Roy Orbison, the bespectacled crooner with a voice that could shatter glass and mend hearts, released “Crying” in 1961. Orbison, known for his soaring vocals, operatic delivery, and emotionally charged ballads, became a defining figure of the early rock and roll era and beyond. Though often overshadowed by the flashier rock acts of the time, Orbison carved a unique niche for himself, crafting songs that explored themes of loss, loneliness, and unrequited love with unparalleled sincerity.
“Crying,” a quintessential Orbison masterpiece, exemplifies his signature style. The song immediately resonated with audiences, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Orbison’s place as a major force in the music industry. While he never garnered the same chart dominance as some of his contemporaries, Orbison’s influence transcended mere numbers. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, testaments to his enduring legacy.
The song’s meaning is straightforward yet devastatingly potent. “Crying” tells the story of a man encountering a former lover with a new partner. The singer tries to maintain composure, but ultimately, the overwhelming sadness leads him to “start crying.” This universal theme of heartbreak and unfulfilled love deeply connected with listeners.
Audience feedback has consistently praised the song’s raw emotionality and Orbison’s vocal performance. Many listeners describe feeling a profound sense of empathy for the heartbroken narrator, identifying with the pain of seeing a lost love move on. “Crying” is often cited as one of Orbison’s best works, a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with new generations of listeners, proving the enduring power of vulnerability and a beautifully crafted melody.
