It's Over Now: Songs For Heartbreakers

Shaunna Morrison Machosky February 8, 2010

Lovey-dovey romantic types get all the attention on Valentine's Day. But not everyone wants to be in love right about now, and some relationships just happen to be hitting their expiration date this very minute. So here are five songs, each perfect for those looking to break someone's heart.

This story originally ran Feb. 9, 2009.

For more entries in the Take Five series, click here. And don't forget to subscribe to the Jazz Notes newsletter.

More Photos

Carmen McRae

These three little words strung together, "It's Over Now," make for a concise, matter-of-fact breakup line. Other phrases that require further explanation — "It's not you, it's me" or "Can we just be friends?" — don't say it straight like Carmen McRae. If the music sounds familiar, note that the song is actually the instrumental Thelonious Monk composition "Well, You Needn't," with lyrics by Mike Ferro.

Jay McShann Orchestra With Walter Brown

"Cryin' Won't Make Me Stay" is for the man who needs to get rid of a woman who treats him poorly. "Well, I ain't gonna be your low-down dog no more," sings Walter Brown. Jay McShann's boogie-woogie piano sets an up-tempo background for his overdue farewell.

Betty Roché

The line "I don't want you no more / You're an awful boy, and an eyesore" might seem a little harsh. But, well, plenty of people no doubt deserve it. With the light touch of Eddie Costa's vibes behind Betty Roche's humor-tinged voice, this song is a swinging, surprisingly cheerful way to tell someone to go away.

Nancy Wilson

Need to break off an engagement? Just quote Nancy Wilson: "I was born to wander, solitary." On this bright, quick number, Wilson sings with perfect force and certainty, while Nat Adderley's cornet accentuates her message. An anthem to being single and carefree, "Never Will I Marry" just happens to break hearts along the way.

Chet Baker

"I Get Along Without You Very Well" is for the wishy-washy heartbreaker who isn't fully convinced that breaking up was a good idea. Chet Baker sings of getting along without an ex, but then falls into a few sentimental musings. Baker may be determined to forget, but he gets pretty wistful, too.