Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)

Composition and style

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. Roxette later recorded a Spanish version of the song for their 1996 compilation album Baladas en español.

Music video

The music video was shot mostly in the Stockholm suburb of Gamla stan, and features images of Stockholm City Hall.

Commercial performance

Although not as successful as previous single "Joyride", the song was a top ten hit in numerous countries. It became the biggest hit from the parent album on the Irish Singles Chart, peaking at number four. Both "Joyride" and proceeding single "The Big L." would both peak at number nine there. On the UK Singles Chart, the song peaked at number twelve. It charted highest in North America, peaking at number two in Canada and on the US Billboard Hot 100—where it was held off the top spot in both countries by Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You".

Formats and track listings

All songs written and composed by Per Gessle.

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

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 Remix) – 3:57

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 Remix) – 3:57

Dancing DJs vs. Roxette (2005)

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.

Formats and track listings

All songs written by Per Gessle.

1. "Fading Like a Flower" (Dancing DJs Remix - Radio Edit) – 3:05
2. "Fading Like a Flower" (Hardino Mix) – 6:05
3. "Fading Like a Flower" (Dancing DJs Remix - Extended Mix) – 6:10
4. "Fading Like a Flower" (Alex K Remix) – 6:08
5. "Fading Like a Flower" (Discode Remix) – 6:30
6. "Fading Like a Flower" (Alex K Bounce Remix) – 5:46

Other cover versions