Southside has long been considered the Grandfather of "the New Jersey Sound." Jon bon Jovi has acknowledged Southside as "his reason for singing." In 1982 the Rolling Stone Magazine voted the album Hearts of Stone among the top 100 albums of the 70's and 80's. In 1987, Southside and the Jukes were featured in the film Adventures in Babysitting performing at a college frat party.
Since 2001 Southside Johnny and the Jukes have toured the UK and Europe as an annual event, their first since the 1992 Better Days tour. His most recent album is Grapefruit Moon: The Songs Of Tom Waits (2008).
Walk Away
Southside Johnny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burned by the fire
Still you held on, right down to the wire
If it was so wrong, why did you stay
When you've always had the right to walk away?
Now I understand, you have your doubts
When you fall in love too deep, it's hard to climb out
You've always had the right
You've always had the right
You've always had the right to walk away
Walk right away from the one who keeps breaking your heart
But don't walk away from your one chance to make a new start
Don't walk away, baby
Turn around and look at me
I've got all the love you need
Yes I do
I offer my hand, to have and to hold
I want to give love, not take control
My door is open, darling, don't turn away
At least we can try, don't be afraid
We might last a lifetime or only one day
But you'll always have the right
You'll always have the right
You'll always have the right to walk away
Oh, believe me, baby
You'll always have the right
You'll always have the right
You'll always have the right to walk away
The right to walk away
The right to walk away
The right to walk away
"The Right to Walk Away" by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes is a song that speaks about the freedom to leave any situation that is causing emotional or physical harm. The lyrics convey that while it may be difficult to walk away from a situation such as a broken relationship, one can always make a new start if they choose to do so. The poet asks why someone would choose to stay in a situation that is not working out when they have the right to walk away from it. The song suggests that it is essential to recognize when it is time to let go and walk away.
The lyrics are a message of hope and encouragement for people who may be feeling trapped or stuck in difficult situations. The singer offers love and support to the person they are addressing in the lyrics, encouraging them to turn around and look at them, as they have all the love the person needs. The poet wants to give love instead of control, and they offer their hand to hold in a gesture of support. These lyrics are particularly powerful as they acknowledge that it may not be easy to just walk away, but there is always hope for a better future for those who choose to do so.
Overall, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes's "The Right to Walk Away" is an uplifting song that acknowledges the fear, pain, and difficulty that may come with ending a difficult situation while highlighting the importance of recognizing when it’s time to walk away.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you've been hurt
I am aware of the pain you went through
Burned by the fire
You have been burned by a love that was too intense
Still you held on, right down to the wire
Regardless, you held on till the end
If it was so wrong, why did you stay
If it made you unhappy, why did you still remain?
When you've always had the right to walk away?
When you always had the freedom to leave?
Now I understand, you have your doubts
Now I comprehend that you are uncertain
When you fall in love too deep, it's hard to climb out
When you get too attached, it's difficult to let go
But now you have your freedom, there's no more to pay, no
Now that you have liberty, there's no more price to pay
You've always had the right
You have always had the freedom
You've always had the right
You have always had the freedom
You've always had the right to walk away
You have always had the freedom to leave
Walk right away from the one who keeps breaking your heart
Leave behind the one who continually hurts you
But don't walk away from your one chance to make a new start
But don't leave your opportunity to start anew
Don't walk away, baby
Don't leave just yet
Turn around and look at me
Look back and see what I have to offer
I've got all the love you need
I can provide all the love you require
Yes I do
I am genuine
I offer my hand, to have and to hold
I offer my hand for you to hold forever
I want to give love, not take control
I wish to give love and not control your life
My door is open, darling, don't turn away
My door is still open, please do not leave
At least we can try, don't be afraid
At least let us attempt to love, don't be scared
We might last a lifetime or only one day
Our love may endure for a lifetime or just a day
But you'll always have the right
But you will always have the freedom
You'll always have the right
You will always have the freedom
You'll always have the right to walk away
You will always have the freedom to leave
Oh, believe me, baby
Please trust me
The right to walk away
The freedom to leave
The right to walk away
The freedom to leave
The right to walk away
The freedom to leave
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DENNIS LOCCORIERE, JOHN LYON, LEROY PRESTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MikeL
And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by everyday
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, I chose to hide
Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
Now let the rain beat down
Upon my weary eyes
For me and mine
Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
Now let the rain beat down
Upon my weary eyes
For me and mine
Your name and mine inside a heart upon the 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
Joe Tigeleiro
The sax does it for me,!! Great Song by one of the best live groups
Harold Stafford
great live band !!
Chuck Bruzan
Agreed. I was 8 when the original came out. I'm 63 now, still one of my favorites evet!
malpal 1
this version is my absolute favorite. my parents got to see them live and they took a video of this song and I've been in love ever since.
Regain Todd
What a masterpiece beautiful song such a great song to the people who wrote this song y'all wrote a true beautiful . masterpiece
Kel Pero
Mine, too; I'm glad someone finally got the studio version onto YouTube.
Richard Shultis
A mesmerizing rendition of a timeless song. And the sax!!
MikeL
And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by everyday
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, I chose to hide
Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
Now let the rain beat down
Upon my weary eyes
For me and mine
Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
Now let the rain beat down
Upon my weary eyes
For me and mine
Your name and mine inside a heart upon the 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
Ronald Brezenski
Great sound & so much more, love this song and way South Johnny sings it so well.
Dave Stewart
Just saw them last night in York, PA. What a great rock & roll band!