About The Song
Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely”: A Timeless Ballad of Heartbreak and Longing
In the vast landscape of popular music, few songs resonate with the raw emotion and vulnerability of Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely.” Released in 1960, this iconic ballad quickly ascended the charts, solidifying Orbison’s status as a master of conveying heartache through his distinctive voice and poignant lyrics.
“Only the Lonely” is a masterful exploration of the isolation and despair that often accompany lost love. Orbison’s voice, a soaring tenor with an operatic quality, perfectly captures the depths of the narrator’s sorrow. His vocal delivery is both powerful and restrained, conveying a sense of dignity amidst profound grief.
The song’s lyrics are simple yet evocative, painting a vivid picture of a man grappling with the aftermath of a broken relationship. Lines like “Only the lonely, know the way I feel tonight” and “There goes my baby, there goes my heart” are both universal and deeply personal, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of heartbreak.
Musically, “Only the Lonely” is a tour de force. The lush orchestration, featuring sweeping strings and dramatic horns, creates a cinematic backdrop for Orbison’s emotive vocals. The song’s structure is also noteworthy, with its dramatic shifts in dynamics and tempo mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of the lyrics.
“Only the Lonely” is not merely a song about heartbreak; it is a testament to the enduring power of music to express the full spectrum of human emotion. It is a song that has stood the test of time, continuing to move and inspire listeners across generations. Whether you are a longtime fan of Roy Orbison or a newcomer to his music, “Only the Lonely” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key takeaways for mature listeners:
- Emotional depth: “Only the Lonely” is a song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss.
- Vocal mastery: Roy Orbison’s vocal performance is a masterclass in conveying emotion through music.
- Timeless appeal: The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its artistic merit and emotional resonance.
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Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Know the way I feel tonight (ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Know this feeling ain’t right (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)There goes my baby
There goes my heart
They’re gone forever
So far apartBut only the lonely
Know why I cry
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah, ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
(Oh, oh oh oh oh ooh-ah-ah, only the lonely)
(Only the lonely)Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Know the heartaches I’ve been through (ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Know I cry and cry for you (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No-o-o more sorrow
But that’s the chance
You’ve got to take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)