The Story Behind the Emotional Classic

Roy Orbison’s timeless hit “Crying” was inspired by a deeply personal encounter with an old flame. Reflecting on the pain of lost love, Orbison explained that the song stemmed from a moment of regret. After spotting his former girlfriend while out, he resisted his urge to reconcile, only to realize shortly after that his stubbornness had cost him a second chance.

In an interview for 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, Orbison recounted:

“I wanted to go over and say, ‘Let’s forget about what happened and carry on.’ But I was stubborn. As I drove away, I realized I’d made a mistake, and it brought tears to my eyes. That moment inspired ‘Crying.’

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From Inspiration to Songwriting
Initially, the song was intended for country singer Don Gibson under the working title “Once Again.” Orbison’s songwriting partner, Joe Melson, contributed the pivotal line, “Once again I’m crying,” which evolved into the heart of the track and prompted the title change.

The song’s powerful climax—Orbison’s soaring, emotional delivery—was not premeditated. In a 1980 interview, Orbison shared:

“It just happened as I retold my experience. I couldn’t tell you now what notes I hit at the end—it was all about the emotion.”

Breaking Barriers in Rock Music
At a time when rock music seldom addressed emotional vulnerability, Orbison challenged norms by presenting crying not as weakness but as a sign of deep sensitivity. His unique voice and ability to convey raw emotion brought authenticity to the track, setting it apart as a heartfelt masterpiece.

Legacy of “Crying”
Released in 1961, “Crying” became one of Orbison’s most iconic hits, showcasing his remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. Its influence remains strong, as the song continues to resonate with listeners, proving that heartache, when beautifully expressed, is timeless.

Lyrics

I was alright for a while, I could smile for a while
Then I saw you last night, you held my hand so tight
When you stopped to say, “Hello”
You wished me well, you couldn’t tell
That I’d been crying over you
Crying over you then you said, “So long”
Left me standing all alone
Alone and crying,
Crying, crying, crying
It’s hard to understand
That the touch of your hand
Can start me crying
I thought that I was over you
But it’s true, so true
I love you even more than I did before
But darling what can I do?
For you don’t love me and I’ll always be
Crying over you
Crying over you
Yes, now you’re gone
And from this moment on
I’ll be crying, crying, crying, crying,
Crying, crying, over you