About the song
“Only The Lonely” by Roy Orbison is a melancholic ballad that has become a hallmark of Orbison’s career and a classic in the realm of rock and roll. Released in 1960 as a single and featured on his debut album ‘Roy Orbison Sings Lonely and Blue’, the song stands out for its emotional depth and Orbison’s distinctive vocal performance.
The song was written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, Orbison’s frequent collaborator and co-writer during his early career. Melson’s poetic lyrics combined with Orbison’s haunting melodies create a poignant narrative of heartbreak and solitude, capturing the essence of loneliness in a deeply resonant manner.
“Only The Lonely” achieved significant commercial success upon its release, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number one on the Cash Box Top 100 chart. Its chart performance solidified Orbison’s status as a rising star in the music industry and garnered critical acclaim for its innovative blend of rock, pop, and soul influences.
The song’s arrangement, featuring Orbison’s soaring tenor voice accompanied by lush orchestration, adds to its emotional impact and timeless appeal. Orbison’s ability to convey vulnerability and longing through his vocal delivery resonates with listeners, making “Only The Lonely” a classic example of Orbison’s unique ability to marry emotion with musical craftsmanship.
Over the years, “Only The Lonely” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural significance. Its inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame further cements its status as a seminal work in rock and roll history.
In summary, “Only The Lonely” by Roy Orbison is a testament to his songwriting talent and vocal prowess. Its chart success and enduring appeal highlight Orbison’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, ensuring its place as a timeless classic in the annals of popular music.
Video
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