About the song
“The End of the World” is a poignant pop song that emerged in the early 1960s, embodying a profound sense of melancholy and heartache. Written by the talented duo Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, the song was tailored for American singer Skeeter Davis, whose rendition of the track captured the emotional depth of its lyrics and achieved significant success. Released by RCA Records in December 1962, “The End of the World” quickly became a notable hit, reaching the top five on multiple charts and securing the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1963. The song’s chart-topping achievements extended beyond pop, making it a cross-genre hit as it also peaked at number two on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, number one on the Easy Listening chart, and number four on the Hot R&B Singles chart. This remarkable feat marked the first and only time a song had cracked the Top 10 on all four Billboard charts simultaneously.
The song is a melancholic reflection on the aftermath of a romantic breakup, a theme deeply resonant with many listeners. Sylvia Dee, the lyricist, channeled her personal grief from her father’s passing into the song, infusing it with an authentic sense of sorrow. The recording, made on June 8, 1962, at RCA Studios in Nashville with the esteemed producer Chet Atkins and sound engineer Bill Porter, features a poignant arrangement highlighted by Floyd Cramer’s piano work.
One of the notable aspects of Davis’s version is its key modulation. After performing the song in B-flat major, it shifts up by a half step to B major, where Davis delivers the final stanza with a spoken introduction before concluding with a powerful vocal delivery. This creative musical choice adds a unique touch to the song, enhancing its emotional impact.
“The End of the World” has left a lasting legacy in popular culture, with its inclusion in various films, television shows, and video games. It was notably played at both Chet Atkins’ funeral in an instrumental version by Marty Stuart and Skeeter Davis’s own funeral at the Ryman Auditorium. Billboard ranked it as the number two song of 1963, cementing its place in music history. Despite its initial release decades ago, the song’s enduring appeal continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the pop and country genres.
Video
Lyrics
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me any more
Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake-up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
(Why do these eyes of mine cry?)
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”