About The Song
“Walk Away Renee,” written by Michael Brown, Bob Calilli, and Tony Sansone, is a song that encapsulates the unique and timeless sound of the baroque pop era. Released in July 1966 by the band The Left Banke, the song spent 13 weeks on the US charts, peaking at number 5. With its memorable melody, lush arrangements, and Steve Martin Caro’s captivating vocals, “Walk Away Renee” quickly became a hit and has remained a beloved classic for over five decades.
The song’s origins can be traced back to 1965, when Michael Brown and Bob Calilli, two aspiring songwriters from New York City, began collaborating on material. They were drawn to the baroque pop sound pioneered by British bands like The Zombies and The Hollies, and they sought to create a song that would capture the essence of this emerging genre.
In early 1966, Brown and Calilli met Tony Sansone, a talented arranger and producer who shared their passion for baroque pop. Sansone brought his expertise to the table, helping to refine the song’s arrangement and adding the lush orchestral touches that would become its signature sound.
The Left Banke, a band formed by Steve Martin Caro and Michael Brown, was the perfect vehicle for “Walk Away Renee.” Caro’s high-pitched, boyish vocals and the band’s tight musicianship brought the song to life, capturing its innocence and yearning.
Released in July 1966, “Walk Away Renee” quickly found an audience, becoming a hit on both radio and record charts. The song’s popularity helped to establish The Left Banke as one of the leading bands of the baroque pop era, and it inspired other artists to explore this genre.
Over the years, “Walk Away Renee” has been covered by numerous artists, including Rick Price, The Bangles, and Van Dyke Parks. It has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, further cementing its status as a pop culture icon.
Today, “Walk Away Renee” remains a cherished song, beloved by fans of baroque pop and classic rock alike. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and captivating performance continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring that this classic will endure for generations to come.
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Lyrics
And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by every dayJust 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 blameFrom deep inside the tears that I’m forced to cry
From deep inside the pain that I chose to hideJust walk away, Renee
You won’t see me follow you back home
Now, as the rain beats down upon my weary eyes
For me, it criesJust walk away, Renee
You won’t see me follow you back home
Now, as the rain beats down upon my weary eyes
For me, it criesYour name and mine inside a heart upon a wall
Still finds a way to haunt me though they’re so smallJust 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