Last Song (Edward Bear song)

Last updated
"Last Song"
Last Song - Edward Bear.jpg
Single by Edward Bear
from the album Edward Bear
B-side "Best Friend"
ReleasedDecember 1972
Recorded1972
Genre Pop
Length3:15
Label Capitol Records
Songwriter(s) Larry Evoy
Producer(s) Gene Martynec
Edward Bear singles chronology
"You, Me and Mexico"
(1970)
"Last Song"
(1972)
"Close Your Eyes"
(1973)

"Last Song" is a 1972 hit song by Canadian trio Edward Bear. It was the first release from their self-titled third album and their greatest hit. The song is written in the key of F# major.

Contents

"Last Song" spent 18 weeks on the U.S. charts and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached number one in Canada and did the same on the Adult Contemporary charts of both nations. "Last Song" was certified gold in the United States by the RIAA. [1]

In 1994, music industry magazine RPM placed "Last Song" at number 20 on its list of the Top 100 Canadian singles since the magazine's founding in 1964. [2]

Chart performance

Inspiration

In an interview published on the website for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, composer Larry Evoy states that the song was inspired by his own personal experience. [13] "It was written over a period of time and was literal. I would actually go to sleep with my light on, hoping that she’d think I was still awake and would drop by, and she did."

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada100,000 [14]
United States (RIAA) [15] Gold1,250,000 [14]

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References

  1. "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  2. RPM Magazine (27 June 1994). Top 100 Cancon Tracks 1964-1994. Retrieved from Library and Archives Canada, 11 December 2017.
  3. Steffen Hung. "Forum - Top 100 End of Year AMR Charts - 1980s (ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts)". Australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  4. "RPM Top 100 Singles - February 3, 1973" (PDF).
  5. "RPM Top 100 AC - February 10, 1973" (PDF).
  6. "flavour of new zealand - search listener". Flavourofnz.co.nz. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  7. "Edward Bear Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  8. "Edward Bear Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  9. "Australian Chart Book". Austchartbook.com.au. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  10. "RPM Top 100 Singles of '73 - December 29, 1973" (PDF).
  11. "Top 100 Hits of 1973/Top 100 Songs of 1973". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  12. The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1973
  13. Evoy, Larry (30 June 2015). "The Story Behind 'Last Song': Q&A with Songwriter Larry Evoy". Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  14. 1 2 Yorke, Ritchie (May 23, 1973). "Artist Claims CKL's Keen Interest Affects U.S. Hits : Real Ear". Billboard. p. 58. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  15. "American certifications – Edward Bear – Last Song". Recording Industry Association of America.