Lawrence had success on the record charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with such hits as "Go Away Little Girl" (U.S. No. 1), "Pretty Blue Eyes" (U.S. No. 9), "Footsteps" (U.S. No. 7), "Portrait of My Love" (U.S. No. 9), and "Party Doll" (U.S. No. 5). "Go Away Little Girl" sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold record. Much of Lawrence's musical career centered on nightclubs and the musical stage.
Footsteps
Steve Lawrence 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?
Footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps
You're such a haunting memory
I pray that you'll come back to me?
But as I say my evening prayers
I hear your footsteps on the stairs
Walkin' away from me
Why did ya say goodbye?
Why did ya make me cry?
Now every day I wonder
Why, why, a-why, why, why, why?
Footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps
The song "Footsteps" by Steve Lawrence is a melancholic piece that explores the feelings of a person who has been left alone by a loved one. The lyrics revolve around the sound of footsteps, which the singer hears in different parts of the house as they recall the memories of their departed lover. The song starts with a series of repetitions of the word "footsteps", which serves as a rhythmic device to set the mood of the song. The singer then wonders why the person they loved had to leave them alone and feels the pain of their absence. As they try to cope with their feelings of loneliness, the sound of the footsteps becomes a haunting memory that they cannot escape.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Why did ya say goodbye?" which suggests that the departure of the loved one was sudden and unexpected. The singer is left with no closure and can't fathom why they were left alone. They wonder about the reasons that led to their loved one's departure and feel the regret and sorrow of not being able to stop them from leaving.
The song is a poignant reflection of the pain of separation and the struggles of trying to move on after a loved one leaves. It conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia, which is amplified by the simple yet evocative lyrics and the haunting melody.
Line by Line Meaning
Footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps
The repetition of footsteps implies the singer's sense of loss and longing for the person who left them
Why did ya say goodbye to me
The singer is questioning why the other person decided to leave and end the relationship
And now I'm lonely as could be?
The singer feels isolated and sad without the other person
And as I feel a teardrop fall,
The artist is experiencing sadness and expressing their emotions
I hear your footsteps down the hall
The artist is imagining the other person's presence, even though they're not actually there
Walkin' away from me
The other person physically left the singer
Why did ya make me cry?
The singer is questioning why the other person caused them emotional pain
Now ev'ry day I wonder
The artist is consumed with thoughts and questions about the other person
Why, why, a-why, why, why, why?
The repetition emphasizes the artist's persistent and unanswered questioning
You're such a haunting memory
The other person left a strong impression on the artist
I pray that you'll come back to me?
The singer is expressing their desire for the other person's return
But as I say my evening prayers
The artist is connecting their belief/faith with their hope for the other person's return
I hear your footsteps on the stairs
The singer is imagining the other person's presence, even though they're not actually there
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hank Hunter, Barry Mann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ronaldherrera3479
Footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps .....
Footsteps ... footsteps .... footsteps .... footsteps....
Why did you say goodbye to me?
Now I'm as lonely as could be
And as I feel a teardrop fall
I hear your footsteps down the hall -
Walkin' away from me
Why did you say goodbye?
Why did you make me cry?
Now - every day I wonder why
Why, oh why oh why oh .....
Footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps .....
You're such a haunting memory
I pray that you'll come back to me
But as I say my evening prayers
I hear your footsteps on the stairs -
Walkin' away from me
Why did you say goodbye?
Why did you make me cry?
Now, every day I wonder why
Why, oh why oh why oh !!
Footsteps, footsteps, footsteps, footsteps .....
Footsteps ... footsteps .... footsteps .... footsteps....
@luismontecinos8918
Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps, Footsteps,
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?
Why did ya make me cry?
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…
Source: public domain
September 2019
Santiago of Chile
@reallifechangingtruth7679
I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing! May he rest in peace. I see I'm not the only one to listen to him sing, in tribute and remembrance! GOD Bless Steve Lawrence and all those open to it! From Pastor Mike Benjamins, Jr. (age 70). 3-7-24 at about 11:01 P.M. Oregon Time.
@TonyGPizza
RIP to this legend, reunited with his beloved wife Eydie Gorme and his son. The slow passing of an era.
@fasx56
Loved your comment Tony. So many of the big names have passed on that made up the Great Talent of Individuals singers and Groups of the 1950s and 60s. It was a Singing and Music Revolution that is being found by New Listeners every day. Rather sobering and sad but it speaks of our mortality, let's enjoy while we are still hear.
@1cultural
RIP STEVE LAWRENCE 1935-2024. FROM ALZHEIMER'S. GOD BLESS HIS SOUL.
@gary-qn7wu
I was 5-6 years old when I was looking thru my sisters 45 collection, it had a blue label,I've always loved this song
@themannen
This song is one of the most played from the early 60's? I was born in 1962 and I heard it in the early 70's when my dad born in 1936 played it.
@allenrizzi
I first heard this song when it was released in 1960. My dad told me Steve was our cousin! Great song. Rachel Rizzi
@brucesmith6511
RIP, always loved this song and others. Great talent.
@jamescity1160
RIP Steve. Thanks for being part of my childhood
@Den-pr6fl
Now that is good music.