Look Away

Song Meaning of Look Away by Chicago

In the song, the narrator struggles with acceptance of their ex-partner's new love. While they are glad for their former partner, they also realize that this means their own relationship is over. The narrator wishes they could still be friends, but they also feel the desire to move on. The narrator asks their ex to look away if they ever cross paths, revealing their desire to hide their pain and vulnerability.

The song was written by Diane Warren, one of the most successful songwriters of her era. Her credits include hits for Aerosmith, Taylor Dayne, and others.

The track was a hit for Chicago, who released it in 1988 as the first single from their album Chicago 19. It became the band's third number one hit of the year and their first after Peter Cetera left the group to pursue a solo career. Bill Champlin sang lead vocals on the song.

Musically, the song is a typical power ballad built for '80s radio. While other songs on Chicago 19 had more of a connection to the group's '70s style, "Look Away" is distinctly of its time. The production, arrangement, and vocals are all supremely generic '80s power-ballad shit. Despite this, it was still a big hit for the band and their fans.

Lyrics of Look Away by Chicago

When you called me up this morning

Told me about 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 coming around

I guess it's over, baby

It's really over, baby, whoa

And from what you saying

I know you've gotten over me

It'll never be the way it used to be

So if it's got to be this way

Don't worry, baby, I can take the news okay

But if you see me walking 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 holding 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 walking 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

If you see me walking 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

If you see me walking 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

When you called me up this morning

Told me about the new love you found

I said, "I'm happy for you

I'm really happy for you"