About the song
Juice Newton, a versatile singer-songwriter known for her blend of country and pop music, penned “Break It to Me Gently” as a heartfelt ballad about heartbreak and loss. This poignant song, released in 1981, became a hit single and a defining track for Newton’s career.
With her powerful vocals and emotive delivery, Newton explores the universal themes of love, loss, and the pain of heartbreak. Through introspective lyrics and Newton’s heartfelt performance, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
The opening lines, “Break it to me gently, I’m not strong enough to hear,” immediately establish the song’s emotional tone. Newton’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and a desire to protect herself from the pain of heartbreak. The song’s refrain, “Break it to me gently, I’m not strong enough to bear,” reinforces this theme and creates a sense of empathy and understanding.
Throughout the song, Newton uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate the pain of heartbreak. She references the “shattered dreams” and the “empty spaces” left behind by a lost love. The lyrics evoke a sense of sadness and longing, while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
“Break It to Me Gently” is more than just a sad song; it is a testament to the power of human emotion. Newton’s heartfelt performance and the song’s relatable lyrics resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the universal experience of heartbreak and the strength it takes to overcome it. This timeless classic continues to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Video
Lyrics
Break it to me gently
Let me down the easy way
Make me feel you still love me
If it’s just, just for one more day
Break it to me gently
So my tears, my tears won’t fall too fast
If you must go then go slowly
Let me love you ’till the last
The love we’ve shared, oh, so long
It’s a teary part of me
If you must take your love away
Take it gradually
And break it to me gently, give me time
Oh, give me a little time to ease the pain
If you must go then go slowly
‘Cause I’ll never love again
If you must take your love away
Take it gradually
And break it to me gently, give me time
Oh, give me a little time to ease the pain
Love me just a little longer
‘Cause I’ll never, never love again
‘Cause I’ll never, no, never love again, ooh