Only the Lonely
Roy Orbison
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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 heart They're gone forever, so far apart But 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, 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)
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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.
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Chart SuccessThe song was a big hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the UK Singles Chart.
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Song CreationIt was the first major hit for Roy Orbison, who co-wrote the song with Joe Melson.
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Recording HistoryInterestingly, it was initially turned down by Elvis Presley and The Everly Brothers before Orbison decided to record and release it himself.
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Orbison's StyleThe song showcased the distinctive ‘Orbison Sound’, a sonic territory characterized by complex structures, operatic vocals, and dark, emotive themes.
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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.
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GenreThis track was one of the pioneering classics of the early rock and roll genre.
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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.
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Awards & Accolades"Only the Lonely" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Appearance in FilmThe song has also been used in several film soundtracks including "Hamburger Hill" and "Pretty Woman" wherein Orbison himself had a cameo.
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Unusual KeyUnlike many songs of the time, "Only the Lonely" is written in the key of A Major, which contributed to its unique sound.
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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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