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Walk away Renée
The Four Tops Lyrics


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And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by every day

Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You're not to blame

From deep inside the tears I'm forced to cry
From deep inside the pain that I chose to hide

Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
For me it cries

Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
For me it cries

Your name and mine inside a house on a wall
Still finds a way to haunt me, though they're so small

Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You're not to blame

Overall Meaning

In "Walk Away Renee," The Four Tops sings about a man who is desperately trying to forget Renee, the object of his affection. The song's chorus tells her to walk away and that she won't see him following her home. The singer reminisces about places they used to pass by daily, but now those same locations only remind him of Renee. He's in so much pain that he has to hide it from others. Even though the relationship may be over, their names on a wall together continue to remind him of their love. He knows Renee is not to blame for this heartache, but he must let her go.


The song is an expression of unrequited love and heartbreak. Despite the singer's best efforts to move on, he still finds himself thinking about Renee. The mention of the "sign that points one way" and "the lot we used to pass by every day" suggests that the two of them had a routine or certain places they went to, which now have become difficult to visit. The line "from deep inside the tears I'm forced to cry, from deep inside the pain that I chose to hide" suggests that the singer is trying to maintain a façade of strength, even though he's deeply affected by the breakup.


Line by Line Meaning

And when I see the sign that points one way
Every time I come across the sign that directs towards your house


The lot we used to pass by every day
The area we usually used to cross daily


Just walk away Renee
Please leave me, Renee


You won't see me follow you back home
I won't chase after you anymore


From deep inside the tears I'm forced to cry
Unable to control myself, I cry from within


From deep inside the pain that I chose to hide
The unseen agony that I kept to myself


Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
As the rain falls on my tired eyes


For me it cries
It feels like the rain is crying for me


Your name and mine inside a house on a wall
Our names written on a wall in a house


Still finds a way to haunt me, though they're so small
Even though it's insignificant, it still bothers me


The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
The streets that used to feel lively are now hollow


You're not to blame
None of this is your fault




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tony Sansone, Bob Calilli, Mike Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@NoNo-ks4gg

I ran into a checker at my grocery store the other day and I asked if she knew there was a song about her!
She was shocked and said, "There is no song with my name in it!?"
So I sang a few bars and she was so overcome with joy, she came from around the check stand and asked if she could give me a hug?
And me being me, I said, but only if I can keep singing!?
After she hugged me, she said can I give you a kiss on the cheek. 😘
That's when I was shocked!
So she did!
She then told me, she NEVER had ANYONE sing to her and definitely not a song with her name in it before . . . and that's why we need OLD people!
#UNBELIEVEABLE
#forher
#andforme



@GereDJ2

Four Tops "Walk Away Renee"

Levi Stubbs was the lead singer of the Rhythm & Blues, Soul-Rock group The Four Tops, a hugely successful group on The Motown record label in the 60s and early 70s. Levi Stubs had a pleasing, slightly raspy-baritone voice emulated and revered by many current singers. He was renowned for his voice.

I think The Four Tops really did a great R&B justice on this song and made it one of their signature tunes reaching #14 on "The Billboard Hot 100" in 1968. I like it better than the original by The Left Banke reaching #5, Sept 24, 1966. This plaintive love song was written by the 16 year old drummer for the band.

Levi Stubbs was diagnosed with cancer in 1995, and after suffering a stroke in 2000, he was no longer able to tour. (Wiki) He died in his sleep on October 17, 2008, at his home in Detroit. A memorial service for Stubbs was held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on October 27.

"The Four Tops - Walk Away Renee", Fave to this day!



All comments from YouTube:

@justinmajors2872

No stupid ear rings. Pure talent. The best ever

@BrendaDrumm

Just pure talent such gentlemen never ever to been seen or heard again once in a lifetime x

@howardthrongard640

They were such a great group, and Levi Stubbs was such a great lead singer. He could have definitely achieved more fame and fortunr by going solo, but he stayed loyal to the Four Tops, and to Detroit.

@FuntastixBand

Yes

@BrendaDrumm

@@FuntastixBand best group ever im 74 loved them from day one once in a lifetime group x

@judithbishop993

Levi, Please sing to my sister Renee in Heaven. I used to sing this song to her. She was my darling, I miss her so.

@rickarnold6825

Judith: I'm so sorry for your loss.

@judithbishop993

@@rickarnold6825 Thank You so much. The music from Motown echoed through my home growing up. It bought unity in my high school during segregation in the 60s. The school administration was smart enough to sponsor dances monthly. We danced together and made lifelong friends. My youngest sister Renee loved this song. She was the family darling. Hold your loved ones close, we are only here a short while. God Bless Rick.

@judithbishop993

@@rickarnold6825 Thank You so much. The music from Motown echoed through my home growing up. It bought unity in my high school during segregation in the 60s. The school administration was smart enough to sponsor dances monthly. We danced together and made lifelong friends. My youngest sister Renee loved this song. She was the family darling. Hold your loved ones close, we are only here a short while. God Bless Rick.

@Mrfairchap

I too am sorry for your loss Judith. My own sister died many years ago now but I still miss her. Just try to remember that although your sister has gone her love will never leave you.

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