About The Song
Background
“Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” is a timeless pop song written by Howard Greenfield and composed by Neil Sedaka. Released in 1962, the song became an instant hit, topping the Billboard charts in the United States and reaching the top ten in the United Kingdom. It remains one of Sedaka’s signature tunes and a beloved classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Musical Style
“Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” is a prime example of early 1960s doo-wop pop. Doo-wop, characterized by its close vocal harmonies and emphasis on backing vocals, was a dominant genre in the early rock and roll era. The song features a catchy melody driven by a prominent piano part and a steady backbeat from the drums. Sedaka’s distinctive tenor vocals are layered with rich backing harmonies, creating a warm and inviting soundscape.
The structure of the song is simple yet effective. Three verses tell the story of a heartbroken lover pleading with their partner to reconsider a breakup. Each verse is followed by a catchy chorus that repeats the title phrase “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do.” The bridge offers a brief moment of reflection as the singer reminisces about happier times in the relationship. The song then returns to the powerful chorus, driving home the emotional plea.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” are deceptively simple. Sedaka and Greenfield utilize a conversational style, mirroring the way someone might plead with a lover during a breakup. Lines like “Don’t take your love away from me” and “Remember when you held me tight” speak directly to the object of affection, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Despite their simplicity, the lyrics capture the universal pain of heartbreak. Phrases like “I’ll be blue” and “They say that breaking up is hard to do” express emotions that anyone who has experienced a breakup can relate to. The song doesn’t delve into the reasons for the breakup, allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the narrative. This universality is a key factor in the song’s enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact
“Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” transcended the pop charts and became a cultural phenomenon. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics were adopted by teenagers experiencing their first heartbreaks, becoming an anthem for young love and loss. Its popularity was further fueled by Sedaka’s energetic live performances, where he would often invite the audience to sing along to the chorus.
The song’s influence extended beyond music. The title phrase became a cultural touchstone, appearing in movies, television shows, and even political campaigns. “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” was also covered by numerous artists throughout the decades, from Elvis Presley to The Jackson 5, further solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Legacy and Conclusion
“Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” is more than just a catchy pop song. It’s a timeless classic that captures the bittersweet emotions of a universal experience: heartbreak. The song’s simple yet effective lyrics and catchy melody continue to resonate with listeners across generations. Its cultural impact extends far beyond the music industry, solidifying its place as a pop culture touchstone. “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with us on a deeply emotional level.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
You tell me that you’re leavin’
I can’t believe it’s true
Girl there’s just no livin’ without you
Don’t take your love away from me
Don’t you leave my heart in misery
‘Cause if you go, then I’ll be blue
Breakin’ up his hard to do
Remember when ya held me tight
And ya kissed me all through the night
Think of all that we’ve been through
And breakin’ up is hard to do
They say that breakin’ up is hard to do
Now I know, I know that it’s true
Don’t say that this is the end
Instead of breakin’ up
I wish that we were makin’ up again
I beg of you, don’t say goodbye
Can’t we give our love just one more try
Come on baby, let’s start anew
Breakin’ up is hard to do
Breakin’ up is oh, so hard to do