Leroy Van Dyke – Walk On By

About the song

Here is a detailed introduction to the song “Walk on By” that respects older readers and is written in a clear and concise manner:

“Walk on By” is a timeless country music classic written by Kendall Hayes and performed by the legendary American artist Leroy Van Dyke. Released in June 1961, this iconic song was the title track of Van Dyke’s album of the same name. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Walk on By” became Van Dyke’s most successful single, dominating the country charts for an impressive 37 weeks, with a record-breaking 19 weeks at the top spot.

This crossover hit also made its mark on the pop charts, peaking at number five. In 1994, Billboard magazine named “Walk on By” the biggest country music record in history, a testament to its enduring popularity. The song’s 19-week reign at number one stood as a record for 51 years until it was surpassed by Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” in 2013.

The song’s narrative revolves around a two-timing man who is juggling two relationships. He advises his old girlfriend to pretend they don’t know each other in public, telling her to “just walk on by” and meet him in secret at dim cafes on the outskirts of town. This classic tale of love and deception continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, making “Walk on By” a country music staple that remains beloved to this day.

Video

Lyrics

If I see you tomorrow on some street in town
Pardon me if I don’t say hello (hello)
I belong to an other, it wouldn’t look so good
To know someone I’m not supposed to know

Just walk on by, wait on the corner
I love you, but we’re strangers when we meet
Just walk on by, wait on the corner
I love you, but we’re strangers when we meet

In a dimly lit corner in a place outside of town
Tonight we’ll try to say goodbye again (goodbye)
But I know it’s not over, I’ll call tomorrow night
I can’t let you go, so why pretend