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Introduction
When people think of emotional ballads, few artists come to mind as quickly as Roy Orbison. Known for his dramatic voice and hauntingly beautiful songs, Orbison’s 1961 hit “Crying” remains one of his most iconic and enduring tracks.
With its orchestral arrangement and operatic vocal delivery, Crying isn’t just a song — it’s a raw, vulnerable expression of heartbreak that set a new standard for emotional depth in pop music.
Background: The Birth of a Classic
“Crying” was written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, and recorded in 1961 for Monument Records. The song was inspired by a chance encounter Orbison had with an ex-girlfriend, which stirred up deep feelings he thought he had buried.
🎙️ “I thought that I was over you, but it’s true, so true… I love you even more than I did before.”
The emotional honesty of the lyrics — paired with Orbison’s unmatched vocal control — made Crying a hit, quickly climbing to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A Vocal Masterpiece
Roy Orbison’s voice was unlike any other in popular music. His ability to move effortlessly between baritone and soaring tenor, especially in Crying, helped elevate the song to legendary status.
Key musical elements:
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Rich orchestration and string backing
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Emotional crescendos and dynamic vocal range
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Operatic phrasing and falsetto climax
This wasn’t just a pop song — it was emotional theater in musical form.
Lyrics That Speak to Heartbreak
The brilliance of Crying lies in its simplicity and sincerity. It captures the universal feeling of trying to move on but realizing you’re still in love. The title word itself — “crying” — is repeated with increasing intensity, driving home the feeling of overwhelming grief and longing.
It’s a perfect anthem for anyone who has experienced lost love.
Awards and Legacy
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Crying was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
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Ranked on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
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It was re-recorded in 1987 as a duet with k.d. lang, winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.
Covers and Cultural Impact
Over the years, Crying has been covered by countless artists, including:
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Don McLean (whose version hit #5 in the U.S. in 1981)
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Reba McEntire
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Glen Campbell
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Il Divo
The song has also appeared in films, television, and commercials, reinforcing its place in American pop culture.
Roy Orbison: The Lonely Soundtrack of a Generation
Known as “The Caruso of Rock,” Roy Orbison brought operatic drama to pop and rock music. His signature blend of vulnerability and vocal strength made him one of the most unique voices in 20th-century music.
“Crying” is a perfect example of why Orbison was — and still is — revered by fellow musicians like Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan.
Why “Crying” Still Resonates
Even decades after its release, Crying remains a powerful piece of music. Its universal theme of lost love, combined with a performance that is emotionally and vocally flawless, makes it a song that continues to touch the hearts of new listeners around the world.
Whether you’re going through a breakup or simply appreciating great songwriting, Crying speaks directly to the soul.
Conclusion
“Crying” by Roy Orbison isn’t just a song about sadness — it’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling. With soaring vocals, sincere lyrics, and timeless orchestration, it remains one of the most powerful ballads ever recorded.
Roy Orbison’s legacy lives on through music like this — a reminder that even in heartbreak, there is beauty.
