About the song
In the early 1960s, a haunting melody and poignant lyrics captured the hearts of millions, ushering in a new era of pop music. “The End of the World”, a song penned by the talented duo of Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, became a timeless classic, synonymous with heartbreak and loss.
Originally written for the American singer Skeeter Davis, this mournful ballad delves into the depths of despair following a romantic breakup. Dee, the lyricist, drew inspiration from her own personal sorrow, channeling the grief she felt after the loss of her father into the song’s emotional narrative.
Recorded in 1962 with a production team led by the legendary Chet Atkins, Davis’s rendition of “The End of the World” was a masterpiece of vocal delivery and musical arrangement. Her voice, filled with raw emotion, conveyed the overwhelming sadness and loneliness experienced by the heartbroken protagonist.
The song’s success was undeniable. It soared to the top of the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart. Its enduring popularity spawned countless covers and solidified Davis’s status as a beloved singer.
Beyond its commercial success, “The End of the World” resonated with listeners on a deeply personal level. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody provided solace to those who had experienced heartbreak and loss. The song’s timeless message of despair and longing continues to touch the hearts of audiences today.
Video
Lyrics
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me any more
Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake-up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
(Why do these eyes of mine cry?)
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”