David Ruffin – Walk Away From Love

David Ruffin – Walk Away From Love: A Soulful Ballad of Heartbreak and Longing

In the realm of soul music, David Ruffin stands as a towering figure, his soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics etching indelible marks on the genre’s landscape. Among his vast repertoire, “Walk Away From Love” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that captures the essence of heartbreak and longing with raw emotion and soulful expression.

Background

Released in 1975 as the title track of his album of the same name, “Walk Away From Love” marked a turning point in Ruffin’s career, signaling his shift from Capitol Records to Epic Records. This move proved to be a catalyst for creative rejuvenation, as Ruffin penned eight of the album’s twelve tracks, including the heartfelt “Walk Away From Love.”

The song opens with a weary declaration: “I’m tired of this dirty old city,” setting the stage for a narrative that delves into the disillusionment of a man trapped in the relentless grind of urban life. Ruffin’s vocals, imbued with a world-weary rasp, perfectly convey the protagonist’s yearning for a simpler existence.

Ruffin’s masterful storytelling extends beyond the protagonist’s personal struggles, encompassing the broader themes of the American Dream and the allure of the open spaces of the West.

“Walk Away From Love” resonated deeply with listeners, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April 1982.

The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of longing for a life beyond the confines of the ordinary, a sentiment that transcends generations and social strata.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

I’m gonna walk away from love
Gonna walk away, gonna walk away
Gonna walk away, gonna walk away It’s not that I don’t love you
You know how much I do

And it’s not that I’ve found someone
To take the place of you It’s just the fear that builds within me
Every time you touch my hand
And a dread that shakes my body

That even I don’t understand So I’m leaving
(I’m leaving, yes I am)
It’s time for playing it smart
(I’m leaving, yes I am)
I’m gonna walk away from love
(Walk away from love)

Before love breaks my heart I’m gonna walk away from love
Gonna walk away, gonna walk away
Gonna walk away, gonna walk away Ooh you’re clinging to me tighter