“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” – Little Eva’s Energetic Take on Heartache
Released in 1962 and initially performed by Neil Sedaka, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” was given a fresh twist when Little Eva recorded her own version, bringing a unique energy to this song about the pain of heartbreak. Known best for her hit “The Loco-Motion,” Little Eva brought a mix of youthful spunk and vulnerability to her music, and in her rendition of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” she captures the raw, emotional rollercoaster of love lost with her unmistakable voice and style. Although Sedaka’s original version carried a poppy bounce, Little Eva’s take brought a hint of soul and doo-wop to the classic, emphasizing the mix of joy and pain that comes with young love.
In this rendition, Little Eva’s vocals shine through, delivering each line with a sincerity that captures the universal experience of heartbreak. Her voice has a sweetness tinged with sadness as she sings lines like “Don’t take your love away from me, don’t you leave my heart in misery.” Little Eva’s vocal tone carries a touch of innocence, and her delivery feels like a heartfelt plea. There’s a sense of vulnerability in her voice that makes the song feel intimate, as if she’s sharing her own story with the listener. This quality brings a new emotional depth to the song, showing Little Eva’s ability to bring her unique style to a well-loved hit.
The arrangement on Little Eva’s version is slightly slower than Sedaka’s, allowing her voice to linger on each note and draw out the emotions of the lyrics. The song’s doo-wop-inspired background vocals and rhythmic beat give it a retro feel, while the use of light guitar and percussion adds to the sense of nostalgia. This instrumentation complements Little Eva’s voice beautifully, supporting her vocals without overwhelming them, and letting the lyrical message stand out. The tempo and melody are steady and deliberate, mirroring the painful realization that comes with a breakup.
Lyrically, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” captures the conflicted emotions of someone struggling to let go, with lines like “Remember when you held me tight, and you kissed me all through the night.” The lyrics reflect the bittersweet memories that can haunt someone after a breakup, highlighting the longing for what once was. Little Eva delivers these words with a mix of heartbreak and hope, giving the song a sense of depth that goes beyond simple sadness. Her performance suggests that, even though breaking up may indeed be hard, there’s also a quiet resilience in her voice that hints at moving forward.
While Little Eva’s version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” didn’t reach the same level of fame as her mega-hit “The Loco-Motion,” it remains a notable track that showcases her versatility and talent. By bringing a soulful, heartfelt interpretation to Sedaka’s pop tune, she created a version of the song that resonates in a different way, one that feels more intimate and emotionally layered. Her recording is a reminder of her unique voice in the 1960s music scene—a blend of innocence, charm, and a touch of sadness.
Today, Little Eva’s take on “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” stands as a beautiful testament to her talent. Her ability to take a familiar song and make it feel personal and fresh speaks to her artistry. Though she may be remembered primarily for danceable hits, this track reveals her capacity to express complex emotions, capturing both the highs and lows of young love. It’s a gem that continues to resonate with listeners, a reminder that, as Little Eva sang so sincerely, breaking up really is hard to do.