Roy Orbison – Crying (Monument Concert 1965)

“Crying” is one of Roy Orbison’s most emotionally powerful songs, and his performance of it during the Monument Concert in 1965 is considered one of his definitive live moments. Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, “Crying” was released in 1961 and became one of Orbison’s biggest hits, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also remains one of his most beloved and enduring songs.

The Monument Concert 1965 performance is legendary for a few key reasons—chiefly, it captures Orbison at the peak of his vocal powers and emotional intensity. His ability to express deep sorrow and longing through his voice, combined with the raw honesty of the song, makes this live performance a truly special moment in his career.

The Song:

“Crying” tells the story of a person who is heartbroken and struggling to accept the end of a relationship. The song’s lyrics reflect the deep emotional pain of seeing a loved one move on while the narrator is still in love, feeling a profound sense of loss and helplessness. Orbison’s voice is central to the song’s emotional impact. His powerful, operatic tenor carries the raw vulnerability and anguish of the lyrics, which were written in such a way that anyone who’s experienced heartbreak could relate to the song’s sentiments.

Key lyrics from “Crying”: “I was crying when I met you / Now I’m crying since I left you.”

The 1965 Monument Concert Performance:

1. Orbison’s Signature Voice: Orbison’s voice was absolutely unique—rich, soaring, and capable of conveying deep emotion. In his 1965 performance of “Crying,” his voice is in top form, effortlessly navigating the song’s emotional peaks and valleys. He delivers the high notes with piercing clarity, while also conveying the heartbreak and vulnerability of the lyrics with the lower, more tender passages.
2. Stage Presence and Charisma: Orbison was never a showy performer in the conventional sense. His stage presence was understated yet magnetic. He often stood still during his performances, his head slightly bowed, eyes hidden behind his trademark dark sunglasses. This minimalist approach allowed his voice to take center stage, drawing the audience into the emotional depth of the song. In the 1965 performance, his stillness created a sense of intimacy with the audience, allowing his vulnerability to shine through.
3. Instrumentation and Arrangement: The Monument Concert was recorded with a full backing band, and the musical arrangement complements the emotional weight of the song. The strings and orchestration, which are a hallmark of the “wall of sound” production style associated with Phil Spector, add a lush, cinematic quality to the performance. The instrumentation swells at just the right moments to heighten the song’s tension, building to the powerful crescendos that make “Crying” so unforgettable.
4. Audience Connection: The live performance captures not just Orbison’s vocal brilliance but also the connection between the artist and the audience. There’s a palpable sense of empathy from the crowd, as they clearly resonate with the sorrow and heartache conveyed in the song. Orbison had a way of drawing people in with his raw emotion, and the audience can be seen reacting to the intensity of the song during the concert.
5. Emotional Intensity: What stands out most about Orbison’s 1965 performance of “Crying” is the emotional rawness. He doesn’t need flashy moves or dramatic gestures—his voice is the story. Every note feels like it’s a release of emotion, and it’s almost as if he’s reliving the heartbreak described in the song each time he sings it. The performance is deeply cathartic, both for the artist and the audience.

Legacy of “Crying” and the 1965 Concert:

The 1965 Monument Concert remains one of the most iconic live performances of Roy Orbison’s career. It captures not only the power of “Crying” but also the essence of Orbison’s artistry: his ability to combine personal vulnerability with technical brilliance, and to convey complex emotions in a way that resonates with listeners on a deep, universal level.

The song itself is often considered one of Orbison’s finest achievements. It has been covered by many artists, but Roy Orbison’s original version stands as the definitive rendition. His performances of “Crying” in particular remain some of the most revered moments in rock and roll history.

Orbison’s 1965 Monument Concert performance of “Crying” is a testament to his mastery as a vocalist and emotional storyteller. It shows why he remains one of the most influential and admired singers in the history of popular music. His ability to move audiences with just his voice is unparalleled, and “Crying” is perhaps the best example of that extraordinary gift.

Lyrics

 

I was alright for a while, I could smile for a while
Then I saw you last night, you held my hand so tight
When you stopped to say, “Hello”
You wished me well, you couldn’t tell

That I’d been crying over you
Crying over you then you said, “So long”
Left me standing all alone
Alone and crying,

Crying, crying, crying
It’s hard to understand
That the touch of your hand
Can start me crying

I thought that I was over you
But it’s true, so true
I love you even more than I did before
But darling what can I do?
For you don’t love me and I’ll always be

Crying over you
Crying over you
Yes, now you’re gone
And from this moment on
I’ll be crying, crying, crying, crying,
Crying, crying, over you