Released in May 1981, “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” by The Greg Kihn Band is a classic rock anthem that captures the angst and frustration of post-breakup life. The song, featured on the album “Rockihnroll,” became the band’s first major hit, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cementing its place as a timeless track in rock history.
Written by Greg Kihn and his longtime collaborator Steve Wright, “The Breakup Song” was inspired by Kihn’s observations about the changing nature of popular music and how it reflected—or failed to reflect—the complexities of relationships. The song expresses a sense of nostalgia for the past, lamenting that “they don’t write ’em like that anymore,” referring to classic love songs that captured the essence of heartache and romance.
Musically, “The Breakup Song” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and a straightforward rock structure. The song blends elements of rock and new wave, with a punchy, upbeat tempo that contrasts with its melancholic lyrics. Kihn’s vocal delivery is earnest, perfectly capturing the frustration and sadness of a breakup while maintaining the energy of a rock anthem.
The lyrics of “The Breakup Song” focus on the aftermath of a relationship’s end. Kihn sings about the emptiness that follows a breakup, noting how everything reminds him of the lost relationship. The line “They don’t write ’em like that anymore” serves as both a reflection on the lost art of classic love songs and a metaphor for the irreplaceable nature of a significant relationship.
The song resonates with listeners who have experienced the universal pain of a breakup, making it relatable to anyone who has found themselves grappling with the void left behind after love fades.
“The Breakup Song” became an instant hit and remains one of The Greg Kihn Band’s most well-known tracks. The song reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and number 5 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart. Its success helped to define the band’s sound and secure their place in the rock genre during the early 1980s. The song’s memorable riff and relatable lyrics have ensured its longevity, with continued airplay on classic rock stations and inclusion in various compilation albums.