Introduction:
“(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” is a poignant ballad that holds a unique and somewhat complex place within the extensive and celebrated discography of the Bee Gees. While the song is widely known through the version recorded by their younger brother, Andy Gibb, and later by Barbra Streisand, the original recording was indeed by the Bee Gees themselves. This song showcases the Gibb brothers’ exceptional songwriting prowess, particularly Barry Gibb’s ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics and melodies.
The Bee Gees, composed of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, are one of the most successful musical groups of all time, with a career spanning several decades and a remarkable evolution of musical styles. From their early folk-rock and pop sound in the 1960s, characterized by intricate harmonies and melodic songwriting, they transitioned into the global phenomenon of the disco era in the mid-to-late 1970s, before continuing to write and perform across various genres. Their ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining their core identity as songwriters and vocalists is a hallmark of their enduring legacy.
“(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” was penned by Barry Gibb and Blue Weaver, who was a keyboardist and collaborator with the Bee Gees during their highly productive mid-to-late 1970s period. The Bee Gees’ original recording of the song took place in 1977 during the prolific sessions for what would become the iconic Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. However, despite being recorded during these sessions, the Bee Gees’ version of “(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” was not included on the Saturday Night Fever album. Instead, it was held back and later released on their hugely successful compilation album, Bee Gees Greatest, which came out in October 1979. This compilation served as a comprehensive overview of their hits up to that point, and its inclusion on such a significant collection speaks to the song’s quality, even if it wasn’t a standalone single for the group.
The primary genre of “(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” is soft rock, with strong elements of pop and soul. It is a ballad, characterized by its tender melody, lush instrumentation, and Barry Gibb’s emotive lead vocal, often complemented by the signature harmonies of Robin and Maurice. The song’s arrangement typically features a blend of keyboards, strings, and a gentle rhythmic foundation, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that allows the heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. This style was a natural fit for the Bee Gees during this era, as they were increasingly incorporating R&B and soulful influences into their pop sound, moving towards the polished production that would define their disco successes.
Lyrically, the song is a powerful plea to salvage a relationship that appears to be drifting apart. It speaks to the pain of emotional distance, the yearning for reconnection, and the fear of losing a love that is deeply valued. Phrases like “Maybe I don’t wanna know the reason why / But lately, you don’t talk to me” immediately establish a sense of vulnerability and impending loss. The chorus, “(Our love) Don’t throw it all away / Our love, don’t throw it all away,” serves as a desperate yet hopeful appeal, emphasizing the preciousness of the bond and the tragedy of letting it slip away. This universal theme of relationship struggles resonated deeply with audiences, contributing to the song’s emotional impact.
While the Bee Gees’ own version was released on a compilation, the song gained significant individual recognition through Andy Gibb’s recording. Andy Gibb, the youngest of the Gibb brothers, released his version of “(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” as a single in September 1978. This version was included on his second studio album, Shadow Dancing. Barry Gibb himself reworked the song for Andy, adding a crucial middle-eight section that was not present in the Bee Gees’ original demo, making Andy’s rendition a more complete and polished track. Andy Gibb’s version became a top 10 hit in the United States, further cementing the song’s popularity and showcasing the songwriting strength of the Gibb family.
The song’s achievements are multifaceted. For the Bee Gees, its inclusion on Bee Gees Greatest (1979) solidified its place as a significant track within their repertoire, even without being a standalone single. For Andy Gibb, it was a major commercial success, contributing to his string of hits in the late 1970s and demonstrating his talent as a vocalist. The song has also been covered by other notable artists, including Barbra Streisand, who included it on her 2005 album Guilty Pleasures, further attesting to its enduring quality and emotional depth. The song’s ability to be successfully interpreted by different vocalists across various eras speaks volumes about its strong compositional foundation and its universal lyrical appeal.
In conclusion, “(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” is a soft rock, pop, and soul ballad written by Barry Gibb and Blue Weaver. The Bee Gees originally recorded it in 1977 during the Saturday Night Fever sessions, but it was officially released on their Bee Gees Greatest compilation in October 1979. While not a single for the Bee Gees, its powerful emotional themes and melodic beauty made it a significant track, further amplified by Andy Gibb’s successful top 10 single version in 1978. Its continued appreciation and covers by other artists underscore its lasting legacy as a timeless ballad about the fragility and importance of love.