"If Leaving Me Is Easy" is a song by Phil Collins from his 1981 album Face Value. Released as the third single from the album, it reached No. 17 in the UK, but was not released as a single in the United States. The song was also a top 40 hit in Ireland, reaching No. 25. Collins sings in a high falsetto in its chorus. The song was later covered by the Isley Brothers for their 1985 album Masterpiece.
The song features contributions from Eric Clapton, who according to Collins, recorded his parts after a few drinks of alcohol. Collins mentioned that he wished that Clapton had played more on "If Leaving Me Is Easy"; Clapton explained that he been hesitant about recording his parts over concerns that it would detract from the song.
Live versions Collins revealed on the "Making of Face Value" episode of Classic Albums that he decided to stop performing this song live on stage following his 1985 No Jacket Required tour because he disliked the audience yelling and screaming instead of being quiet while he performed this song. According to SongFacts.com, Collins performed the song on the BBC music show Top of the Pops with a bucket of paint and paintbrush on top of his electric piano, a reference to his first wife's affair with a painter and decorator.
Charts Chart (1981)PeakpositionGerman Singles Chart61Irish Singles Chart25UK Singles (OCC)17UK Airplay (Record Business) 11
Personnel Phil Collins: Rhodes, drums, vocals, Prophet 5 Eric Clapton: guitar Daryl Stuermer: guitar Alphonso Johnson: bass guitar Don Myrick: alto sax Rahmlee Michael Davis and Michael Harris: flugelhorns Strings arranged by Arif Mardin Gavin Cochrane: Photography
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