After playing Eagles’ songs most of last week, I was rather at a loss as to where to go next. I asked a few of you for suggestions, and John H suggested Roy Orbison and mentioned his “Black and White” concert. So, I took a look, and found my song for tonight!
This is a sad song, and given the multiple tragedies in Orbison’s life (his wife died in a car accident, his home burned down, killing two of his sons) one might think this song was a product of his personal sadness. But, according to Roy Orbison, you’d be wrong …
“I’ve always been very content when I wrote all those songs. By this I’m saying that a lot of people think you have to live through something before you can write it, and that’s true in some cases, but I remember the times that I was unhappy or discontent, and I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t communicate, and I certainly couldn’t write a song, no way. All the songs I wrote that were successful were written when I was in a contented state of mind.”
Roy Orbison wrote this with his songwriting partner Joe Melson, but intended to offer the song to either Elvis Presley or the Everly Brothers, but the Everly Brothers persuaded Orbison that he should cut it himself. I think the story of how Orbison and Melson hooked up is fun …
After several years without much success in the music business, and sharing a tiny apartment with his wife and new baby, Roy Orbison had taken to sitting in his car to write songs when, in 1958, his acquaintance Joe Melson tapped on the car window and suggested they collaborate. – Wikipedia
This song reached #1 in the UK and #2 in the U.S.
Only the Lonely
Roy Orbison
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 heart
They’re gone forever
So far apart
But only the lonely
Know 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, yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Know I cry and cry for you (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No-o-o more sorrow
But that’s the chance
You’ve got to take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely (dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah)
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Joe Melson / Roy Orbison
Only the Lonely lyrics © Barbara Orbison Music Company, Roy Orbison Music Company, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., BMG Rights Management
Also check out The Motels’ song with the same title… pretty neat:
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Jill, I love Roy Orbison’s songs. His voice is powerful and convincing. But, I must confess, I has no idea of his tragedies. A poignant tribute was done before he passed when several artists – Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, kd lang, et al – performed with him in a black and white recorded show in a small venue. Keith
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Yes, he had numerous tragedies in his life, which may have made his music even more poignant. Ahhhh … that tribute must have been what John was referring to, then. I’m glad you enjoyed the music!
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A man of real stature in the music business, No -one could ever doubt that Mr Orbison was steeped in talent and who had the right to sing of the sadness that laid bare much of his life.
Hugs
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Indeed, he had great talent … seems the ones with the most talent always die young. I wonder why that is?
Cwtch
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Reblogged this on 1EarthUnited and commented:
Roy Orbison is golden, just like your picks! Great share Jill! ❤
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Thank you so much, both for the re-blog and for your kind words! 😊
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My pleasure, thank YOU for sharing the gift of music with ur uplifting spirit!
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That’s one of my favorites, Jill. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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My pleasure! I’m so glad you liked it!
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Can you believe that voice? He was the best. This Black and White Night is packed with stars serving as back-up to Roy. Thanks, Jill.
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‘Twas my pleasure! Thank YOU for the suggestion! 😊
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I think he was one of the best.
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