“Walk Away Renée” is a song written by Michael Brown, Bob Calilli, and Tony Sansone for the band the Left Banke, released as a single in July 1966. Steve Martin Caro is featured on lead vocals. It spent 13 weeks on the US charts, with a top spot of No. 5.
The track returned to nationwide charts with this cover version by The Four Tops (1967),
A far superior version? We think so.
The Four Tops’ recording was featured on their 1967 album Reach Out. It reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #3 on the UK Singles Chart.
- Lead vocals by Levi Stubbs
- Background vocals by Obie Benson, Duke Fakir, Lawrence Payton, and The Andantes
- Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers
- Producers: Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier
Lyrics
And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by every day
Just walk away, Renée
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
That I chose to hide
Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
For me it cries
Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
For me it cries
Your name and mine inside
A heart on a wall
Still finds a way to haunt me
Though they’re so small
Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You’re not to blame
Credits
Songwriters: Bob Calilli / Tony Sansone / Mike Brown
Walk Away Renee lyrics © Trio Music Company, Alley Music Corp., Crotona Music, Trio Music Co., Inc.
