I’ve always loved break up songs. Not sure why, probably because they can be so sad, and I love sad music. But this post isn’t just about break up songs. It’s about a subset of break up songs: I’m leaving you songs.
I’ve been on a bit of a Chris Brown kick lately. I actually only know him from his music being used on So You Think You Can Dance, but I assume he’s all over the radio. Probably sickeningly so. But since I don’t listen to the radio I’m not sick of him.
He’s got this song that cracks me up. It’s all sweet and I’m sure girls go gaga over it. But it’s all about how he has to break up with his girlfriend, because, you know, if he doesn’t, she’ll end up hating him. And stuff.
Awesome, right? It actually sounds like a sweet romantic love song. But it’s all about how he’s dumping her.
Now, Cat Power knows how to do an I’m leaving you song. Chris Brown says, “It’s not you, it’s me”—like anyone ever buys that. But Cat Power knows how to sell it. This is “Good Woman:”
I want to be a good woman
And I want for you to be a good man
And this is why I am leaving
This is why I can’t see you no more
Can you think of any other I’m leaving you songs? I want to make a mix.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:42 am
How about Tracy Chapman “Give Me One Reason”? I also like Tom Petty “Don’t Come Around Here No More”, but that’s not so much an “I’m leaving you” song as a “stay the hell away from me” song.
September 16th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Those are good ones. I know Alison Krauss must have at least one but I’m blanking.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Oh, and there’s always n*sync “Bye Bye Bye”—I can’t say that I would necessarily recommend it for a mix, but it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.
I hate to say it, but I don’t think I’m familiar with Alison Krauss.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
“Your Time Is Gonna Come” - Led Zeppelin
“Already Gone” - The Eagles
“Further on Up the Road” - Eric Clapton
“You’re No Good” - Van Halen
Those are some of my favorites. More will come to me, I’m sure. I used to think about this and had quite a list.
Not sure if the Beautiful South’s “Song For Whoever” would count - but the line “I forget your name” followed by a laundry list of girlfriend names, is a killer.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:57 am
maybe “check out time” by dionne warwick? it’s about just leaving her husband(well, the character in the song).
or “twenty four hours from tulsa” by gene pitney. about a man who writes his gf/wife that he just met someone else, so won’t be home anymore.
or maybe “these boots are made for walkin’” by nancy sinatra?
i’m sure there are more. but i’ll have to think on it some.
September 29th, 2008 at 11:55 am
“Gone, Gone, Gone” - Allison Krauss and Robert Plant
October 13th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
how about mary j blige “enough cryin’” or leona lewis “better in time” or keisha cole “shoulda let you go” or “listen to your heart” by roxette or dht.