About The Song

“Only the Lonely” refers to a classic song written and recorded by Roy Orbison in 1960. It became Orbison’s first major hit and went on to achieve international success, reaching number two on the Billboard pop music charts in the US. Orbison originally wrote it for Elvis Presley or The Everly Brothers before recording it himself.

The lyrics of the song were inspired by real-life experiences and plotted before happier times. The song is known for its poignant lyrics about loneliness and heartbreak, delivered with Orbison’s signature dramatic flair and soaring vocals. It’s considered a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today. Considered a classic song, covered by numerous artists and featured in several films and TV shows.

Video

Lyrics

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Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Only the lonely
Only the lonely

Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know the way I feel tonight (ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know this feeling ain’t right (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)

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

Dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah
Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Only the lonely
Only the lonely

Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know the heartaches I’ve been through (ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know I cry and cry for you (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)

Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that’s the chance

You gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely

Dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah