The Carpenters and the Poignant Ballad: “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”.200

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The Carpenters and the Poignant Ballad: “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”
Released in 1976 on their album “A Kind of Hush,” “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” wasn’t actually a Carpenters original. It was a cover song, written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, that had already achieved some fame by Nino Tempo & April Stevens in the early 1960s. But the Carpenters, with their signature blend of gentle orchestration and Karen’s heartfelt delivery, breathed new life into the ballad.
The song is a heart-wrenching plea from a lover facing separation. The lyrics, though simple, paint a vivid picture of a love story on the verge of collapse. We hear the protagonist’s desperation in lines like “Don’t take your love away from me” and the melancholic yearning in “Think of all that we’ve been through.” Karen’s voice, brimming with emotion, perfectly captures the vulnerability and pain of a love about to fade.
Interestingly, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” stands out on “A Kind of Hush” for another reason. By this point in their career, the Carpenters were known for Karen’s drumming alongside her singing. However, on this track, the drumming duties were taken over by session musicians. This slight shift in sound, while subtle, adds another layer of intrigue to the song.

The Carpenters and the Poignant Ballad: “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”

Ah, The Carpenters. A name synonymous with soft melodies, Karen Carpenter’s angelic vocals, and a sound that effortlessly soothed the soul. Today, we delve into one of their most recognizable tunes, a song that perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet ache of a relationship on the rocks: “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”

Released in 1976 on their album “A Kind of Hush,” “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” wasn’t actually a Carpenters original. It was a cover song, written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, that had already achieved some fame by Nino Tempo & April Stevens in the early 1960s. But the Carpenters, with their signature blend of gentle orchestration and Karen’s heartfelt delivery, breathed new life into the ballad.

The song is a heart-wrenching plea from a lover facing separation. The lyrics, though simple, paint a vivid picture of a love story on the verge of collapse. We hear the protagonist’s desperation in lines like “Don’t take your love away from me” and the melancholic yearning in “Think of all that we’ve been through.” Karen’s voice, brimming with emotion, perfectly captures the vulnerability and pain of a love about to fade.

Interestingly, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” stands out on “A Kind of Hush” for another reason. By this point in their career, the Carpenters were known for Karen’s drumming alongside her singing. However, on this track, the drumming duties were taken over by session musicians. This slight shift in sound, while subtle, adds another layer of intrigue to the song.

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Despite some internal struggles within the band at the time of recording, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” became a hit, showcasing the enduring appeal of The Carpenters’ sound. It’s a testament to their talent that they could take a pre-existing song and transform it into a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

So, the next time you hear those opening piano chords of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” take a moment to appreciate the artistry of The Carpenters. This song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant reminder of love’s fragility and the enduring power of a heartfelt melody.

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