He was catapulted into fame by his hit, semi-autobiographical, country music song, "The Auctioneer", in 1956 and has been a renowned auctioneer and entertainer since. "The Auctioneer", which sold over two and a half million copies, was followed by the 1967 movie, What Am I Bid, in which Van Dyke played himself as an auctioneer.
His next hit song, "Walk on By", reached number one on the Billboard Country Music Chart in 1961, and remained on the charts for 37 weeks. In 1994 Billboard Magazine designated "Walk on By" as the No.1 country song in chart history. Van Dyke had one more major hit song, "If a Woman Answers (Hang up the Phone)", that reached No.3 on the country chart in 1962, as well as having a brief presence in the UK Singles Chart the same year with "Big Man in a Big House".
Van Dyke's final two minor country successes were "Happy To Be Unhappy" and "Night People" (both in 1964). He also co-hosted a radio show called Country Crossroads with Bill Mack and Jerry Clower for a number of years. This show was produced and distributed by the Southern Baptist Convention.
Leroy Van Dyke continues as an auctioneer, musician and motivational speaker, although he has largely retired to his home state.
Walk on By
Leroy Van Dyke Lyrics
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Pardon me, if I don't say hello (hello)
I belong to another, it wouldn't look so good
To know someone I'm not supposed to know
Just walk on by, wait on the corner
I love you, but we're strangers when we meet
Just walk on by, wait on the corner
I love you, but we're strangers when we meet
In a dimly lit corner in a place outside of town
Tonight we'll try to say goodbye again (goodbye)
But I know it's not over, I'll call tomorrow night
I can't let you go, so why pretend?
Just walk on by, wait on the corner
I love you, but we're strangers when we meet
Just walk on by, wait on the corner
I love you, but we're strangers when we meet
I love you, but we're strangers when we meet
These lyrics are referencing a forbidden love that cannot be acknowledged in public. The singer is speaking to a person they are in love with but cannot engage with due to a pre-existing relationship. They are asking for forgiveness and understanding when they inevitably cross paths in public, pleading with the person to not speak to them, as it would be inappropriate and would reveal their forbidden love. The singer is torn between their love for this person and their loyalty to their current partner, and expresses this internal conflict with lines such as "I belong to another, it wouldn't look so good/To know someone I'm not supposed to know" and "I can't let you go, so why pretend?".
The chorus, "Just walk on by, wait on the corner/I love you, but we're strangers when we meet," underscores the heart-wrenching nature of the relationship between the two people. They may be in love but must keep their distance and pretend they are strangers if they happen upon each other in public. The second verse describes a meeting in a secret location outside of town, where they know they must say goodbye once more despite knowing it's not really over. The last line, "I love you, but we're strangers when we meet," highlights the essential tension of their love affair, unable to be acknowledged or acted upon in public.
Line by Line Meaning
If I see you tomorrow on some street in town
If I happen to come across you while walking around the town tomorrow
Pardon me, if I don't say hello (hello)
Forgive me if I choose to not greet you
I belong to another, it wouldn't look so good
I am committed to someone else, so it would not be appropriate to associate with you
To know someone I'm not supposed to know
It would be improper for me to form a relationship with someone that I am not supposed to know due to prior commitments
Just walk on by, wait on the corner
Just ignore me and continue with your life, stand at the corner and wait for me if you must
I love you, but we're strangers when we meet
I may have feelings for you, but I cannot acknowledge you due to the circumstances
In a dimly lit corner in a place outside of town
At some obscure place outside the city, in a poorly lit area
Tonight we'll try to say goodbye again (goodbye)
Tonight, we will attempt to part ways once again
But I know it's not over, I'll call tomorrow night
Despite our goodbyes, I know it's not the end, so I will call you tomorrow night
I can't let you go, so why pretend?
Since I cannot get over you, why pretend that everything is fine?
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Kendall Hayes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind