About the song
“Only The Lonely,” released in 1960, was a watershed moment for Orbison, solidifying his unique artistic identity and becoming his first major international hit. Penned by Orbison and Joe Melson, the song perfectly showcases his distinctive “crying” vocal style and his penchant for dramatic arrangements. From the very first notes, you’re drawn into a world of profound isolation. The lyrics speak of a universal human experience – the pain of unrequited love, the feeling of being the sole inhabitant of a desolate emotional landscape. “Only the lonely know the way I feel tonight,” he sings, and in that simple line, he invites every listener who has ever felt a pang of solitude into his world.
What truly elevates “Only The Lonely” is Orbison’s incredible vocal performance. It’s a masterclass in controlled passion, moving effortlessly from a hushed, almost vulnerable beginning to that iconic, powerful high note that seems to hang in the air, a perfect sonic representation of yearning. The backing instrumentation, with its lush strings and subtle percussion, complements his voice beautifully, building the tension and emotion without ever overwhelming it. It’s not just a song; it’s a miniature opera, a three-minute journey through the depths of a lonely heart. This track proved that pop music could be profoundly emotional, deeply artistic, and still incredibly popular. It remains a testament to Roy Orbison’s enduring legacy as a true original, a master of emotional resonance, and a voice that, once heard, is never forgotten. It’s a song that reminds us that even in our loneliest moments, we are, paradoxically, connected by that very human experience.
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Lyrics
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Know the way I feel tonight
Only the lonely
Know this feeling ain’t right
There goes my baby
There goes my heart
They’re gone forever
So far apart
But only the lonely
Know why
I cry
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Know the heartaches I’ve been through
Only the lonely
Know I cry and cry for you
Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that’s the chance
You gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely
