About the song
“Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” as performed by Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, a poignant duet that beautifully captures the delicate balance of hope and apprehension in a fragile relationship. While the song was originally written and recorded by Bobby Bare, the version by Kristofferson and his then-wife Rita Coolidge, notably appearing on their duet albums, brought a unique intimacy and conversational quality to this moving ballad. It’s more than just a song about uncertainty; it’s a tender plea to remain in the moment and to avoid the potential heartbreak that the future might hold.
The lyrics of “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” express a deep desire to savor the present joy of a burgeoning love without the looming shadow of potential sorrow. The narrator implores their partner not to reveal the ultimate outcome of their relationship, suggesting a fear that knowing the end might taint the beauty of the here and now. The repeated request, “Please don’t tell me how the story ends,” underscores a vulnerability and a wish to remain blissfully unaware of any impending heartbreak. The verses delicately paint a picture of a precious and perhaps fragile connection, one that the narrator cherishes and wants to protect from the harsh realities of what might come.
The vocal interplay between Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge in their rendition of this song is particularly compelling. Kristofferson’s weathered and earnest baritone, often carrying a hint of vulnerability, blends beautifully with Coolidge’s clear and emotive soprano. Their voices intertwine with a natural and conversational quality, enhancing the intimacy of the lyrics and creating a sense of genuine dialogue between two people navigating the delicate early stages of love. Coolidge’s harmonies often add a layer of gentle reassurance, while Kristofferson’s delivery conveys a more palpable sense of underlying anxiety about the future.
The musical arrangement of “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” in their versions is typically understated and heartfelt, often featuring gentle acoustic guitars, subtle piano melodies, and a soft rhythm section that supports the emotional weight of the vocals. The focus remains firmly on the lyrical content and the sincere delivery of the two singers, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The overall effect is one of tender hope mixed with a cautious awareness of the fragility of love.
The enduring appeal of “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” as performed by Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge lies in its honest and relatable portrayal of the delicate balance between hope and fear in a new relationship. It speaks to the universal desire to cherish the present moment and the natural apprehension about potential heartbreak. Their heartfelt delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics resonate deeply with listeners who understand the vulnerability inherent in opening one’s heart to another.
In essence, “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” in the hands of Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge is a tender and moving ballad that captures the delicate dance of hope and apprehension in a fragile love, delivered with a genuine intimacy and heartfelt sincerity that continues to resonate with those who understand the preciousness and potential fragility of new beginnings.
Video
Lyrics
This could be our last goodnight together
We may never pass this way again
Just let me enjoy ’till its over
Or forever
Please don’t tell me how the story ends
See the way our shadows come together
Softer than your fingers on my skin
Someday this may be all
That we’ll remember
Of each other
Please don’t tell me how the story ends
Never’s just the echo of forever
Lonesome as the love that might have been
Just let me go on loving and believing
‘Till it’s over
Please don’t tell me how the story ends
Please don’t tell me how the story ends
