Break Up Songs
Break Up Songs are to relationships as glass and nails are to brand new tires. Some things are just death to other things. Neil Sedaka said it all in his 1962 number 1 song, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”. Only in the world of music can a whole category be created, packaged, and sold that revolves around such a depressing time in people’s lives. But what is really amazing is that people buy these 3 minute tear jerkers of failed relationships set to music.
About the worst (and funniest) thing that can occur to a couple that are trying to work out problems in their marriage, is to take the elevator up to see a marriage counselor and have the background music play Neil Sedaka’s song. You have to admit it would be funny.
Maybe it would be considered a sign that the couple had reached the end of the road with their relationship and it was time to move on. A sign, yes that is what it would be. The Muzak Gods would be sending a message directly into the elevator.
The best break up songs are the ones that seem to lift your spirits as they tell the story of heartbreak and betrayal. Not an easy task, but that is why there are professional song writers. It is a little bit strange that we can go around whistling, humming, and singing these depressing songs. But we do and we like it.
Music and songs are often used as counseling for couples. There are lessons to learned, connections to be made, and long teary eyed looks to be gazed. It is all so dramatic.
Deep back in the memories of the characters of these sad break up songs are cherished chapters of broken lives and fractured love affairs. Wedding Cakes that were cut and eaten with loved ones and friends. Honeymoons, vacations, family get-togethers all vanish in a haze of overdubbing and quivering voices aching to end the pain.
Good break up songs make their point while still coming across as a sing a long for the rest of us who are not experiencing the heartache of loves cruel intent.
Angry break up songs are my favorite. This is the type of song that you would hear while watching the movie “War of the Roses”. The two participants have learned to hate each other. As a matter of fact they relish in the thought of finding new and interesting ways of hurting each other. Life doesn’t get any better or more interesting. These types of songs have humor, at least to outsiders, built into them. Breaking up becomes a game to the participants with winners and losers. The song is the soundtrack.
Without a doubt country break up songs are the absolute best. Those country artist have break up songs down to a science. They have been at it since the beginning of country music and have shown no signs of letting up. They can sing funny break up songs that include their mothers, dogs, jobs, getting drunk, new girlfriends, ex-wives, and everything else including the kitchen sink. And they do it so well. Country music is custom made for these types of songs.
Great break up songs make us think of our own relationships, present, past, and hopefully future. Nobody is immune to going through a break up. When we first started dating the worst thing that could happen is when the girl said she wanted to move on or the guy showed up with another on his arm. It is just part of life that all of us have had to learn to navigate.
But happy break up songs are the type that we all like to listen to. We really don’t hear the pain in the song if it is happy and upbeat. We just overlook the obvious with an ear toward the catchy chorus and bouncy beat of the music.
And that brings us to new break up songs. All we can say is the more things change the more they stay the same. Down through history break up songs have run the gamut of happy, sad, funny, and angry. And they still do because nothing really changes.
Next time you turn on the radio and hear a break up song tip your hat to Neil Sedaka.