About the song
Written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, “The End of the World” was a standout track on Skeeter Davis’s album of the same name. The song captured the heartache of lost love and the despair of loneliness, conveyed through Davis’s emotive vocals and the haunting melody.
“The End of the World” achieved significant success on the charts, reaching the number 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topping the country charts. Its popularity extended globally, making it a crossover hit that resonated with audiences beyond the country music genre.
Skeeter Davis’s interpretation of the song showcased her distinctive voice and her ability to convey raw emotion, earning her critical acclaim and solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in country music during the 1960s.
Beyond its initial success, “The End of the World” has endured through its inclusion in various compilations and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Its melancholic yet beautiful portrayal of heartbreak continues to touch listeners, making it a timeless classic in the realm of country and pop music.
In summary, “The End of the World” by Skeeter Davis is a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke deep emotions. Its chart success and lasting impact highlight Skeeter Davis’s talent as a vocalist and the songwriting prowess of Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, securing its place as a beloved classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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”