About the song
“Crying,” penned by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, stands as a quintessential example of Orbison’s mastery in blending emotive storytelling with haunting melodies. Originally released as part of Orbison’s 1962 album of the same name, the song captivated audiences with its unique blend of rock and bolero influences. Dave Marsh aptly described it as a composition enriched with “blaring strings, hammered tympani, a ghostly chorus, the gentle strum of a guitar, [and] a hint of marimba,” creating a rich tapestry of sound that underscored the song’s poignant narrative.
Monument Records launched “Crying” as a single in mid-July 1961, and its impact was immediate. The track ascended to the top of the Cashbox chart on October 7, 1961, while peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, narrowly missing the top spot held by Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack.” Despite falling short of a Billboard No. 1, the song was honored as the No. 4 song of 1961, solidifying its status as a classic in the pantheon of Orbison’s hits.
Over the years, “Crying” has been lauded for its enduring appeal and musical innovation. In 2002, it received a prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame Award, recognizing its timeless influence and emotional resonance. Rolling Stone magazine further cemented its legacy by ranking it 69th on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2010.
Beyond Orbison’s original, “Crying” has inspired numerous cover versions across various genres. Notably, Don McLean’s rendition in 1978 soared to No. 1 on the UK charts in 1980, further expanding the song’s global reach and popularity.
The song’s presence in popular culture is equally notable, with appearances in films like David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive,” where Rebekah Del Rio’s haunting a cappella rendition captivated audiences anew. Its inclusion in television series like “The Walking Dead” and its mention by public figures such as Mitt Romney underscore its enduring impact across generations.
With its heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melody, “Crying” remains a testament to Roy Orbison’s ability to capture raw emotion and deliver it through music—a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, transcending decades to evoke powerful emotions with every note.
Video
Lyrics
I was alright for a while, I could smile for a while
Then I saw you last night, you held my hand so tight
When you stopped to say, “Hello”
You wished me well, you couldn’t tell
That I’d been crying over you
Crying over you then you said, “So long”
Left me standing all alone
Alone and crying,
Crying, crying, crying
It’s hard to understand
That the touch of your hand
Can start me crying
I thought that I was over you
But it’s true, so true
I love you even more than I did before
But darling what can I do?
For you don’t love me and I’ll always be
Crying over you
Crying over you
Yes, now you’re gone
And from this moment on
I’ll be crying, crying, crying, crying,
Crying, crying, over you