Neil Sedaka, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do | Throwback Vibez

In the 48^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” by Neil Sedaka.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 48^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” performed by Neil Sedaka.

In 2026, the world lost a musical icon, Neil Sedaka (1939 – 2026). The Grammy-nominated musician left a catalog of his own hits, as well as songs he composed that became hits for others.  Shockingly, Mr. Sedaka was never inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 👀 Now that’s some bull.  One of Sedaka’s own triumphs as an artist is “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”, released in 1962. “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” one of three number-one hits by Sedaka, spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was later nominated for Song of the Year… at the 19^th Annual Grammy Awards, acknowledging 1976 nominees and winners… 👀. Hmm, how did that happen? Well, Sedaka recorded a slower version/different arrangement of the up-tempo joint in 1975. Sedaka and gay, Songwriting Hall of Famer Howard Greenfield (1936 – 1986) wrote the classic, Alan Lorber arranged it, and Al Nevins produced it.

The original version of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” is short but utterly sweet.  It catches the ears from the get-go with the infectious and playful “do-do, down-dooby-do-down-down” lyrics.  Neil Sedaka sounds enthusiastic as he sings.  Beginning with the first verse, Sedaka retains his jubilance despite a potential break-up. Perhaps it’s the possibility of maintaining their bond? “Don’t take your love away from me / Don’t you leave my heart in misery,” he sings, and adds, “If you go, then I’ll be blue / ‘Cause breaking up is hard to do.”  The second verse is more of the same, highlighting the good times in their relationship and shutting down the idea of breaking it off.  One of the best sections of the song is the refrain.  Here, the harmonic progression changes, distinguishing itself from the verses and the chorus.  Thematically, it’s more of the same, however: “Instead of breaking up / I wish that we were making up again.” The chorus, which is similar to the verses, follows the refrain.

“I beg of you, don’t say goodbye

Can’t we give our love another try?

Come on, baby, let’s start anew

‘Cause breaking up is hard to do.”

Beyond Sedaka’s own enthused pipes, he is supported by those old-school, beloved 60’s background vocals. The backdrop is also well-rounded, even if the recording quality isn’t the greatest – it’s an old recording, after all. The contrasting arrangement from 1975 is also a treat, with Sedaka wowing with his balladry. His voice sounds golden. All in all, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” is his ace-in-the-hole – the crème de la crème.