Great pop song from 1966. It peaked at #5 in the Billboard 100 and #3 in Canada. The song is constructed so well and has influenced countless artists. They did have one more top twenty hit in 1967 with Pretty Ballerina. The band helped start “baroque & roll” because of the classical arrangements and melodies. .
Michael Brown wrote the song but the band fought constantly so after the success of the single Brown was putting together a new Left Banke to tour that included Michael McKean (Lavergne and Shirley and Spinal Tap) on guitar but that didn’t last long.
The original band regrouped in 1967 and recorded a song but then broke up for good.
Rolling Stone placed “Walk Away Renée” at number 220 in the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Walk Away Renée
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 hide
Just 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 cries
Just 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 cries
Your name and mine inside a heart upon a wall
Still finds a way to haunt me though they’re so small
Just 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
Gorgeous song that spawned some great covers–The Billy Bragg version comes to mind and the Four Tops, of course. The original is my favorite. One of my favorite songs. Interesting info on baroque & roll. I’m going to listen now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have personally talked to so many musicians that listed that song as so important to them. It has a great arrangement.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent song! Seem to have vague memories of hearing that when I was really young and liking the melody, have always liked it since .
LikeLiked by 1 person
The melody and arrangement of this song is outstanding. It’s different than others.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Another interesting story. I hadn’t heard the term ‘baroque & roll’, but I like it. And wow, Michael McKean pops up everywhere!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does! He is a versitle guy…but to me he will always be Lenny…of course he was great in Spinal Tap also…
LikeLike
At some point in his many roles, I stopped seeing him as Lenny. But for a long time, that’s how I recognized him too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was at a music festival in Kemptville, Ontario last Summer and Keith Glass, formerly Prairie Oyster, played Walk Away Renee and it is on his great CD. Great song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh cool… I will look him up… I love how the song is arranged.
LikeLike