06.21.07

Break Me Up, Before You Go-Go

Posted in Life, Music, JD at 1:15 pm by jd

I’ve been inspired by the VH1 Countdown post and the Top Summer Songs post and have decided to venture back into the realm of music myself; lets give this a whirl. The emotion music evokes can be therapeutic in a number of circumstances. These situations can include, but are not limited to the death of your dog, harsh feelings on war, scopin’ some fine ace on the streets or in da club, expressing resentment towards other musicians who you may not enjoy or everyone’s favorite, falling in love. In this blog, I’d like to tackle the opposite; breaking up. Everyone’s had to do it or will have to at some point, so I’d like to lend some assistance to those who might enter this boat in the not so distant future, as I don’t plan on it myself. No, “The Hardest Part of Breaking Up” by 2gether did not make the list. So without much further ado, I give to you, the 20 Best Break Up Songs (that I could think of over the past couple days) along with a lyric from each. This will include 5 classics and 15 you may not know. Enjoy, and then cry yourself to sleep. (Warning: Print and take to the bathroom, it’s a long one, longest ever maybe. Sorry.)

Los Songs Clasicos:

You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi
Does this song even need an explanation? If you can’t scream out your frustrations in ending a relationship where you were tortured, where can you? You promise me Heaven then put me through Hell. Chains of love got a hold on me, when passion’s a prison you can’t break free… Shot through the heart and you’re too blame, you give love a bad name. I play my part and you play your game…

Against All Odds – Phil Collins
This is for you hopeless romantics that hope the evil woman will come back. You’re holding out and thinking that she’ll come around, kind of like when you asked your Mom if you were allowed to stay over your girlfriend’s house in high school for the first time. She says no, but you pray she’ll change her mind and just trust you. It’s not happening, kids. I wish I could just make you turn around, turn around and see me cry. There’s so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why. You’re the only one who really knew me at all.

Positively 4th Street – Bob Dylan
A classic that you might not know, this song should transcend generations with its contemporary lyrics of desperation, but since it’s old and anyone born after 1980 is a pop-punk snob, this song will likely be lost in the depths sooner rather than later. But check it out, it’s a good’n. You got a lotta nerve to say you got a helping hand to lend, you just want to be on the side that’s winning… Do you take me for such a fool to think I’d make contact with the one who tries to hide what he don’t know to begin with?

End of the Road – Boyz II Men
Along with its Spanish counterpart (Al Final del Camino, released on the special edition version of CooleyHighHarmony), End of the Road is perhaps the sappiest R & B break up song of all time, and nothing less would be expected from Legends BIIM. This also could be the best Soundtrack song ever (Boomerang). This is another song for the people trying to win their boy/girl back. Well I can’t sleep at night without holding you tight, girl each time I try I just break down and cry. Pain in my head, oh I’d rather be dead, spinnin’ around and around.

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Everyone knows this hot jam, but few people equate it to breaking up, they just think of it as a hot jam that’s a classic. Parents can listen to it with their kids and reminisce about the days when Motown was where it’s at (I have no problem NOT listening to the Temptations, which is weird). I love this song because when I was a Junior in High School I went on a weekend trip to New York with my Drama Club (yes, I’m a Drama Nerd and I’m proud. Speaking of which, why call it drama club when 99% of high schools perform comedies because the directors think they are easier when in fact comedy is the most difficult style of acting to pull off? I smell another post, oh wait, I just haven’t showered yet today. Sorry, back to the post.) and we stayed a block from Times Square. One morning a group of us were going to eat breakfast next to where they shoot the Letterman show and as we walked out of our hotel, we heard this song playing. Figuring it was just someone playing music in the morning, we thought nothing of it, until we turned around and there on stage was Gloria Gaynor belting it out. Fantastic turn of events that morning. And Letterman even showed up to eat breakfast with us! Ok, not really. Go on now go, walk out the door, don’t turn around now cause you’re not welcome anymore. Weren’t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye? Did you think I’d crumble? Did you think I’d lay down and die? Oh no, not I…

“Note” Worthy – We’re Not Making Love No More – Dru Hill

Los Songs That You Might Not Know

Screenwriting an Apology – Hawthorne Heights
This is for the people who like hybrid songs of heavier moments and softer touch. Similar in style to their song “Ohio is for Lovers,” this song says I want you back, but I’m not sure why. Just wake me when it’s over, when the curtains raise it’s time to move on. Exit now, credits rolling, the girl who stole my heart, the one that got away… Scene missing, fade to black, you’re acting all this out again.

