About the song
## Only the Lonely: A Timeless Ballad of Loneliness
**Roy Orbison’s** “Only the Lonely” is a timeless ballad that has captivated audiences for generations. Released in 1960, this heart-wrenching song quickly became a chart-topping hit, cementing Orbison’s status as one of the most distinctive and emotive voices in rock and roll.
Orbison’s unique vocal style, characterized by its rich baritone and dramatic vibrato, is perfectly suited to the song’s melancholic tone. His delivery is both vulnerable and powerful, conveying a deep sense of loneliness and longing. The lyrics of “Only the Lonely” paint a vivid picture of isolation, exploring themes of unrequited love, heartbreak, and the yearning for companionship.
The song’s arrangement is equally evocative, featuring a simple but effective instrumentation that complements Orbison’s vocals. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar provides a soothing backdrop for the mournful melody, while the subtle addition of strings adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
The opening lines of the song immediately set the mood: “Only in dreams can I see you there/Only in dreams can I feel your care.” These words convey a sense of longing and unattainability, as Orbison yearns for a love that seems forever out of reach. The chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “Only the lonely know the feeling,” reinforces the theme of isolation and the universal experience of heartbreak.
Throughout the song, Orbison’s lyrics explore the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. He describes the pain of seeing his beloved with another, the emptiness of his own existence, and the hope that one day he will find solace. The bridge of the song, with its lines “I’m a fool to think that you’d ever care/But I can’t help falling, falling for you,” captures the intensity of Orbison’s feelings and the vulnerability of his heart.
“Only the Lonely” is a masterpiece of songwriting that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its timeless message of love, loss, and loneliness has made it a classic of the rock and roll era. Orbison’s powerful performance and the song’s evocative melody ensure that it will remain a beloved and enduring piece of music for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Know the way I feel tonight
Only the lonely
Know this feeling ain’t right
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
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Only the lonely
Know the heartaches I’ve been through
Only the lonely
Know I cry and cry for you
Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that’s the chance
You gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely