“I’m Still Not Over You” – Richard Carpenter is a tender, understated ballad that offers a glimpse into the quieter, more personal side of a man most widely known for his arrangements, harmonies, and musicianship behind The Carpenters. Though this song is not one of the most commercially known titles in his solo catalog, it stands as a sincere expression of enduring heartbreak, delivered with the kind of melodic sensitivity that only Richard Carpenter can bring.
Released as part of his 1997 solo album Richard Carpenter: Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor, “I’m Still Not Over You” carries with it the emotional restraint and musical elegance that have always defined his work. The song itself is a reimagining of a track originally performed by Connie Smith in 1974 (written by Teddy Wilburn and Larry Kingston), but Richard’s interpretation is distinctly his own — quieter, gentler, and more introspective.
From the very first note, the listener is welcomed into a world of soft piano lines, warm strings, and a melancholic hush. The instrumentation is classic Richard Carpenter: graceful, meticulously arranged, and never overstated. The focus is always on the emotion — not on vocal acrobatics or flashy production, but on honesty and atmosphere.
Lyrically, the song speaks to a truth that many have known but few can articulate with such subtlety:
“Though you may not love me now, you’re still in my heart somehow…”
It’s not a dramatic plea for reconciliation, nor a bitter lament. Instead, it’s a resigned acknowledgment — a gentle confession that some love simply refuses to fade, even after time has passed and lives have moved on.
Richard’s vocal performance is intimate and understated. His voice, softer than that of his sister Karen’s iconic alto, carries a different kind of emotional weight — one of reflection rather than raw feeling. There’s a fragility in his tone, as if each word is being chosen carefully, not to impress but to tell the truth. And in that honesty lies the song’s strength.
As with many of the songs in his solo career, “I’m Still Not Over You” doesn’t seek the spotlight. It doesn’t demand attention. Instead, it offers a quiet space to feel something real — grief without dramatics, memory without resentment. It’s a song for those quiet, late-night moments when you sit with the past, not to relive it, but to honor what it meant.
In many ways, this track reflects Richard Carpenter’s enduring gift: his ability to translate complex emotions into simple, elegant musical language. Whether he’s arranging, composing, or singing, his touch is always gentle — guiding the listener rather than leading them. His work has always been about letting the emotion breathe, and “I’m Still Not Over You” is a perfect example of that philosophy.
For fans of The Carpenters, the song may also feel like a quiet echo of the past — a musical reflection from someone who has known love, loss, and the enduring ache of memory. While Karen’s voice often sang of heartbreak with ethereal beauty, Richard’s solo work — especially in this track — feels more grounded, like pages from a personal journal softly set to music.
In the end, “I’m Still Not Over You” is not just a song about lost love. It’s about dignity in longing, about continuing to carry someone with you — not because you can’t let go, but because they were once part of your soul. And through Richard Carpenter’s gentle performance, that truth becomes something achingly beautiful.