About the song
Skeeter Davis’s rendition of “The End of the World” is a timeless ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. Penned by the songwriting duo of Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, the song’s poignant lyrics and Davis’s emotive vocals have cemented its place in the annals of popular music.
Drawing inspiration from personal loss, Dee crafted a narrative of heartbreak and despair. The song’s melancholic tone is further enhanced by Davis’s heartfelt delivery. Her voice, both vulnerable and powerful, conveys the depth of emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist.
Musically, “The End of the World” is a simple yet effective arrangement. The song’s melody, characterized by its haunting minor key, is supported by a lush orchestral accompaniment. The addition of Floyd Cramer’s distinctive piano playing adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Davis’s recording of the song was a commercial success, reaching the top five on multiple charts. Its popularity can be attributed to the song’s universal themes of love, loss, and longing. “The End of the World” has been covered by numerous artists, testifying to its enduring appeal.
The song’s legacy extends beyond its initial release. It has been featured in films, television shows, and video games, ensuring that its message continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. “The End of the World” remains a poignant and evocative masterpiece that has earned its place in the pantheon of classic pop songs.
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”