Roy Orbison, a name synonymous with operatic vocals, heart-wrenching ballads, and enigmatic charisma, forever etched his place in music history with “Only the Lonely (Know How I Feel)” released in 1960. Orbison, born in Texas, rose to prominence in the late 1950s, defying the prevailing rock and roll trends with his distinctive voice and vulnerable lyrics. He wasn’t your typical rock idol; often sporting thick glasses and a stoic stage presence, he let his voice do the talking, a voice that could effortlessly soar to soaring high notes and then plummet to depths of despair. He was a Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, solidifying his enduring legacy.
“Only the Lonely” wasn’t just a song; it was a masterclass in vocal performance and emotional delivery. The song’s meaning revolves around the crushing weight of solitude and the pain of unrequited love. Orbison’s powerful tenor perfectly captures the ache of longing and the resignation of being left behind. The soaring falsetto in the chorus, a signature Orbison technique, elevates the song to a near-operatic level, emphasizing the profound sense of isolation.
Upon release, “Only the Lonely” became an instant hit, topping charts across the globe. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and climbed to the top spot in the UK, establishing Orbison as an international star. Audiences were captivated by the song’s raw emotion and the sheer power of Orbison’s voice. Critics lauded the song’s innovative structure and Orbison’s unique vocal style. Even today, “Only the Lonely” continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, a testament to its timeless appeal and the universality of its theme – the simple, yet devastating, feeling of being utterly alone.