Gone
Buddy Holly & The Crickets Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now you're gone
the sun, the moon, the stars in the sky
know the reason why I cry
I know I'm wrong - I'm all alone
now you're gone

Oh, what I've give
for the lifetime I've wasted
the love that I've tasted




I'm all alone - I know I'm wrong
now you're gone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Buddy Holly & The Crickets's song "Gone" express the grief and loneliness experienced by the singer after the loss of a loved one. The opening line, "Now you're gone," sets the tone for the entire song. The singer is alone and mourning the absence of someone who was very important to them. The following lines, "the sun, the moon, the stars in the sky/know the reason why I cry," suggest that the singer's sorrow is so great that nature itself seems to be aware of it.


The verse "I know I'm wrong - I'm all alone/now you're gone" speaks to the regret and self-blame that the singer is experiencing. They may feel that they did something that caused the loss of their loved one, or they may simply feel guilty for not having done enough to keep them in their life. Regardless of the cause, the singer is left feeling isolated and heartbroken.


The second verse, "Oh, what I'd give/for the lifetime I've wasted/the love that I've tasted/I'm all alone - I know I'm wrong/now you're gone" reinforces the singer's feelings of regret and longing. They realize how much they took for granted and how little they appreciated the time they had with their loved one. The chorus repeats, driving home the fact that the singer is now alone and grieving.


Overall, "Gone" is a poignant song that speaks to the universal experience of loss and regret. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and the melody and instrumentation complement them perfectly. It is a testament to Buddy Holly's talent as a songwriter and musician, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

Now you're gone
The absence of your presence has stirred deep emotion, leaving a void where your love once resided.


The sun, the moon, the stars in the sky know the reason why I cry
The universe bears witness to my inconsolable grief, aware of the loss I feel and the tears that I shed.


I know I'm wrong - I'm all alone now you're gone
I recognize my mistakes and shortcomings, but without you, I am forced to confront my loneliness and regrets.


Oh, what I've give for the lifetime I've wasted
I wish I could go back in time and make different choices, as I now realize how precious our time together was.


The love that I've tasted I'm all alone - I know I'm wrong now you're gone
The joy of experiencing your love has left a bitter aftertaste, now that you are no longer here. I am alone with my guilt and regret.




Contributed by Evan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@henrydouberly3950

There was a time when this was the heaviest music ever made

@Adyman182

Bach, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff existed...

@henrydouberly3950

@@Adyman182 ah, I have been made a fool. Classical music can get pretty heavy sometimes.

@willhissettmusic

@@henrydouberly3950 a lot of jazz around this time was pretty heavy too

@TheDylandProductions

I was gonna say Beethoven has entered the chat! lol

But in all seriousness, this WAS the "hardest" music out there at the time. Amplified guitars, r&b drum kit, upright bass (which, in real life really cuts through the air compared to electric bass), and a happy-go-lucky singer who's lyrics had a bit more to them than what met the eye on the surface (like most music of the day).

For people who can't get into older rock, or jazz, or whatever - I always suggest they watch it live. Through those live performances, you really get to see the craftsmanship, the sweat, the performance. Sometimes the records can be sterile - especially if you listen to hip hop, heavy metal, or pop all day.

50's and 60's music really is great. Before the 'do it in the studio' mumbo jumbo. Everything was recorded live, and innovations were made on the daily.

@joshuamayes3195

@@TheDylandProductions I can't understand how they get a mix like this - especially the vocals which seem to be unmic'd.

94 More Replies...

@halburgess5257

I find it hard not to believe that the rhythm guitarist isn’t also Buddy Holly

@zuraiashvili8647

:DDDD

@gremlynn009

Fun fact! That’s actually Nikki Sullivan! As far as I know he wasn’t part of The Crickets for very long, but he’s absolutely fantastic in this recording!

@jamesnewman7961

Nikki Sullivan was also a Good 🎸 Guitarist! He wasn't with the Crickets very Long.

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