Neil Sedaka – Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

 Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, a song so ubiquitous it transcends mere pop culture and enters the realm of cultural touchstone. Few tunes capture the bittersweet pangs of a young love’s demise quite like this 1962 classic. But to truly appreciate its enduring impact, we must delve into the context that birthed it and the artist who delivered it with such boyish charm.

Neil Sedaka, born in Brooklyn in 1931, was a prodigy. By the age of nine, he was a classically trained pianist, and by twelve, he was composing his own music. Signed to RCA Records in his late teens, Sedaka initially found success writing for other artists. But it was his own songwriting that resonated most deeply.

The early 1960s was a period of immense social change. Rock and roll, once relegated to the fringes, had exploded into the mainstream. Teenagers, a newly recognized demographic with disposable income, were a burgeoning market. Sedaka, with his clean-cut image and knack for crafting catchy melodies, perfectly captured this youthful zeitgeist.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do wasn’t Sedaka’s first foray into heartbreak anthems. Songs like “Oh! Carol” explored the yearning for a lost love. But Breaking Up Is Hard To Do tackled the subject with a youthful innocence that resonated with a generation on the cusp of adulthood. The lyrics, co-written by Sedaka and his long-time collaborator Howard Greenfield, are deceptively simple. The protagonist pleads with his lover, reminding them of happier times and the strength of their bond. Lines like “Don’t say that this is the end, Instead of breaking up, I wish that we were making up again” resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the gut-wrenching pain of a first love gone wrong.

However, the song’s brilliance lies not just in its relatable lyrics but also in its infectious melody. The opening piano riff, a descending chromatic scale, instantly grabs the listener’s attention. The doo-wop backing vocals and the driving beat propel the song forward, creating a sense of urgency that mirrors the protagonist’s emotional state. Yet, there’s an underlying sweetness, a refusal to wallow in self-pity. It’s a song about heartbreak, yes, but it’s also a song about hope, about the belief that love, even lost, can leave a lasting impression.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do was an instant smash. It topped the Billboard charts in the United States and became a worldwide phenomenon. Sedaka would record the song again in 1975, this time with a more disco-infused arrangement, but it’s the 1962 version that remains etched in our collective memory.

The song’s influence is undeniable. It has been covered by countless artists, from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to Frank Sinatra and The Carpenters. Its cultural footprint extends beyond music. The song has been featured in countless films and television shows, solidifying its place in popular culture.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do is more than just a catchy pop song. It’s a timeless testament to the universal experience of heartbreak, a reminder that even in the face of loss, there’s a sweetness to be found in the memories of love. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and let yourself be swept away by this enduring classic.

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Lyrics

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”