Breaking Up Is Hard to Do – Neil Sedaka’s Emotional Pop Masterpiece
Few songs in pop music history capture the pain of a breakup quite like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” by Neil Sedaka. Originally released in 1962, this song became an instant hit and has since become one of the defining heartbreak anthems of the early rock and roll era.
With its upbeat sound masking its emotional lyrics, the song remains a beloved staple of oldies playlists and a highlight in Sedaka’s long and successful career.
The Origins of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”
Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, the songwriting duo crafted a catchy and relatable tune that spoke directly to the teenage audience of the early 1960s. The lyrics are simple but powerful, expressing the sadness and confusion that follow the end of a relationship:
“Don’t take your love away from me.
Don’t you leave my heart in misery.”
Paired with Sedaka’s melodic piano and doo-wop-style backing vocals, the song struck a perfect balance between heartache and hit-making energy.
Chart-Topping Success
Released on RCA Victor, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” became Neil Sedaka’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also successful internationally, helping to establish him as a major pop star during the golden era of American rock and roll.
The track’s success led to extensive television appearances, radio play, and cemented Sedaka’s reputation as a versatile performer who could write, sing, and entertain.
A Ballad Reimagined
In an unusual and highly successful move, Neil Sedaka re-recorded the song in 1975 as a slow ballad. This version presented the lyrics in a more somber, reflective tone—highlighting the emotional depth behind the words. The ballad version also found commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” one of the few songs to chart twice in entirely different styles.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
More than 60 years after its original release, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” remains one of the most recognized and covered songs in pop music. Artists like The Carpenters, Lenny Welch, and even Gloria Estefan have offered their own takes on the track.
Whether in its upbeat original or the heartfelt 1975 ballad, the song continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Its enduring popularity speaks to a universal truth: ending a relationship is never easy—no matter the decade.
Final Thoughts
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” is more than a catchy tune—it’s a pop culture landmark that showcases Neil Sedaka’s talent as a songwriter, performer, and interpreter of emotion. With timeless lyrics, memorable melodies, and emotional honesty, it has earned its place in the canon of classic oldies music.
For anyone who has ever loved and lost, this song remains a musical shoulder to lean on—and a reminder that heartbreak, though painful, can be beautiful when put to music.
Lyrics: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Do do do
Down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Breaking up is hard to doDon’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 doRemember 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 doThey 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 againI 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(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 againI 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(Down dooby doo down down)
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down
