🎵 Roy Orbison – “Crying”: A Timeless Ballad of Heartbreak
Keywords: Roy Orbison Crying, Crying song meaning, classic ballads, Roy Orbison music, Crying lyrics
Introduction
Few songs in music history capture the raw emotion of heartbreak quite like Roy Orbison’s “Crying.” Released in 1961, this iconic ballad became one of Orbison’s defining hits, showcasing his incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning to an old favorite, “Crying” is a masterclass in songwriting and vocal performance.
The Story Behind “Crying” by Roy Orbison
Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, “Crying” was inspired by a real-life breakup. Orbison described the feeling of unexpectedly crying over a lost love—not when the relationship ended, but later, when the weight of it truly hit him. This delayed reaction is what makes the song so relatable and deeply human.
The lyrics tap into a universal emotion: that moment when we realize just how much someone meant to us, often too late.
“I was all right for a while / I could smile for a while…”
– Roy Orbison, Crying
Musical Composition and Vocal Brilliance
One of the most unforgettable elements of “Crying” is Orbison’s vocal performance. His voice effortlessly glides from a soft, vulnerable tone to a soaring, operatic climax. This vocal style, often described as “emotional opera,” became Orbison’s signature.
Musically, the track blends pop, orchestral strings, and classic rock and roll, creating a dramatic soundscape that enhances the song’s sorrowful tone.
Chart Success and Legacy
“Crying” was a commercial hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and later topping charts around the world. It has since been covered by artists like Don McLean, Reba McEntire, and k.d. lang, whose duet with Orbison won a Grammy in 1992.
The song has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Why “Crying” Still Resonates Today
Even decades after its release, “Crying” remains relevant. Its emotional honesty, stunning vocal performance, and timeless melody make it one of the greatest ballads of all time. It speaks to anyone who has loved and lost—making it an enduring anthem of heartbreak.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never listened to Roy Orbison’s “Crying”, now is the perfect time. Whether you’re a fan of vintage music or just love songs that hit you right in the heart, this ballad deserves a place on your playlist.
🔊 Listen to Crying by Roy Orbison today and experience one of music’s most moving performances.
Lyrics: Crying
I was all right for awhile
I could smile for awhile
But I saw you last night
You held my hand so tight
As you stopped to say, “Hello”Oh, you wished me well
You, you couldn’t tell
That I’d been crying over you
Crying over youWhen you said, “So long”
Left me standing all alone
Alone and crying, crying
Crying, cryingIt’s hard to understand
But the touch of your hand
Can start me cryingI thought that I was over you
But it’s true, so true
I love you even more
Than I did beforeBut, darling, what can I do?
For you don’t love me
And I’ll always be crying over you
Crying over youYes, now you’re gone
And from this moment on
I’ll be crying, crying
Crying, crying
Yeah, crying, crying
Over you
