Shannon followed up with "Hats Off to Larry", another big hit, and the less popular "So Long, Baby", another song of breakup bitterness. "Little Town Flirt", released in 1962 reached #12 in 1963 as did the album of the same name. After these hits, Shannon was unable to keep his momentum in the US, but became a sensation in England. In 1963, he became the first American artist to record a cover version of a Beatles song with "From Me to You".
Shannon returned to the charts in 1964 with "Handy Man", "Do You Wanna Dance", "Keep Searchin'", and "Stranger in Town" (1965), with the latter two songs themed about flight from pursuit in a dangerous world. A 1966 chart offering was Shannon's cover of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb". In the late 1960s after a dry spell of hits, he turned to production. In 1969 he discovered a group called Smith and arranged their hit "Baby It's You". He then produced his friend Brian Hyland's million seller "Gypsy Woman" in 1970.
In the 1970s, Shannon's career slowed down greatly; the hates and fears he had turned into art in his earlier songs were turning into full-blown mental illness, and he was self-medicating with alcohol. He finally put the bottle down in 1978, and he was able to return to mainstream audiences with "Sea of Love" in the early 1980s from the album "Drop Down And Get Me" produced by Tom Petty.
In December, 1983, Shannon served as Grand Marshal of the Coopersville, Michigan Christmas parade and also performed a benefit concert at Coopersville High School.
Shannon enjoyed a resurgence in audience interest after re-recording a portion of his song "Runaway" (with new lyrics) as the theme for the television program Crime Story. Producer Michael Mann felt that this was one of the definitive songs of the era in which the program was set. Some fans of the show prefer the sharper lyrics ("Some live, and others die") as an alternate to the original words.
On 8 February 1990, while working on a comeback album with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, Shannon fatally shot himself in the head with a .22 calibre rifle. His wife thought his death might have been related to his recent use of the prescription drug Prozac. The album was released after his death and titled "Rock On!".
Shannon is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Cry Myself to Sleep
Del Shannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sorry but I'd like to be alone
'Cause every time I see her I have to weep
I'm gonna cry myself to sleep
I threw this party never thought she'd come by
All she wants to do is see me cry
And when I see her I just have to weep
Cry
Did ya notice how she danced with every guy but me
She loves to see me in misery
I used to be her little buttercup
But now she comes around just to break me up
So everybody won't you please go home
The party's over and I'd like to be alone
'Cause when I see her I just have to weep
I'm gonna cry myself to sleep
Cry
Did ya notice how she danced with every guy but me
She loves to see me in misery
I used to be her little buttercup
But now she comes around just to break me up
So everybody won't you please go home
The party's over and I'd like to be alone
'Cause when I see her I just have to weep
I'm gonna cry myself to sleep
Cry
The lyrics of "Cry Myself to Sleep" by Del Shannon tell the story of a man who is heartbroken over a woman who has come to a party he threw. He is asking everyone to leave because every time he sees her, he can't help but cry. He never thought she would show up, but now that she has, he is in a state of misery. He notices how she dances with every other guy but him, almost seeming to enjoy his pain. He used to be her little buttercup, but now she only comes around to break him up. The party is over, and he wants to be alone to cry himself to sleep because of the pain she has caused him.
The song's lyrics capture the essence of heartbreak - the pain of seeing someone you love but can't be with, the sense that they are enjoying your hurt, and the feeling of being utterly alone in your sorrow. The repetition of the line "Cry" at the end of each verse underscores the emotional intensity of the singer's feelings. The use of the phrase "little buttercup" adds a touch of nostalgia and innocence to the song, portraying the singer's sadness as more poignant and sympathetic.
Overall, Del Shannon's "Cry Myself to Sleep" paints a vivid picture of heartbreak and the emotional turmoil that can arise from lost love. The song's lyrics and melody make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
The party's over everybody go home
The celebration is done, go back to where you belong.
I'm sorry but I'd like to be alone
I apologize, but I want to be by myself.
'Cause every time I see her I have to weep
Due to seeing her, I always end up crying.
I'm gonna cry myself to sleep
I will weep until I fall asleep.
I threw this party never thought she'd come by
I arranged this gathering, never expecting her to attend.
All she wants to do is see me cry
Her only desire is to witness me in tears.
And when I see her I just have to weep
Whenever I encounter her, I start crying.
Cry
Weep
Did ya notice how she danced with every guy but me
Have you noticed she danced with everyone except me?
She loves to see me in misery
She delights in my suffering.
I used to be her little buttercup
I was once her favorite.
But now she comes around just to break me up
However, she comes to visit me now only to hurt me.
So everybody won't you please go home
Everyone should leave and go home.
The party's over and I'd like to be alone
The celebration has ended and I want to be on my own.
'Cause when I see her I just have to weep
Whenever I encounter her, I start crying.
I'm gonna cry myself to sleep
I will weep until I fall asleep.
Cry
Weep
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLISON PIERCE, CATHERINE PIERCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cheranguista
I have to listen this song like 4 times back to back , sooo good
@Vanadeo
Fucking legend this guy.. left us too soon bro.. but I'm sure you still rockin some other place.
@harryhopworthy9600
DEL SHANNON, I'll never, ever forget you !!!! You or music. You can count on it, boy !!
@mikemeal
This is legend.
@zedata57
Great song.
@danielrussell446
One of Del’s best
@tonycox19
Torn between this one or I go to pieces.
@danielrussell446
@@tonycox19 yes a great song as well
@joegongora2200
If anyone could sing and was known as Mr Falsetto it was Del Shannon. This particular song according to the liner notes of the Vintage Years LP of Del Shannon's 2 record set album. It stated that this particular song inspired Elton John to record "Crocodile Rock" in late 1972. This was due to Elton John using Falsetto vocals in that song and even Elton John himself was influenced by Del Shannon. This is a great song and many others including the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne were influenced by Del Shannon.
@Target_Buster
Great track