About the song
Background of (The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up by The Ronettes
- Released: April 1964 as a single [Wikipedia: (The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up]
- Songwriters: Phil Spector, Pete Andreoli, Vince Poncia
- Producer: Phil Spector, known for his signature “Wall of Sound” production style [Wikipedia: Phil Spector]
- The Ronettes: Girl group consisting of Veronica Bennett (lead vocals), Estelle Bennett, and Nedra Talley
- Chart Success: Reached #39 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #43 on the UK Singles Chart
This song was part of The Ronettes’ most successful year, 1964, though it didn’t quite reach the heights of their earlier hit “Be My Baby.”
Themes of (The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up
- Cyclical nature of love: The song focuses on the emotional rollercoaster of a relationship with constant breakups and reconciliations. The singer highlights the joy of making up as the “best part”
- Emotional dependence: The lyrics suggest an imbalance in the relationship, with the singer feeling down after arguments and needing the partner’s apologies
- Teenage love: Though not explicitly stated, the song’s themes and sound align with the typical teenage love songs of the 1960s
- Catchy paradox: The title itself presents a paradox, suggesting a positive aspect to a negative situation
The upbeat tempo and Ronnie Spector’s strong vocals create a contrast with the potentially sadder themes of the lyrics. This adds another layer to the song’s complexity.
Video
Lyrics
Baby when we break up from a quarrel or a fightI can’t wait to have you back and hold you, oh, so tightTell me why, I wanna know, tell me why, is it soThat the best part of breaking up is when you’re making upBest part of breaking up is when you’re making upBut after breaking up be sure you’re making up with me
Everytime you leave I get those teardrops in my eyesBut they seem to go away when you apologizeTell me why, I want to know, tell me why, is it soThat the best part of breaking up is when you’re making upBest part of breaking up is when you’re making upBut after breaking up be sure you’re making up with me
Come on baby,Come on baby,Don’t say maybeWell it makes no difference who was wrongJust as long as I’ll be with you
Baby I’ll be lonely till you’re back where you should be‘Cause baby I belong to you and you belong to meTell me why, I want to know, tell me why, is it soThat the best part of breaking up is when you’re making upBest part of breaking up is when you’re making upBut after breaking up, be sure you’re making up with meThe best part of breaking up is when you know that you’re making up with me
Come on baby,Come on baby,Don’t say maybeCome on baby, woo wee baby, come on baby (fade)