Introduction
“Words” is a poignant ballad by the Bee Gees, penned by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Recorded on October 3, 1967, the song showcases Barry’s lead vocals, complemented by Maurice on piano and bass, and Colin Petersen on drums. Released as a single in January 1968, “Words” achieved significant chart success, reaching number one in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, and securing the eighth spot on the UK Singles Chart.
The inspiration behind “Words” stemmed from personal experiences. Robin Gibb recounted that the song was born out of a mood following trivial arguments, emphasizing how words can profoundly impact emotions.
Interestingly, Barry Gibb mentioned in a 1996 VH1 Storytellers episode that the song was initially written for their manager, Robert Stigwood.
Over the years, “Words” has been embraced by numerous artists. Notably, Irish boy band Boyzone released their rendition in 1996, which became their first number-one hit in the UK.
In 2021, Barry Gibb collaborated with Dolly Parton to record a duet version for his album “Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1,” breathing new life into the classic.
A memorable live performance of “Words” took place during the Bee Gees’ “One Night Only” concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 14, 1997. This event was initially intended to be their final live performance, but due to its success and Barry’s resilience despite health challenges, the group extended their tour.
The Las Vegas concert was later released as both an
and a DVD, allowing fans worldwide to experience the magic of that night.
“Words” remains a testament to the Bee Gees’ songwriting prowess and their ability to convey deep emotion through music. Its enduring popularity underscores its universal message about the power of words in shaping human connections.