Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)

According to Ultimate Guitar, the song is written in common time with a moderately fast tempo of 105 beats per minute. It is a piano-based rock ballad in the key of F which modulates a step up to G halfway through the song. The track follows a basic chord sequence of Am–Em–Am–C–G–Am–Em–D in each verse. The first two lines of each chorus have a progression of C–F–Am–G–C–F–G–C, with the second half of the chorus amending the sequence to a shortened C–F–Am–G–F–G. The bridge consists of three repetitions of Am–G–C–D followed by a progression of E–E₇–Am–C–G–Am.[1] The duo later recorded a Spanish version of the song for their 1996 compilation album Baladas en Español.

in his review of Joyride, AllMusic editor Bryan Buss described the song as an "insistent rock ballad" and "painfully pretty".[2] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that the duo "slow the pace down" for a "familiar power ballad that should push all the right buttons".[3] Swedish newspaper Expressen called it a "powerful ballad" and compared it to "Listen to Your Heart".[4] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "In a Top 40 world starved for true pop music, the arrival of a new release by these two Swedish melody makers deserves bells, whistles and every other type of fanfare imaginable. Choosing a favorite from among their dazzling catalog of hits is an impossible task, and once again Per and Marie top themselves with an outstanding example of what hit mass appeal music is all about".[5]

Norwegian newspaper Glåmdalen stated that "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" is one of the best songs on the Joyride album."[6] Göteborgsposten described it as a "Def Leppard-like ballad",[7] while I Dag called it a "pompous arena ballad".[8] Music & Media wrote that it's a "melancholic ballad".[9] Brendon Veevers from Renowned for Sound said that it is "pure gold", adding that "though its a ballad and though it touches an emotional nerve, it is also uplifting in its delivery with Per's masterful guitar work and Marie's exquisite vocals uniting perfectly here."[10] J.D. Considine from Rolling Stone noted Fredriksson's "vocal fire-work" on the song.[11]

Although not as successful as their previous single "Joyride", the song was a top-ten hit in numerous countries. It remains the duo's highest-peaking single ever on the Irish Singles Chart, peaking at number four. "Listen to Your Heart", "It Must Have Been Love" and "Almost Unreal" all peaked at number five.[12] On the UK Singles Chart, "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" peaked at position number 12.[13] It charted highest in North America, peaking at position number two in Canada and the United States, where it was held off the top spot in both countries by Bryan Adams's "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You".[14][15]

The accompanying music video for "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" was shot mostly in the Gamla stan area of Stockholm and features images of Stockholm City Hall.[16]

All songs written and composed by Per Gessle.

• 7-inch and cassette single (Sweden 1364047 · UK TCEM190 · US 4KM-50355)

1. "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" – 3:51
2. "I Remember You" – 3:55

• 12-inch single (Europe 1364046)

1. "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" – 3:51
2. "I Remember You" – 3:55
3. "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" (Gatica Mix) – 3:57

• CD single (Europe 1364042)

1. "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" – 3:51
2. "I Remember You" – 3:55
3. "Physical Fascination" (Extended/Guitar Solo Version) – 4:00
4. "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" (Gatica Mix) – 3:57

Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Ballad Hits.[17]

• Recorded at EMI Studios in Stockholm in July 1990.
• Mixed by Alar Suurna, Per Gessle and Clarence Öfwerman at EMI Studios in Stockholm.

Musicians

• Marie Fredriksson – lead and backing vocals
• Per Gessle – backing vocals
• Anders Herrlin – programming and engineering
• Jonas Isacsson – electric guitar
• Clarence Öfwerman – keyboards, programming and production
• Staffan Öfwerman – backing vocals
• Alar Suurna – engineering

"Fading Like a Flower"
Single by Dancing DJs vs. Roxette
Released	25 July 2005
Genre	Dance
Length	3:05
Label	All Around the World
Songwriter(s)	Per Gessle

In 2005, the song was remixed by British dance act Dancing DJs. Credited as Dancing DJs vs Roxette, the remix charted in numerous territories, including Finland, Ireland, Sweden and the UK.

• Norwegian death metal band Cadaver recorded a cover of the song.
• A eurodance cover of the song was recorded by Mysterio.
• There are two Chinese versions of the song, both recorded by female artistes: A Mandarin version "I don't want to wait any more" (我不要再等待) by Taiwanese singer Lin Meng (林蒙), and a Cantonese version "Thinking only of your love" (只想你的爱) by Hong Kong diva Cass Phang (彭羚).
• A cover of the song was released by Swedish artist Frida Öhrn in 2020.[53]

• List of European number-one airplay songs of the 1990s

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics