About the song
In the summer of 1960, a young, struggling singer named Roy Orbison released a song that would forever change his life and the landscape of popular music. “Only the Lonely” was a heart-wrenching ballad that captured the universal experience of isolation and longing. Written by Orbison and his songwriting partner Joe Melson, the song was a departure from the upbeat, rockabilly sounds that were dominating the charts at the time.
With its haunting melody and Orbison’s soulful vocals, “Only the Lonely” resonated deeply with listeners. The lyrics, filled with poignant imagery and heartfelt emotion, expressed the pain of unrequited love and the loneliness of a broken heart. Orbison’s voice, with its rich baritone and soaring falsetto, added a raw vulnerability to the song that made it truly unforgettable.
The recording of “Only the Lonely” was a testament to Orbison’s talent and the skill of the Nashville musicians who backed him. The song featured a lush string arrangement, a driving rhythm section, and Orbison’s distinctive vocal style. The combination of these elements created a timeless masterpiece that has been praised by critics and fans alike.
“Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one in several other countries. It also earned Orbison a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 1999. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Orbison’s enduring legacy.
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Lyrics
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Know the way I feel tonight
Only the lonely
Know this feeling ain’t right
There goes my baby
There goes my heart
They’re gone forever
So far apart
But only the lonely
Know why
I cry
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Know the heartaches I’ve been through
Only the lonely
Know I cry and cry for you
Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that’s the chance
You gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely