About the song
“The End of the World” is a timeless ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. Crafted by the songwriting duo of Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, the song found its ultimate expression through the soulful voice of Skeeter Davis. Released in 1962, it quickly ascended the charts, becoming a monumental success and securing its place in music history.
At its core, “The End of the World” is a poignant exploration of heartbreak. Lyricist Sylvia Dee drew inspiration from her personal grief, transforming raw emotion into a universal anthem of loss and longing. The song’s ability to tap into such profound depths of human experience is a testament to its enduring power.
Skeeter Davis’ interpretation of the song was nothing short of iconic. Her vocal delivery, filled with both vulnerability and strength, perfectly captured the emotional turmoil of a shattered heart. The song’s arrangement, featuring the distinctive sound of Floyd Cramer’s piano, contributed to its melancholic yet captivating atmosphere.
The commercial success of “The End of the World” is unparalleled. It achieved the extraordinary feat of simultaneously charting in the top five of all four Billboard charts: Hot 100, Hot Country Singles, Easy Listening, and Hot R&B Singles. This unprecedented accomplishment solidified the song’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond its chart-topping success, “The End of the World” has left an enduring legacy. It has been covered by countless artists, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. The ballad’s poignant message and timeless melody continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as a cherished classic in the annals of popular music.
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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”