Song for the Dumped – Ben Folds Five
The ultimate in angst ridden, get-out-of-my-life music. This song is about as subtle as Richard Simmons flirting at the Million Man March. Wait, you don’t get that reference? Me either, it’s because it’s doesn’t make sense. This song, however, does make sense, like Malcolm X rallying a crowd at the Gay Pride Festival. So you wanted to take a break? Slow it down some and have some space? F*** you too! Give me my money back, give me my money back you bitch! I want my money back. And don’t forget to give me back my black t-shirt. I wish I hadn’t bought you dinner right before you dumped me on your front porch.

Anywhere With You – Saves the Day
I love this song primarily because people that haven’t heard it and are just desperately looking for a song to put on a Mix Tape for a girl could mistake the title for something romantic only to hear it later and crap their pants while trying to explain to their lady friend the mix up (sound familiar, AJ?). I know I can’t come near you, everytime I do I get to shaking inside and the sun in my eyes so I’ll stay away. I’d rather be here than anywhere with you. I’ve been dancing with your ghost, toasting note to note. So here’s to the passing of all that could be between you and me.

Walk On – U2
Big U2 fans like Johnny Drama will know this one. It’s about having the strength to deal and get past the chick or dude that broke your heart. Victory! The only baggage you can bring is all that you can’t leave behind…And I know it aches and your heart, it breaks, you can only take so much. Walk on… You’ve got to leave it behind.

Another Lonely Day – Ben Harper
The next Hendrix (after his Star Spangled Banner performance in Cleveland) has a depressing song about being alone, welcome to the world of music. I think every musician has written a song like this at some point. I like this one. I’d rather walk alone than chase you around, I’d rather fall myself than have you drag me on down. It wouldn’t have worked out anyway, so for now it’s just another lonely day…

Bulimic – The Used
Catchy beat, pop-punk type band and song, what’s not to love, children of baby boomers? Plus its named after a common eating disorder, it’s perfectly fitting in this day and age. Makes me sick, no pun intended. And did I mention in this song that the guy is in control for a change? From the way that you acted to the way that I felt it, it wasn’t worth my time. And now it’s sad cause all I missed wasn’t that good to begin with. And now I’ve started you begging saying things that you don’t mean, it isn’t worth my time. A line’s a dime a million times and I’m about to see all of them… I’m about to see a million things I thought I’d never see before and I’m about to do all of the things I’ve dreamed of and I don’t even miss you at all. Goodbye to you, you’re taking up my time.

Empty Apartment – Yellowcard
Yellowcard is extremely underrated. They are the new Poison, the group no one expected to catch on but still made hits for years and years. The violin gets me. This song is about breaking up, but still being able to be there for each other and maybe remain buddies in time. I could put the entire song’s lyrics here, but just listen to it. Waking up from this nightmare, how’s your life? What’s it like there? Is it all what you want it to be? Does it hurt when you think about me and how broken my heart is?… When you get lonely and no one’s around, you know that I’ll catch you when you’re falling down. We came together but you left alone and I know how it feels to walk out on your own, maybe someday I will see you again and you’ll look me in my eyes and call me your friend.

Walking By – Something Corporate
The hardest part of making this list was whittling down the groups who had multiple songs and picking my favorite. So Co had a bunch of songs I could have used, as did spin off Jack’s Mannequin, but this song just takes the cake, narrowly edging “Bad Day” (It’s been a bad day, another bad day, and all I wanna do is look at you and know I’m ok.) and the Jack’s jam “Rescued” (Say you’ll miss me one last time, and I’ll be strong, whatever you do, just please don’t get me rescued). This song is beautifully harmonic to people of all ages and is just damn good writing. Plus, the piano is perfect for a melancholy tune. Why do you look when you’ve already found me?… Why do you leave these questions unanswered? The circus awaits, you’re already gone. My Cheshire Cat doorstop, with fear in her smile, what makes it so easy for you to be walking by? What did I do that you can’t seem to want me and why do we lie here and whisper goodbyes? Where can I go that your pictures won’t haunt me? What makes it so easy for you to be walking by?

