Roy Orbison, the bespectacled crooner with the soaring, operatic voice, is an icon of American rock and roll and country music. Known for his signature melancholic ballads filled with heartbreak and loss, Orbison left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, he amassed numerous hits throughout his career, including “Only the Lonely,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” and the unforgettable “Crying.” While he topped the charts across several genres, a testament to his broad appeal, his true power lay in crafting deeply emotional narratives within his songs.
“Crying,” released in 1961, exemplifies Orbison’s mastery of pathos. The song, co-written with Joe Melson, is a raw and vulnerable portrayal of heartbreak. It depicts the struggle to maintain composure and hide the pain of a lost love, culminating in the inevitable “crying” when the facade crumbles. The lyrics poignantly capture the internal conflict between pride and overwhelming sadness, a feeling universally understood and relatable. Orbison’s powerful vocal performance, characterized by his dramatic vibrato and emotional delivery, elevates the song from a simple ballad to a heart-wrenching anthem of lost love.
“Crying” was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its impact extended beyond chart positions; it resonated deeply with listeners who found solace and validation in Orbison’s vulnerable expression of grief. Audience feedback consistently praises the song’s emotional depth and Orbison’s ability to convey such intense feeling. Even decades later, “Crying” continues to move listeners, solidifying its place as a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring power of genuine emotion in music. Many consider it one of Orbison’s signature songs, showcasing his vocal prowess and his uncanny ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
