“Crying,” a ballad of profound heartbreak penned by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, became one of the defining songs of Orbison’s career upon its release in 1961. Known for his powerful, operatic vocals and emotionally charged performances, Orbison, often dubbed “The Big O,” infused “Crying” with a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with listeners. The song showcases his impressive vocal range, moving effortlessly between delicate whispers and soaring, almost painful cries of despair. While it didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its initial release, peaking at a modest number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, its lasting impact is undeniable.
The lyrics of “Crying” depict the agonizing experience of encountering a lost love and the resurgence of dormant emotions. The narrator, seemingly having moved on, is confronted with the unexpected sight of their former partner, triggering a flood of repressed feelings. The simple yet poignant lyrics capture the universal experience of heartbreak, the struggle to maintain composure, and the ultimate surrender to overwhelming emotion. Lines like “I thought that I was over you, but it’s true, so true / I love you even more than I did then” convey the song’s central theme of enduring love and the pain of its loss.
While initially a moderate hit, “Crying” gained renewed recognition and widespread acclaim over the years. k.d. lang’s 1987 duet version with Orbison brought the song back into the spotlight, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. This resurgence solidified “Crying”‘s status as a timeless classic, introducing it to a new generation and cementing its place in popular culture. Critics and fans alike praised Orbison’s vocal performance, describing it as both technically brilliant and emotionally devastating. Many have cited “Crying” as one of the greatest vocal performances of all time, a testament to Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his unique vocal style and the song’s timeless message of heartbreak.