Meaning of "Walk On By" by Diana Krall

The lyrics of "Walk On By" capture the deep sorrow and vulnerability experienced after the end of a relationship. The narrator portrays a sense of helplessness, as they cannot control their emotions when they see the person they have lost. By pleading for the other person to "walk on by" and ignore their tears, the narrator longs for a sense of privacy and the opportunity to grieve in solitude. The song hints at the impact that the other person's departure has had on them, as they mention their "foolish pride" being the only thing left. This suggests that despite the pain, there is a need to present a facade that hides their true emotions. The repetition of the phrase "walk on by" emphasizes the desire to be left alone and serve as a reminder of the intensity of their emotions. Overall, the lyrics convey the struggle of trying to move on from a past love and the difficulty of maintaining appearances in the face of heartbreak.