“Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder is a super catchy, feel-good anthem from 1983 that blends pop, new wave, and reggae-influenced rhythms into a uniquely upbeat track. It was released in August 1983 with the instrumental version of the song on the B-side. “Break My Stride” was Wilder’s debut solo single, and it became a surprise hit, launching him into the spotlight for a brief but memorable moment in the ’80s music scene.
Written by Matthew Wilder and Greg Prestopino, the song is all about resilience and moving on, with lyrics that reflect someone refusing to let setbacks—or a rocky relationship—slow them down:
“Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride / Nobody’s gonna slow me down / Oh no, I’ve got to keep on movin’.”
It’s simple, optimistic, and endlessly singable, which helped make it an instant earworm.
Musically, it’s light and bouncy, with a synth-driven groove, a steady beat, and Wilder’s high, slightly nasal vocals giving it a distinct character. There’s a tropical flair to the arrangement, which helped it stand out at the time, and it still feels fresh decades later.
“Break My Stride” became a Top 5 hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also charted well internationally, including in the UK and Australia. Though Wilder didn’t have another major hit afterward, this song solidified his place in one-hit wonder history.
It’s since had several revivals—covered by other artists, featured in movies and commercials, and even went viral on TikTok in 2020, proving that some tunes just have unstoppable energy.In 1996, the song was covered by Austrian duo Unique II, reaching No. 1 in New Zealand, and No. 2 in Australia).