Happier – Guster
Another just all around good song from a band that could have multiple on this list. This song is about time wasted and finally telling your ex to go pound salt. Well you knew this would come and you left me all alone, you’re lost and long gone, don’t take it so seriously, go on get going I’m fine on my own, and what got me this far, I finally got it figured out. And you’re gone now, and did it make you happier? One more inch, you son of a bitch, you’ve been a waste of my time, always! And now you’re half awake, you bend till you break and make the same mistake, always! So go on…

Don’t Push Love Away – The Juliana Theory
15 down, 5 to go and this one you probably haven’t heard. You’ll probably also have a hard time finding the full song unless you buy the album. This song is much different than most JT songs, it’s mellow and cool. It’s about telling a person who has trouble connecting that if they open up, things will be ok. Just like how Dr. Turk couldn’t open up to JD on Scrubs, but he finally did and everyone lived happily ever after with Appletini’s. Here’s a thought, if you’re willing to listen. I only tell the truth of the feelings I’m given. Can you hear me now? Listen. She’s crying… can you feel me now, this time? Whispers in the rain, lying awake. Don’t push love away, you know you do. It’s all we have.

She Says – Howie Day
Ah, finally a song that deals with the competition. This song, unlike the ‘N Sync ditty “It Makes Me Ill,” talks straight to the new guy. Whereas Justin is saying he met the new guy and he’s not worried about the competishhh, Howie is saying, “Look here, Buddy, you’ve got no shot.” Sweet is the sight of her room, window open by candle light. How would you know… and when she says she wants somebody else, I hope you know that she doesn’t mean you. And when she breaks down and makes a sound, you’ll never hear her the way that I do…

Slow Down – The Academy Is…
I love this song. It’s BAM! Right in your face, take this, eat it and leave me the hell alone you worthless piece of crap. The only way you could be less important to me is if your parents hadn’t bumped uglies to bring you here in the first place. Take back everything you ever said, you never meant a word of it, you never did. She said “Alright, alright slow down.” Oh no, we won’t cause I regret everything that I said to ever make her feel like she was something special or that she ever really mattered. Did she ever really matter?

Broken Promise Ring – The Ataris
Three songs left, all very high school. Check out the words, it’s a good upbeat jam. I really want to call you, but I know that it’s not right, I probably shouldn’t tell you, but I dreamt of you last night. I guess I’m not prepared to say Goodbye, so long, farewell, I won’t be seeing you again until next time that it goes our way. I guess that I’m wrong for falling in love, but you’re still the one that I’m thinking of, I guess that its you who I want to old onto, but you’re holding onto someone else…

Screaming Infidelities – Dashboard Confessional
This is the perfect little ditty to the chick that left you for another guy and is rubbing your face all in it at every possibly opportunity. We’ve all been with this girl and we all hate her now and hate how we made ourselves miserable over her. She wasn’t even worth it we say, then we listen to “Slow Down” (2 songs up) and make ourselves feel better. This is the ultimate cry over spilt milk song, and we really do hate ourselves for wallowing in it when it’s over. That said, it’s a large part of the grieving and growing process. I’m missing your bed, I never sleep, avoiding the spots where we’d have to speak, and this bottle of Beast is taking me home. I’m cuddling close to blankets and sheets, you’re not alone and you’re not discreet, make sure I know who’s taking you home. Well as for now I’m gonna hear the saddest songs and sit alone and wonder how you’re making out. But as for me, I wish that I was anywhere, with anyone, making out.

Sonny – New Found Glory
Finally, we reach the last song, compliments of AJ. I’d forgotten about this one and really, it’s just a sad song. It’s more about losing a loved one than breaking up, but it serves the purpose. I think it’s a fitting end based on it’s primary lyric. Read on. When you lose a part of yourself to somebody you know, it takes a lot to let go. With every breath that you remember, pictures fade away but memory’s forever. An empty chair at all the tables, and I’ll be seeing you when all my days boil down, for now we’ll say goodbye, we know it’s not the last time. I’ve lost the best part of my day. This is the last thing I, I will remember. It’s better where you’re going anyway.

“Note” Worthy – Sunday Drive by The Early November
The silence from the side of the car tells me everything and how we are. There’s no more trying to make this alright, there’s no more trying tonight. Twelve days gone by since I have saw you last, I’ll give this one more try. I’ll give it all my best and I’ll ask what could you be doing that is so much fun without me by your side? And I will take a step back, and I’ll let you ahead and I will take a step away and see if you come back because there’s no more trying to make this alright. We will never be the same until you’re done.

Be well.

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