There’s no lack of sad songs out there for anyone who’s trying to heal a broken heart, but since every breakup is different, some tunes are naturally more appropriate for certain situations than others. Relationships fall apart for all kinds of reasons, and the aftermath might have people looking for songs that mirror their anger, or jealousy, or regret…or in the case of one ’60s classic, the sense of “foolish pride” one might feel when they’re trying to move on with dignity.
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Dionne Warwick‘s 1964 hit “Walk on By” is as beautiful as it is relatable, with lyrics that tell the story of a woman who doesn’t want her ex to see her cry:
“If you see me walking down the street / And I start to cry each time we meet / Walk on by, walk on by / Make believe that you don’t see the tears / Just let me grieve / In private, ’cause each time I see you / I break down and cry”
“Walk on By” went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Warwick’s biggest hit at that point in her career. It’s no surprise that years later, music lovers are just as in love with the tune as ever. It was ranked #51 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” while Billboard placed it at #44 on their list of the “Top 100 Breakup Songs of All Time,” praising the song for its ability to comfort and heal: “Even when you feel like falling apart, Warwick’s timeless hit will help you keep it moving.”
“Walk on By” took tenth place on Time Out New York‘s list of “50 Best Breakup Songs,” with the article calling Warwick the “perfect interpreter” for songwriting team Bacharach and David, noting that her “breezy style made the duo’s character-driven, rhythmically challenging tunes sound deceptively simple.”
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As American Songwriter reported, Warwick continued to record Bacharach and David songs over the next two decades after “Walk on By” was released, selling approximately 12 million copies and scoring 22 Top 40 singles including “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.”
Over half a century later, “Walk on By” is just as beloved as ever. At the time of this writing, the song has been streamed 131,403,114 on Spotify alone.
Related: 1973 No. 1 Soft Rock Hit Became a Timeless Breakup Anthem
