Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel) – Roy Orbison

About the Song

Roy Orbison’s 1960 hit, “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”, isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant anthem for the lovelorn. This song, co-written by Orbison himself, became his first major hit and established him as a master of conveying vulnerability and emotional depth.

“Only the Lonely” opens with a sense of longing and isolation. The repeated line, “Only the lonely,” sets the stage for a song that explores the pain of heartache and the yearning for connection. The lyrics paint a picture of a world seen through tear-filled eyes: “The lonely only see the rain / Hear the wind complain.”

Orbison’s signature vocals are the centerpiece of the song. He delivers the lyrics with a deep, melancholic tone that perfectly captures the emotional weight of the words. Lines like, “They’re gone forever so far apart / But only the lonely know this feeling in my heart,” showcase his ability to convey a depth of emotion that resonates with listeners.

The melody is deceptively simple, relying on a driving beat and a haunting chord progression. This simplicity allows Orbison’s vocals to take center stage, creating a sense of raw honesty and vulnerability. The occasional use of backing vocals adds a touch of harmony, but never overshadows the power of Orbison’s performance.

There’s a flicker of hope that persists throughout the song. Lines like, “Maybe tomorrow a new romance / But that’s a chance I don’t wanna take” suggest a cautious optimism, a willingness to believe in the possibility of love despite the pain of the past.

“Only the Lonely” resonates because it taps into a universal human experience. Loneliness is a common feeling, and Orbison’s song offers a sense of solidarity and understanding for those who are going through it.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional honesty and its ability to capture the depths of loneliness and the yearning for connection. It’s a song that offers comfort to the lonely hearts and a reminder that they are not alone in their feelings. “Only the Lonely” remains a cornerstone of Roy Orbison’s legacy, a testament to his songwriting skills and his ability to deliver a vocal performance that continues to touch hearts and inspire generations of musicians.

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Lyrics: “Only The Lonely (Know How I Feel)”

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Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Only the lonely
Only the lonelyOnly the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know the way I feel tonight (ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know this feeling ain’t right (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-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

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Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Only the lonely
Only the lonely

Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know the heartaches I’ve been through (ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know I cry and cry for you (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)

Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that’s the chance

You gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely

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