Breaking Up, by Rich Paschall

Nothing lasts forever. That includes relationships. Some may start out as a dream and end up as a nightmare. It may be easy to walk away from some, while in other cases it could be difficult and expensive. Here at the SERENDIPITY clinic and spa, we feel that music therapy can help you through a troublesome period. Therefore, we have come to you with another Top Ten list for the occasion. If clouds are forming on the horizon, we are here to help.

Photo: Garry Armstrong

We begin with an honorable mention. Few people have had hits with different versions of the same song. Our favorite octogenarian did that long ago with Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. Thirteen years after his chart-topping rock and roll version, he had another top ten hit with this song in 1975. Sedaka originally prepared the slower version for Lenny Welch in 1970.

When you are “Dreaming With A Broken Heart” (John Mayer) you may be asking “What About Us?” (Pink). “Someone Like You” (Adele) may just have to admit “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (Bonnie Raitt) if you don’t. It may seem like there “Ain’t No Sunshine” (Bill Withers) but you will be a “Survivor” (Destiny’s Child). Just “Let Her Go” (Passenger) and “Don’t Think Twice” (Bob Dylan). Our top ten list will be the “Best Thing” (Beyonce) to “Fix You” (Coldplay).

10. Hit The Road, Jack – Ray Charles. “I guess if you said so, I’ll have to pack my things and go.” The 1962 song picked up the Grammy for Best R&B Performance.
09. Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake. No, it’s not the American standard many of us know, but it is the same sentiment.  “You must have me confused with some other guy, The bridges were burned, Now it’s your turn, to cry.”
08. Apologize –  One Republic. Sometimes it is “Too late to apologize” as the pop band pointed out in this 2007 hit song. “You tell me that you’re sorry, Didn’t think I’d turn around and say, That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late.
07. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac. The soap opera that is the long-time rock band has produced a lot of hit songs about their various relationships. This one is allegedly Lindsey Buckingham’s break-up song aimed at Stevie Nicks. The Top ten hit had Nicks on backup vocals.
06. Love Yourself – Justin Beiber.  Yes, the pop star keeps turning up on our lists. If you substitute the word “love” in the title with another four-letter word, you can probably get the gist of the true meaning of this 2015 hit song. “You think you broke my heart, oh girl for goodness sake, You think I’m crying on my own, well I ain’t.”

05. F Your Love – Darin. Sometimes you just have to say it.  Things do not always end well and you may feel like adding “Wish I could go back in time, And wipe all your kisses off.” The song was originally released in 2013. The official video was released in 2016. No, he doesn’t use the word you are thinking of, the video is strictly PG-13.

04. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor. This 1978 disco mega-hit is not just a favorite dance tune, it is also one of the ultimate breakup songs. “I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key, If I’d known for just one second you’d be back to bother me.”

03. Cry Me A River – Julie London. The song was originally written with Ella Fitzgerald in mind, but London had a hit with it first in 1955. The popular tune has been recorded by a wide variety of singers, including Fitzgerald.

02. I Wanna Be Around – Tony Bennett. Sometimes what goes around, comes around. If you wait long enough karma might strike and give that certain someone what is due:
And that’s when I’ll discover that revenge is sweet
As I sit there applauding from a front-row seat
When somebody breaks your heart
Like you, like you broke mine

Neil Sedaka

01. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – Neil Sedaka.  “Down dooby doo down down” OK, it did not have to make sense, it was early rock and roll. We could not leave you with slow or sad music, so we are bringing Neil back for an encore with the original version of the song. Sing along.  It will make you feel better.

To hear any song on YouTube, click on the title, or listen to the entire “Breaking Up” playlist here.

Categories: Entertainment, Music, Rich Paschall, You Tube

Tags: breaking up, changing relationships, Cry Me A River, Darin, Gloria Gaynor, music videos, Neil Sedaka, Tony Bennett