Roy Orbison – Crying
“Crying” is a classic song by the American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, originally released in 1961. Known for his emotive vocal delivery and ability to convey deep emotions through music, Orbison created a piece with “Crying” that resonates with themes of heartache and longing. At the time of its release, the song effectively showcased Orbison’s signature operatic voice and his ability to span a wide vocal range, reinforcing his status as a powerful and unique presence in the rock and pop music world. The song was later featured on Orbison’s album “Crying,” which further solidified his place in music history.
Roy Orbison collaborated with songwriter Joe Melson on “Crying.” Their collaboration was fruitful and led to the creation of several hits, including “Only the Lonely.” Melson was instrumental in helping shape the emotional core of Orbison’s music, assisting Orbison to put personal anguish and heartache into lyrics and melodies. With “Crying,” they captured the universal experience of lost love and the deep, often overwhelming emotions that accompany it. The song’s composition is characterized by its slow build-up and crescendo, which mirror the increasing intensity of the lyrics.
Lyrically, “Crying” tells the story of a man who encounters an ex-lover and is overcome with the realization that, despite his initial feelings of moving on, he is still deeply affected and saddened by the loss. The poignant narrative and the repeat refrain of “I was all right for a while” contrast with the realization of the enduring pain, capturing emotional vulnerability. The lyrics are simple yet deeply evocative, expressing feelings of loneliness and the struggle to let go of cherished memories, which many listeners find profoundly relatable.
Live performances of “Crying” have consistently left strong impressions, showcasing Orbison’s remarkable ability to convey raw emotion in real-time. His live renditions often included powerful vocal shifts that drew particular attention. Audiences were frequently moved by Orbison’s ability to seemingly embody the pain expressed in his lyrics, making his live performances of the song memorable events. It is through these performances that the track gained its legendary status, ensuring that Orbison would be remembered as one of the most expressive performers of his era.
The song’s influence extended beyond Orbison’s original recording, attracting cover versions by numerous artists over the decades. Notably, it was revived by Don McLean, whose 1980 cover brought the song back into the public eye and introduced it to a new generation. McLean’s version reached the top of the charts in several countries, highlighting the song’s enduring appeal. Its timeless quality and universal theme of love and loss have made “Crying” a standard, frequently covered by artists across various genres.
“Crying” also made an indelible impact on culture, becoming a staple in soundtracks for film and television, where its emotive quality perfectly underscored scenes of romance and loss. The vulnerability and honesty of the song continue to resonate with audiences, making it a favorite for inclusion in moments of emotional intensity onscreen. Its melancholic overtones and Orbison’s haunting vocal delivery have made it a favorite choice for directors seeking to amplify the emotional weight of pivotal moments.
The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to Roy Orbison’s talent as a vocalist and composer. Despite changing musical landscapes, “Crying” remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to capture and express the depth of human emotion. It has solidified Orbison’s reputation as one of the most distinctive and significant voices in the history of popular music, often cited by music historians as a prime example of Orbison’s profound impact.
Roy Orbison’s “Crying” remains a touchstone of emotive music, perfectly encapsulating the mind-space of anyone who has ever felt the depths of romantic yearning or heartbreak. The song’s masterful combination of composition, lyrics, and performance continues to inspire both artists and fans worldwide. It stands as an epitome of Orbison’s musical genius, displaying his ability to create music that is not just heard but felt deeply in the soul.
