Neil Sedaka – Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do ( 1960)

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield in 1962, the song is a poignant and relatable ballad about the pain and heartache of ending a relationship. Sedaka’s emotive vocals and the song’s simple yet powerful melody have made it a staple of popular culture, covered by countless artists and featured in numerous films and television shows.

The song’s origins can be traced back to Sedaka’s early songwriting days. In 1962, he was working as a staff songwriter for Brill Building, a legendary music publishing house in New York City. Sedaka had already written a number of hits, including “Oh! Carol” and “The Diary,” but he was determined to write a song that truly resonated with people on an emotional level.

One day, Sedaka was sitting at the piano, strumming chords and trying to come up with a melody. He was feeling down about a recent breakup, and the emotions poured out into his music. He began to sing the lyrics that would become “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”:

“Breaking up is hard to do When you’re still in love with someone Breaking up is hard to do But it must be done”

Sedaka’s collaborator, Howard Greenfield, helped to polish the lyrics and refine the song’s structure. The result was a song that was both heartbreaking and hopeful, capturing the complex emotions of a love that is ending but not yet forgotten.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was released in 1962 and quickly became a hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained in the top 40 for over two months. The song was also a success internationally, reaching number four in the UK Singles Chart.

The song’s success propelled Sedaka to even greater stardom. He went on to release a string of hits in the 1960s, including “Runaway,” “Somebody Loves Me,” and “When the Night Is Over.” However, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” remained his signature song, a testament to its enduring power and emotional resonance.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Carly Simon. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Shrek.” The song’s popularity shows no signs of waning, and it continues to be a touchstone for people who have experienced the pain of heartbreak.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” is more than just a pop song; it’s a universal anthem about love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of heartache, there is always hope for a brighter future.