The Teenagers' first single, 1956's "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", was also their biggest hit. After Lymon went solo in mid-1957, both his career and those of the Teenagers fell into decline. By age 26, he was found dead in his grandmother's bathroom from a heroin overdose.
Footsteps
Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why did ya say goodbye to me
And now I'm lonely as could be?
And as I feel a teardrop fall,
I hear your footsteps down the hall
Walkin' away from me.
Why did ya say goodbye?
Now ev'ry day I wonder
Why, why, a-why, why, why, why?
You're such a haunting memory,
I pray that you'll come back to me?
But as I say my evening pray'rs,
I hear your footsteps on the stairs,
Walkin' away from me.
Why did ya say goodbye?
Why did ya make me cry?
Now ev'ry day I wonder
Why, why, a-why, why, why, why?
Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps.
The song "Footsteps" by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers is a heart-wrenching ballad about lost love and longing. The lyrics are a plea to a lost lover who has already walked away, leaving the singer feeling lonely and desperate. The repetition of the word "footsteps" throughout the song suggests a haunting quality to the memory of the lover who left, and the tears and prayers that accompany the memory only serve to underscore the depth of the singer's sorrow. The chorus, with its insistent refrain of "why, why, a-why," speaks to the universal experience of searching for answers in the face of overwhelming pain.
Overall, the song is a powerful expression of the human need for connection and the pain that comes with losing it. The haunting quality of the melody and the repetition of the lyrics make for a poignant and memorable listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps,
Repeatedly calling out for the sound of footsteps as the singer is desperate for the return of their loved one.
Why did ya say goodbye to me
Questioning the reason for their sudden breakup, wondering what he did wrong.
And now I'm lonely as could be?
Expressing an intense feeling of loneliness, as a result of being left by their significant other.
And as I feel a teardrop fall,
Tears start falling down the singer's cheeks as they reminisce about the good old times of their relationship.
I hear your footsteps down the hall
Imagining or hoping for the return of their loved one, as they hear what they believe to be their footsteps coming towards them.
Walkin' away from me.
The realization that the footsteps are actually moving away from them, signaling the finality of their breakup.
Now ev'ry day I wonder
Thinking and reflecting on their past relationship every single day, unable to forget and move on.
You're such a haunting memory,
Acknowledging the fact that the memories of their lost love still linger, impacting the singer's every thought and action.
I pray that you'll come back to me?
Holding on to hope and praying for the return of their loved one, despite the reality that it may never happen.
But as I say my evening pray'rs,
Using prayer to soothe the pain of their breakup, seeking solace in a higher power.
I hear your footsteps on the stairs,
Hearing footsteps again, but realizing it's only a figment of their imagination as they climb the stairs alone.
Why did ya make me cry?
Continuing to ask why their loved one caused them so much pain, and struggling with acceptance of the situation.
Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps.
Reiterated repetition of the sound of footsteps, highlighting the ongoing struggle of missing and longing for a lost love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HANK HUNTER, BARRY MANN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony Zambarano
I'm 27, but this is one of those 1950s sounds that makes me almost want to cry. Hits me right in the nostalgia feels. I listen to this music, watch movies like Peggy Sue Got Married, American Graffiti etc and fantasize about being a teenager in the 1950s. What a golden and magical time
Christine
Beautiful song. His vocals were amazing RIP Frankie.
Lily
His voice was so beautiful , gone but never to be forgotten.
Chris Johnson
one of tha greatest voices of all time
Shhh! 🤫 Rachele’s ASMR
That’s no cap
Suzette Bavier
Oh absolutely‼️
Texas Texas
His voice isn’t that good
TGMK
Great singer he's the best. He had such a great voice. Such a talented kid
Laurie Hollingsworth
I love how he sings this song ❤️
He voice is so wonderful on the ears🤔 I could listen to him all day long.......... How he sings those love songs are sooo beautiful ❣️
welshnproud99
I love this voice he is awsome and was wasted such a shame because today's popstars could never sing like this , I have had his album put onto cd even my grandkids love him and all sing along in the car , sleep tight frankie 'gone too soon ' 💖💖💖