Look Away

Chicago

About Look Away

"Look Away" is a 1988 power ballad by American rock band Chicago. Written by Diane Warren, produced by Ron Nevison, and with Bill Champlin on lead vocals, it is the second single from the band's album Chicago 19. "Look Away" is Chicago's largest selling single of all, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in December 1988, matching the chart success of the group's "If You Leave Me Now" (1976) and "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" (1982). "Look Away" is Chicago's seventh song to have peaked at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart as well as the No. 1 song on the 1989 year-end Billboard Hot 100 chart, even though it never held the No. 1 spot at all in 1989. The song, unlike hits from early in Chicago's career, does not prominently feature horns. It is also the band's only No. 1 single following the 1985 departure of Peter Cetera. 


Year:
2005
223 
#1

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When you called me up this mornin'
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

And from what you said
I know you've gotten over me
It'll never be the way it used to be
So if it's gotta be this way
Don't worry baby, I can take the news, okay

But if you see me walkin' by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby, look away

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 were 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 holdin' me
Wish you were still holding me, whoa

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 walkin' 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

If you see me walkin' 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

If you see me walkin' 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 mornin'
Told me 'bout the new love you found
I said, "I'm happy for you, I'm really happy for you"

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Chicago

Chicago (i/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ or /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/) is a rock band from the city of the same name. They were originally founded as Chicago Transit Authority before shortening their name before their breakout second album. They became known for their use of horns in their songs such as 25 or 6 to 4. The band nearly split following founding member Terry Kaths death but they decided to stay together. They became known for their rock ballads throughout the 80s. The band still tours to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: Diane Warren

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Artist
"Look Away" is a song by rock band Chicago. The band was formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois and has explored various genres including rock, pop, jazz, and classical.
Songwriter
The song was written by Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter who has also penned hits for artists like Aerosmith, LeAnn Rimes, and Cher.
Billboard Charts
"Look Away" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1988. It was Chicago's third number-one single.
Music Video
The music video for "Look Away" was directed by Peter Sinclair and focuses on the story of a romance gone wrong, playing out like a short film.
Certifications
The song achieved platinum status in the US with over one million copies sold.
Year End Charts
In 1989, "Look Away" was the top single of the year on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by multiple artists, including Scottish singer Kelly Marie and American contemporary Christian singer Michael English.
Album
"Look Away" is featured on Chicago's 16th studio album, "Chicago 19". Despite it being the band's sixteenth album, it was the first to achieve platinum status.
Track Length
The song has a running time of 4 minutes and 1 second on the album.
Lead Vocals
Despite the band having had multiple lead singers over the years, the lead vocals on "Look Away" were performed by Bill Champlin, who joined the band in 1981.
Sound
The song represents a move from the band's traditional soft rock and jazz fusion towards a more mainstream, pop-oriented sound.
Vocal Style
In an interview, songwriter Diane Warren mentioned that she loves the "pain and vulnerability" in Champlin's voice on the track.
Production Details
"Look Away" was produced by Ron Nevison, who has also worked with other high-profile artists such as Heart, Europe, Ozzy Osbourne, and Led Zeppelin.
Lyrical Theme
The song tells a story of a man who is devastated when his lover leaves him, asking her to "look away" when they cross paths because he does not want her to see his heartbreak.

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    "Look Away Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15691474/Chicago/Look+Away>.

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    Look Away

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1988

    Billboard #1


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