The 12" single version, at 7:15, was released on "The Dance Collection: A Compilation of Twelve Inch Singles" cd.
Walk Away
Donna Summer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is this something more
If it's only a passionate phase
I'd rather just close the door
Turn away, turn away, turn away
Walk away, walk away, walk away
When you know that I need you
Walk away
When you hear me call you
Don't walk away
Don't you see that I want you
Here by my side
Don't walk away
When you know that I need you
Don't walk away
When you see me coming
Don't walk away
When you know that I need you
By my side
I'm sure that I'll get over you
It'll take me a while, you see
Next time, there won't be no next time
Save all my feelings for me
Turn away, turn away, turn away
Walk away, walk away, walk away
Walk away
When you see that I need you
Don't walk away
Can't you hear me callin'?
Don't walk away
Don't you know that I need you
Here by my side
Whoa, don't walk away
When you see that I need you
Don't walk away
Can't you hear me callin'?
Don't walk away
Don't you know that I want you
Here by my side
Turn away, walk away, turn away
Walk away, walk away, walk away
Walk away
When you know that I need you
Don't walk away
When you hear me call you
Walk away
When you know that I want you
Here by my side
Whoa, don't walk away
Listen to me, mister
Don't walk away
Can't you see that I love you
The lyrics of Donna Summer's song "Walk Away" are about a tumultuous relationship where the singer is pleading for her partner not to walk away this time. She questions whether their connection is just another passing emotion, but she doesn't want to let go of something that could be more meaningful. The repetition of "turn away, walk away" is a metaphor for the struggles the couple is facing and the difficulty in letting go of each other. The singer is asking for the partner's presence and to not leave when she needs him the most, revealing her vulnerability and dependence on him. She acknowledges that it may take time to get over the relationship if it eventually ends, but she wants him to be with her through it all.
The song's emotional content is heightened by Donna Summer's powerhouse voice and the melodic synthesizers and drum machines that provide a backing track. The song showcases the disco queen's versatility and range as a vocalist, as she pours out her heart in every verse. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has been in a tumultuous relationship where they were unsure whether to keep holding on or let go, and the song's catchiness makes it easy to dance along to.
Line by Line Meaning
Just another emotion, is this something more
Wondering if the feeling is mere temporary passion, or if it is something long-lasting and meaningful
If it's only a passionate phase, I'd rather just close the door
If the feelings are not genuine, it's better to end it now and move on
Turn away, turn away, turn away
Expressing a desire to end the emotional connection
Walk away, walk away, walk away
Expressing a desire to physically move away from the situation
(Don't) walk away when you know that I need you
Asking the other person not to abandon her when she needs emotional support
Don't walk away when you hear me call you
Asking the other person to respond to her calls for help and support
Don't you see that I want you here by my side, ohoh
Expressing a strong desire for the other person to stay close and support her emotionally
When you know that I need you
Repeated reminder that she is looking for support and cannot handle things alone
Don't walk away when you see me coming
Asking the other person to not avoid her or run away from the situation
When you know that I need you here by my side
Reemphasizing the need for the other person to be physically present and emotionally supportive
I'm sure that I'll get over you
Expressing hope that eventually, she will move past the pain of the current situation
It'll take me a while you see
Acknowledging that recovery will take some time
Next time there won't be no next time
Learning from the current situation and not making the same mistake again
Save all my feelings for me
Vowing to not give her heart away so easily next time
Don't walk away, can't you hear me callin'
Asking again for the other person to not abandon her emotionally
Don't you know that I need you here by my side, oh oh
Repeating the desire for the other person to stay close and be supportive
I know I'll get over you
Reaffirming the belief that she will eventually move past the pain
It's the only thing to do
Accepting that ending the relationship is the only healthy option
This time I'm givin' up
Acknowledging that she cannot continue in the current state
I think I've had enough
Realizing that she cannot continue to handle the emotional burden
Walk away, walk away, walk away, yeah
Repeating the desire to physically and emotionally end things
Walk, don't walk away, mister, tell me, mister
Uncertain whether the other person wants to stay or go, pleading for clarity
Don't walk away can't you see that I love ya
Last-ditch effort to convince the other person to stay and support her, despite the challenges
Walk away, don't you know that I want ya
Again expressing the desire for the other person to stay close and support her emotionally, even if walking away is the right decision
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Faltermeyer, Pete Bellotte
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Julia Stephanie C
Intro]
Just another emotion
Is this something more
If it's only a passionate phase
I'd rather just close the door
[Break]
Turn away, turn away, turn away
Walk away, walk away, walk away
[Hook]
Walk away
When you know that I need you
Walk away
When you hear me call you
(don't) walk away
Don't you see that I want you
Here by my side
[Chorus]
(Don't) walk away
When you know that I need you
(don't) walk away
When you see me coming
(don't) walk away
When you know that I need you
By my side
I'm sure that I'll get over you
It'll take me a while you see
Next time, there won't be no next time
Save all my feelings for me
[Break]
[Hook]
[Chorus]
[Break]
[Hook]
[Outro]
(Don't) walk away...
hughesjr
One of her best vocal performances ever.
Lunnoux Hinds
There's not a bad track on this album. All are classic cuts.
selene2317
I loved this song when I was seven and 31 years later I still do...
Peter J. Read
Donna Summer's best album an ahead of its years, becoming a prototype for dance music to come later and of course the songs from this album were widely sampled from notable deejays to other well known musical artists such as New Order. Songs such as "Our Love" and "Sunset People" still hold up to today and are still played in the clubs further illustrating the legacy that was created with the advent of this masterpiece.
Diane Crews
I love this woman's voice, she was spectacular.....
karrtt1234
This whole album is pop music at it's best... it infused funk,soul,dance,country.. all in one, a masterpiece ! Donna and Harold Faltermeyer did some just amazing work on this album. This was a departure at time, and very forward, one the best albums ever made IMO.
Fabián Ferrada
@JohnnyM Fan Yea, but Mr.Faltermeyer contributed with some songs such like this one, "Hot Stuff", "Sunset People", among others.
JohnnyM Fan
I thought Giorgio Moroder was her greatest collabarator, no?
Donna Mattis
Totally agree! She released the range of her talent. Just listen to "Love will always find you". Superstardom!
George Anderson
Donna Summer may be gone but will never be forgotten. She's still my queen of Disco and favorite Diva of all-time. R.I.P