“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Roy Orbison’s Crying is one of those songs that transcends its era, captivating listeners with its emotional depth and timeless melody. If you’ve ever found yourself alone, staring out at the rain, feeling the weight of lost love, you’ll find that this song speaks directly to your heart. It’s a rare moment when music perfectly captures the rawness of human emotion, and Crying does just that. Whether you’re listening to it in the quiet of your own home or belting it out with a group of friends, this song evokes a deep sense of longing and heartbreak.
About The Composition
- Title: Crying
- Composer: Roy Orbison, Joe Melson
- Premiere Date: 1961
- Album: Crying
- Genre: Pop, Rock & Roll, Ballad
Background
Cryin’ was released in 1961 and is a classic example of Roy Orbison’s unique ability to blend vulnerability with power. Written by Orbison and his longtime collaborator Joe Melson, the song explores the anguish of unrequited love and the sorrow that lingers after a relationship ends. Orbison, known for his distinctive voice and emotionally charged performances, infuses Crying with a sense of aching longing.
The song’s inception came after a challenging period for Orbison. He had recently experienced personal loss, and that sense of vulnerability is evident in the lyrics and the somber tone of the melody. Crying was an immediate success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly becoming one of Orbison’s most beloved tracks.
Over time, Crying has come to symbolize Orbison’s musical style—an emotionally driven performance wrapped in the rich layers of pop and rock balladry. It’s a prime example of how Orbison used his voice not only as an instrument but as a conduit for deep emotional expression.
Musical Style
The musical elements of Crying are both dramatic and intimate. The song is structured with a slow, aching tempo that mirrors the lyrical theme of heartache. The instrumentation is minimal yet impactful, featuring lush strings that elevate the song’s emotional pull without overwhelming its simplicity. Orbison’s voice, with its signature high falsetto and soaring lows, takes center stage, conveying the full range of human emotion from the depths of despair to the peaks of sorrow.
Orbison’s vocal technique here is both restrained and powerful. His ability to stretch a single note to express the full extent of his grief, combined with his impeccable control over phrasing, allows him to give Crying an unforgettable impact. This piece isn’t just about the lyrics; it’s about how Orbison’s voice carries the weight of every word and every note.
Lyrics
The lyrics of Crying are a poignant reflection of the pain that comes with seeing someone you love slip away, either through a breakup or unrequited affection. The simple but powerful lines like “I was all right for a while / I could smile for a while” are relatable to anyone who’s experienced the aftermath of a love lost. It’s the universality of these emotions that makes the song resonate so strongly with listeners.
The lyrics are a perfect match for the music—both work in harmony to reflect the deep sorrow of the singer. The recurring phrase “crying” is repeated throughout the song, almost as if the act of crying becomes both a release and a form of acceptance. Orbison’s delivery makes it clear that the tears aren’t just a temporary release but a reflection of a lasting emotional wound.
Performance History
Over the years, Crying has been covered by many artists across various genres, from country to rock to pop. However, no rendition quite captures the raw emotional depth of Orbison’s original. Notable performances include a memorable duet with k.d. lang during the 1989 Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night special, where their voices blend in a hauntingly beautiful way, reinforcing the song’s timeless appeal.
As one of Orbison’s signature songs, Crying has remained a staple in his live performances. The track’s ability to move audiences is unparalleled, and its inclusion in Orbison’s setlist was always a guaranteed moment of emotional connection.
Cultural Impact
Cryin’ has left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing countless artists and becoming a cultural touchstone for heartbreak and longing. Beyond its musical influence, the song has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its status as an anthem for emotional vulnerability. Its use in movies like The Big Lebowski and TV shows like The Sopranos has allowed Crying to reach new generations, proving that the emotional power of Orbison’s voice knows no boundaries.
Legacy
Cryin’ continues to stand the test of time. Its emotional depth, combined with Orbison’s unparalleled vocal abilities, has made it a classic that is passed down from one generation to the next. While Roy Orbison himself passed away in 1988, his influence continues through his music, and Crying remains one of his most enduring works.
The song’s legacy is not just in its charts or covers but in its ability to tap into the universal human experience of pain, loss, and love. It is a testament to the power of music to express what words alone cannot.
Conclusion
Cryin’ is more than just a song—it is an emotional experience. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning to it after years, the song’s haunting beauty remains unmatched. I encourage you to explore the many performances of this track, especially the iconic duet with k.d. lang, and to dive deeper into Roy Orbison’s catalog to fully appreciate his musical genius.
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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