About the song
In the realm of popular music, few songs have captured the essence of heartbreak and longing as poignantly as Neil Sedaka’s 1962 hit, “Breakin’ Up Is Hard to Do.” This timeless classic has become an anthem for the broken-hearted, a symphony of sorrow that resonates with listeners of all ages. Written by Sedaka himself, along with Howard Greenfield, the song’s lyrics are a masterclass in conveying the pain and anguish that accompanies the end of a relationship.
The song’s narrative is a poignant portrayal of a couple’s demise, with Sedaka’s smooth, velvety vocals delivering a heartfelt lament. The lyrics are a masterful blend of simplicity and complexity, weaving together a tapestry of emotions that is both relatable and universal. From the opening lines, “The way you hold me, the way you kiss me / I never thought I’d miss you / But now I’m back to square one,” it’s clear that Sedaka is drawing from a deep well of personal experience.
Throughout the song, Sedaka’s vocal delivery is characterized by its tender vulnerability, as he pours his heart out in a series of plaintive pleas. The chorus, with its soaring melody and harmonies, is a particular highlight, as Sedaka’s voice soars with a sense of longing and desperation. The song’s production, courtesy of producer Phil Spector, is equally noteworthy, with its lush orchestration and subtle use of percussion creating a sense of space and atmosphere that perfectly complements Sedaka’s emotive vocals.
“Breakin’ Up Is Hard to Do” has become an enduring classic, with its themes of love, loss, and longing continuing to resonate with listeners today. The song’s influence can be heard in countless other recordings, from the Beatles’ “Yesterday” to Elton John’s “Your Song.” It’s a testament to Sedaka’s skill as a songwriter and performer that his music has stood the test of time, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and emotional depth.
In conclusion, “Breakin’ Up Is Hard to Do” is a masterpiece of popular music, a song that has become an integral part of our cultural heritage. Its themes of love, loss, and longing continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic that will endure for generations to come.
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Lyrics
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Breaking up is hard to do
Don’t take your love away from me
Don’t you leave my heart in misery
If you go then I’ll be blue
‘Cause breaking up is hard to do
Remember when you held me tight
And you kissed me all through the night
Think of all that we’ve been through
And breaking up is hard to do
They say that breaking up is hard to do
Now I know
I know that it’s true
Don’t say that this is the end
Instead of breaking up I wish that we were making up again
I beg of you don’t say goodbye
Can’t we give our love another try?
Come on, baby, let’s start anew
‘Cause breaking up is hard to do
Now I know
I know that it’s true
(Don’t say that this is the end)
Instead of breaking up I wish that we were making up again
I beg of you don’t say goodbye
Can’t we give our love another try?
Come on, baby, let’s start anew
‘Cause breaking up is hard to do
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