About the song
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” is an iconic pop song recorded by Neil Sedaka, showcasing his immense talent and enduring appeal. Co-written by Sedaka and lyricist Howard Greenfield, this track has become synonymous with Sedaka’s musical legacy. Originally released in 1962, the song features a memorable scat intro—“come-a come-a down, dooby doo down down”—a result of Sedaka and Greenfield’s creative improvisation when they couldn’t finalize the lyrics for that segment. This catchy vocalization, born out of necessity, ultimately became a defining feature of the song.
The 1962 version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” achieved tremendous success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart on August 11, 1962, and reaching No. 12 on the Hot R&B Sides chart. Described by AllMusic as “two minutes and sixteen seconds of pure pop magic,” the single’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics struck a chord with listeners around the globe. In the UK, it climbed to No. 7 on the charts, further cementing its international appeal. The Italian adaptation, titled “Tu Non Lo Sai” (“You Don’t Know”), is a testament to Sedaka’s global reach, having been recorded in Italian to connect with his Italian fans.
In addition to Sedaka’s original version, the song was re-recorded by Sedaka in 1975, with a fresh arrangement that breathed new life into the classic hit. Between 1970 and 1975, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” enjoyed significant popularity, becoming a top-40 hit three times, thanks to renditions by Lenny Welch, The Partridge Family, and Sedaka’s own re-recording.
The original recording features a talented ensemble of musicians, including Al Casamenti and Art Ryerson on guitar, Ernie Hayes on piano, and George Duvivier on bass, among others. Background vocals were provided by the female group The Cookies, adding a harmonious layer to the track.
Overall, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” stands as a quintessential example of early 60s pop music, embodying both Sedaka’s charm and the era’s vibrant sound. Its continued success and adaptation into multiple languages underscore its timeless appeal and Sedaka’s significant influence in the music industry.
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Lyrics
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 do
Don’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 do
Remember 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 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 again
I 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
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 again
I 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
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