the most beautiful ballads that Phil Collins has composed, with a perfect mix of music and lyrics.

Overall, Do You Remember? is one of those timeless ballads that not only stand as a testament to Phil Collins’ musical triumphs but continues to be evergreen and relevant even today, for many people who might be going through a similar situation as Collins did in the song. It's a song that touches the heart and conjures up emotions that many of us have experienced in relationships.

In brief, Do You Remember? is an enchanting ballad with a touching melody, soulful lyrics, and powerful emotions. It’s arguably one of Phil Collins’ greatest songs and remains popular even 31 years after its release. It’s a timeless classic that still resonates and feels contemporary, and it’s worth listening to at any time of the day.

• Release Date: April 26, 1990
• Artist: Phil Collins