Look Away - 2009 Remaster
by Chicago
Summary
"Look Away" captures the pain of seeing an ex move on while pretending to be okay. The singer struggles with feelings of sadness and loss, wanting to avoid confronting those emotions.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of the song revolves around heartbreak and the difficulty of moving on after a breakup. The singer tries to project happiness for their ex, but deep down, they are hurting. It highlights how tough it can be to see someone you loved start a new chapter with someone else, while you’re still grappling with your own feelings of loss and sadness.
Verse 1
When you called me up this morning
Told me 'bout the new love you found
I said I'm happy for you
I'm really happy for you
In this opening verse, the singer receives a call from an ex who shares news about a new relationship. The contrast between the words "happy" and the singer's actual feelings sets the tone for the song. It shows the struggle between wanting to support an ex and the pain of feeling replaced. The repetition of "I'm really happy for you" feels almost forced, indicating a facade that hides deeper hurt.
Chorus
And if you see me walking by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby look away
And if we meet on the streets someday
And I don't know what to say
Look away, baby look away
The chorus emphasizes the singer's vulnerability. They don’t want their ex to see them in a moment of weakness, filled with tears. The plea to "look away" shows a desire to hide pain and protect themselves from further heartache. It’s a powerful way of expressing that even though they may be pretending to move on, the feelings are still raw.
Verse 2
When we both agreed as lovers
We were be better off as friends
That's how it had to be
Yeah, that's how it had to be
In this verse, the singer reflects on a mutual decision to transition from lovers to friends. It highlights a sense of acceptance about the breakup. However, the repetition of "that's how it had to be" feels bittersweet, as it suggests a struggle with that choice. There’s a sense of loss in realizing that what they once had is gone, but they’re trying to convince themselves that it was for the best.
Chorus
*But if you see me walking by / And the tears are in my eyes / Look away, baby look away / And if we meet on the streets someday /
Full Lyrics
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Told me 'bout the new love you found
I said I'm happy for you
I'm really happy for you
Found someone else
I guess I won't be comin' 'round
I guess it's over baby
It's really over baby, whoa-oh
And for what you said
I know you've gotten over me
It'll never be the way it used to be
So if it's got to be this way
Don't worry, baby, I can take the news OK
But if you see me walking by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby look away
And if we meet on the streets someday
And I don't know what to say
Look away, baby look away
Don't look at me
I don't want you to see me this way
When we both agreed as lovers
We we're be better off as friends
That's how it had to be
Yeah, that's how it had to be
I tell you I'm fine
But sometimes I just pretend
Wish you were holding me
Wish you were still holding me, oh-oh, oh
I just never thought
That I would be replaced so soon
I wasn't prepared
To hear those words from you
I know I wanted to be free
Yeah, baby this is how we wanted it to be
But if you see me walking by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby look away
And if we meet on the streets someday
And I don't know what to say
Look away, baby look away
Don't look at me
I don't want you to see me this way
But if you see me walking by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby look away
And if we meet on the streets someday
And I don't know what to say
Look away, baby look away
Don't look at me
I don't want you to see me this way
But if you see me walking by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby look away
Don't look at me
I don't want you to see me this way
When you called me up this morning
Told me 'bout the new love you found
I said I'm happy for you
I'm really happy for ya
