from RIVER OF LOVE
Written by Andy Hill & Pete Sinfield
“Don’t Walk Away” was a catchy pop song co-written in the late Eighties by successful English songwriter/producer Andy Hill with his co-patriot and famous poet, lyricist and former member of King Crimson, Pete Sinfield. Their song was initially recorded in 1989 by British/American glam metal supergroup, Bad English, for their self-titled debut album. “Don’t Walk Away” was one of the lesser-known singles from the record that included the #1 smash, “When I See You Smile,” a rock ballad written by super hitmaker Diane Warren.
The elegant, radio-friendly melody of “Don’t Walk Away” probably caught the attention of David Foster who was working on his River Of Love project. Foster’s cd saw the light of day at the end of 1990. River Of Love was Foster’s attempt to create a Quincy Jones kind of project by enlisting an impressive number of guest musicians and singers to help him deliver his trademark pop musical treats. On that album, “Don’t Walk Away,” with its title slightly changed to “Walkaway,” was given a different, more sophisticated arrangement by Foster who played keyboards and synth bass on the track. “Walkaway” had the benefit of some tasteful synth and drum programming including the impressive guitar work of session legends, Michael Landau and Paul Jackson, Jr. The lead vocals on “Walkaway” were handled by the incomparable Warren Wiebe (1953-1998) who made his recording debut on River Of Love. Wiebe did an amazing job on this number and many other moments on the River Of Love album. Hamish Stuart, of Average White Band and Paul McCartney fame, sung the backing vocals together with Foster.
“Don’t Walk Away” was covered around 1993 by The Pointer Sisters. They added a danceable, R&B twist to the song with the help of special guest singer, Michael McDonald, and producer Peter Wolf. “Don’t Walk Away” was released as a single on The Pointer Sisters’ cd, Only Sisters Can Do That, but their version didn’t chart.
- Lead Vocals: Warren Wiebe
- Keyboards & Bass Synth: David Foster
- Electric Guitar, Lead Guitar & Soloist: Michael Landau
- Percussion: Rafael Padilla & Steve Gadd
- Rhythm Guitar: Paul Jackson, Jr.
- Drums & Percussion: Dave Reitzas
- Synthesizer Programming: Dave Reitzas, Tom Keane & Tony Smith
- Backing Vocals: Hamish Stuart, Warren Wiebe & David Foster
- Arranged by Andy Hill & David Foster
- Produced by Humberto Gatica
Lyrics
Wise man
Make love by numbers
Shaken not stirred
But I hang
I hang on your every word
These days
I roll with the punches
Always your clown
Do you remember when
We used to paint the town
Red, gold, green and blue
If you still believe that dreams come true
Don’t walk away
I know we’ll find an answer
If you will stay, don’t walk away
There’s nothing in tomorrow
That wasn’t there in yesterday
All the heartache
Too many nights at the Heartbreak Motel
Don’t you give up
Love is a carousel
Put on your dancing shoes
And we can paint this world
Red, gold, green and blue
If you still believe in me and you
Don’t walk away
I know we’ll find an answer
If you will stay, don’t walk away
There’s nothing in tomorrow
That wasn’t there in yesterday
I’m so sad, so sad
This can’t be the end, it’s not my fault
There’s rain on the wind
Reach out and touch
Before it’s too late to save our love
Baby, don’t you walk away
Don’t turn your back on me
Don’t walk away
I know we’ll find an answer
If you will stay, don’t walk away
Just stay with me baby
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
That wasn’t there in yesterday
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
Baby please don’t leave me
Don’t walk away
Baby please, don’t walk away