"Don't Look Back" is a song by British pop-rock band Fine Young Cannibals. It was released as the third single from the band's 1988 album The Raw & the Cooked. The song reached the top 40 charts in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Music and lyrics

Written by lead vocalist Roland Gift and bassist David Steele, the lyrics of "Don't Look Back" are mostly pessimistic, and depict someone who tries desperately to leave their difficult past behind them without looking back. While the band's previous two hits, the US number ones "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing", were influenced by American rhythm and blues, "Don't Look Back" features guitar riffs that are more reminiscent of The Byrds and The Beatles.

Release and reception

Released in August 1989, "Don't Look Back" hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, number 8 on the Singles Sales chart, number 18 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, number 9 on the Modern Rock chart and number 10 on the Cash Box Top 100 chart. The song peaked at number 10 on the Canadian Singles Chart in October. It also reached number 34 in the UK, number 23 in New Zealand, and number 38 in Australia.

Track listing

Chart performance

Weekly charts

Year-end charts