“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” – Neil Sedaka

“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” is a classic pop song by Neil Sedaka, first released in 1962. Written by Sedaka and his longtime collaborator Howard Greenfield, the song became one of Sedaka’s most enduring hits and a defining track of early 1960s pop music.

The song is known for its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and relatable lyrics about the emotional difficulty of ending a relationship. With lines like, “Breaking up is hard to do / Remember when you held me tight / And you kissed me all through the night,” Sedaka captures the heartache and frustration that often accompany a breakup. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of nostalgia and longing, making the song resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.

Musically, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” features a bright, piano-driven arrangement that reflects Sedaka’s pop sensibilities. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus make it a sing-along favorite, while Sedaka’s clear, expressive vocals convey both the sadness and the upbeat resilience of the song’s message. The production, with its lively tempo and melodic hooks, aligns perfectly with the pop music trends of the early 1960s.

The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining there for two weeks. It also topped the charts in the UK and Canada, establishing Sedaka as a major pop star of the era. “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” has since been covered by various artists, including The Carpenters, who gave it a new, slower arrangement in the 1970s.

Sedaka’s original version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” remains a classic, celebrated for its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and Sedaka’s memorable performance. It is a quintessential example of early 1960s pop music and continues to be a beloved track in the pop music canon.