About the song
“Mr. Lonely,” a poignant ballad co-written and performed by American singer Bobby Vinton, stands as a timeless testament to longing and loneliness, resonating deeply with listeners since its release in 1962 on the album *Roses Are Red*. The song’s narrative, crafted by Vinton during his time in the Army in the late 1950s, portrays a soldier’s heartfelt yearning for connection amidst the isolation of being stationed overseas.
Initially included on *Roses Are Red*, “Mr. Lonely” wasn’t initially released as a single by Epic Records, who opted for a different track for Vinton’s follow-up to his hit “Roses Are Red.” Instead, the song was given to Buddy Greco, whose rendition reached a modest position on the Billboard Hot 100. Vinton, upon hearing Greco’s version on the radio, expressed his desire to release his own rendition as a single, prompting Epic to reconsider.
Ultimately, “Mr. Lonely” became a breakout hit for Vinton, topping the Billboard Hot 100 on December 12, 1964, and resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Its emotional depth, highlighted by Vinton’s heartfelt delivery and distinctive sobbing in the second verse, struck a chord particularly during the escalating Vietnam War, touching many listeners who could relate to the song’s themes of separation and longing.
The song’s success was not confined to the United States; it also reached number one on charts in Canada and New Zealand, and achieved top rankings in Australia and South Africa. Its universal appeal and enduring popularity led Epic Records to capitalize on its success by releasing an entire album centered around “Mr. Lonely.”
In a testament to its lasting impact, “Mr. Lonely” was re-released as a single in 1973, demonstrating its enduring appeal and continuing to resonate with audiences across different generations. The song remains a cornerstone of Bobby Vinton’s repertoire, beloved for its emotive lyrics, evocative melody, and the sincerity with which Vinton portrays the yearning for companionship.
“Mr. Lonely” not only solidified Bobby Vinton’s stature as a prominent artist of the 1960s but also secured its place as a timeless classic that continues to evoke deep emotions and memories for listeners worldwide.
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Lyrics
Lonely, I am Mr. Lonely,
I have nobody for my own.
I am so lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely,
wish I had someone to call on the phone.Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier,
Away from home, through no wish of my own.
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely,
I wish that I could go back home.Letters, never a letter,
I get no letters in the mail.
I’ve been forgotten, yeah, forgotten,
Oh how I wonder, how is it I failed.Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier,
Away from home, through no wish of my own.
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely,
I wish that I could go back home.