About the Song
Ah, 1958. Rock and Roll was still young, bursting with raw energy and youthful rebellion. Yet, amidst the booming guitars and playful rhythms, a different kind of song emerged: “Lonely Teardrops” by Jackie Wilson. This wasn’t a song for dancing; it was a ballad for the heartbroken, a haunting melody that captured the raw ache of loneliness and longing.
“Lonely Teardrops” showcased the early brilliance of both Jackie Wilson and the burgeoning Motown sound. The arrangement is deceptively simple, relying on a driving bassline, a steady drumbeat, and the melancholic melody of a saxophone. But it’s Wilson’s voice that truly defines the song. He delivers the lyrics with a vulnerability that’s both raw and captivating. His voice cracks with emotion as he sings of a love lost, leaving him with “lonely teardrops” staining his pillow.
The lyrics are a powerful exploration of heartbreak. Lines like “Since you said goodbye, the sun no longer shines” paint a picture of a world turned cold and colorless without the presence of the lost love. The song doesn’t dwell on anger or blame; it focuses solely on the profound sense of loss and the overwhelming loneliness that follows.
“Lonely Teardrops” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural touchstone. It became Jackie Wilson’s first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the R&B charts, establishing him as a rising star. More importantly, the song resonated with listeners across generations. Its timeless message of heartache and resilience continues to connect with anyone who has ever experienced the sting of lost love.
Even today, “Lonely Teardrops” retains its aching beauty. It serves as a reminder of the universal power of music to capture the deepest emotions of the human experience, transforming heartbreak into a melody that resonates through the ages.
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Lyrics: “Lonely Teardrops”
Shooby Doo Wop ba baa (hey hey)
Shooby Doo Wop ba baa (hey hey)
Shooby Doo Wop ba baa (hey hey)My heart Is cryin’, cryin’
Lonely teardrops
My pillows never dry of
Lonely teardropsCome home, come home
Just say you will, say you will (say you will)
Say you will (say you will)
Hey, Hey (say you will)My heart Is cryin’, cryin’
Lonely teardrops
My pillows never dry of
Lonely teardropsCome home, come home
Just say you will, say you will (say you will)
Say you will (say you will)
Hey, Hey (say you will)Just give me another chance
For our romance
Come on and tell me
That one day you’ll return
‘Cause everyday that you’ve been gone away
You’ll know my heart does nothing but burnCrying
Lonely Teardrops
My pillows never dry of
Lonely TeardropsCome home, come home
Just say you will, say you will (say you will)
Say you will (say you will)
Hey, Hey (say you will)Say it right now baby (say you will)
Come on, come on (say you will)
Say it darling, yeah (say you will)