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Roy Orbison, U2
About Only the Lonely
"Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)" is a 1960 song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. Orbison's recording of the song, produced by Fred Foster for Monument Records, was the first major hit for the singer. It was described by The New York Times as expressing "a clenched, driven urgency". Released as a 45 rpm single by Monument Records in May 1960, "Only the Lonely" went to No. 2 on the United States Billboard pop music charts on 25 July 1960 (blocked by Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry") and No. 14 on the Billboard R&B charts. "Only the Lonely" reached Number One in the United Kingdom, a position it achieved on 20 October 1960, staying there for two weeks (out of a total of 24 weeks spent on the UK singles chart from 28 July 1960). According to Orbison historian Marcel Riesco's research for "The Authorized Roy Orbison," personnel on the original recording included Orbison's drummer Larry Parks, plus Nashville's regulars, Floyd Cramer on piano, Bob Moore on bass, and Hank Garland and Harold Bradley on guitars, Joe Melson and the Annita Kerr Singers on backing vocals. Drummer Buddy Harman played on the rest of the songs on the session.more »
- Year:
- 2018
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- #7
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(Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah, ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)(Oh, oh oh oh oh ooh-ah-ah, only the lonely, only the lonely)Only the lonely (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)Know the way I feel tonight (Ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)Only the lonely (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)Know this feeling ain't right (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)There goes my baby, there goes my heartThey're gone forever, so far apartBut only the lonely know wh-why-why I cry, only the lonely(Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah, ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)(Oh, oh oh oh oh ooh-ah-ah, only the lonely, only the lonely)Only the lonely (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)Know the heartaches I've been through (Ooh yay, yay, yay, yeahOnly the lonely (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)Know I cry and cry for you (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)Maybe tomorrow a new romanceNo-o-o more sorrow, but that's the chanceYou've got to take, if your lonely heart breaksOnly the lonely (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
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Roy Orbison
Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988), also known by the nickname 'The Big O', was an American singer-songwriter, best known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Orbison grew up in Texas and began singing in a rockabilly/country and western band in high school until he was signed by Sun Records in Memphis. His greatest success came with Monument Records between 1960 and 1964, when 22 of his songs placed on the Billboard Top Forty, including "Only the Lonely", "Crying", and "Oh, Pretty Woman". His career stagnated through the 1970s, but several covers of his songs and the use of "In Dreams" in David Lynch's Blue Velvet revived his career in the 1980s. In 1988, he joined the supergroup Traveling… more »
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Sheet Music PDF Playlist
Written by: Joe Melson, Roy Orbison
Lyrics © Roy Orbison Music Company, Barbara Orbison Music Company, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Release Date"Only the Lonely" was released as a single in May 1960. |
Chart SuccessThe song was a big hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the UK Singles Chart. |
Song CreationIt was the first major hit for Roy Orbison, who co-wrote the song with Joe Melson. |
Recording HistoryInterestingly, it was initially turned down by Elvis Presley and The Everly Brothers before Orbison decided to record and release it himself. |
Orbison's StyleThe song showcased the distinctive ‘Orbison Sound’, a sonic territory characterized by complex structures, operatic vocals, and dark, emotive themes. |
Structure of the Song"Only the Lonely" is noted for being a song which Orbison commenced singing on a note which he held through eight bars, a difficulty for many singers. |
GenreThis track was one of the pioneering classics of the early rock and roll genre. |
Cover VersionsOver the decades, the song has been covered by many artists, including Chris Isaak, Bruce Springsteen, and Sonny James, whose version was a number one hit on the country music charts in 1969. |
Awards & Accolades"Only the Lonely" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. |
Appearance in FilmThe song has also been used in several film soundtracks including "Hamburger Hill" and "Pretty Woman" wherein Orbison himself had a cameo. |
Unusual KeyUnlike many songs of the time, "Only the Lonely" is written in the key of A Major, which contributed to its unique sound. |
Legacy"Only the Lonely" remains one of Roy Orbison's most famous and beloved songs even today and it is often seen as a classic example of his ability to blend rock and roll with an emotional ballad style. |
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