About the song
“The End of the World,” a poignant pop ballad penned by composer Arthur Kent and lyricist Sylvia Dee, stands as an enduring testament to heartache and loss. Written specifically for the expressive tones of American singer Skeeter Davis, the song captures the raw emotions following a devastating romantic breakup. Its haunting lyrics, infused with Dee’s personal grief over her father’s passing, resonate deeply with listeners.
Recorded on June 8, 1962, at RCA Studios in Nashville under the guidance of producer Chet Atkins and featuring the skilled piano of Floyd Cramer, Davis’s rendition of “The End of the World” soared to remarkable success. Released later that year by RCA Records, the song swiftly ascended to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, firmly establishing itself as a crossover hit by also claiming top spots on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles, Easy Listening, and Hot R&B Singles charts. This unprecedented achievement marked a milestone in music history, as no other song had achieved such widespread acclaim across diverse Billboard categories up to that point.
Beyond its chart dominance, Davis’s rendition left an indelible mark on popular culture, becoming a staple in films, television shows, and even video games over the decades. Its timeless appeal spurred numerous covers, each artist bringing a unique interpretation to the song’s universal themes of heartbreak and resignation.
In 1990, English singer Sonia revived the song, charting respectably in the UK and Ireland, echoing Davis’s success with a modern twist. Meanwhile, other notable renditions by artists like Julie London in 1963 and Patti Smith in contemporary cinema underscore the song’s enduring relevance.
Critically acclaimed for its emotive power and lyrical depth, “The End of the World” continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its ability to evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia has solidified its place in music history, ensuring that generations to come will find solace and connection in its haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
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”