He was performing very much in the rock n roll piano style of his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis (and another cousin, the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart). He formed his own label, Astro in 1964 and cut an album named after a Lewis success "Down the Line". Re-issued on Paula, the album was a regional hit. The big time, however, continued to elude him although he had a minor hit with "Now I Can Live Again" from the album. At an Astro session he laid down a version of George Morgan's old hit "Room Full of Roses" which attracted airplay locally and was picked up for national release by Hugh Heffner's Playboy label. It hit No. 1 in the Country charts. After 12 further hits with the label, Playboy was taken over by Epic and Gilley moved there for his most consistent run of album and singles success.
He was now performing straight-up piano-led Country material. Gradually, he moved towards a more pop-orientated sound in the 1980s, which brought him further success on not just the Country charts, but also the Pop charts. Before that, however, he had a string of Country hits throughout the 70s, often revivals like "I Overlooked An Orchid" (Carl Smith - No. 1, 1974), "City Lights" (Bill Anderson - No. 1 1975), "Window Up Above" (George Jones - No. 1 1975), "Bring It On Home" (Sam Cooke - No. 1 1976). His mix of rockabilly, honky tonk and uptown Country provided more hits with "Chains of Love" (No. 9, 1977) "Honky Tonk Memories" (No. 4, 1977) and "Here Comes The Hurt Again" (No. 9,1978).
In all, Gilley had 33 Top 10 singles, 17 of which reached No. 1, on the US Country chart between 1974 and 1986. Amongst the biggest hits were "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,"(No. 1) "Overnight Sensation" (No. 7, both 1976), remakes of the Ben E King hit "Stand By Me" and Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" (both No. 1s in 1980).
In 1971 he lent his name to the opening the famous country nightclub Gilley's in Pasadena, Texas. His career received a big boost when both the club and his music featured prominently in the 1980 film "Urban Cowboy". The soundtrack included the Buddy Holly cover which went to No. 1. The club closed in 1989 and the building was heavily damaged by arson later that year. A new Gilley's club opened in 2003 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And Gilley's Theatre and Diner in Branson saw the singer take up a successful residency in that Missouri city.
His most recent successful recording activity was in 1988 when he released "Chasin' Rainbows" on Airborne which produced his last Top 40 single to date when "She Reminded Me Of You" reached No 23 in the Country charts.
In July 2009, Gilly suffered a back injury in a fall and was airlifted to Houston for medical treatment but subsequently returned to Branson and performing in his theatre there. He has a Facebook information page on which he sends regular video messages to members. A recent joint biography about the three cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggert and Mickey, called "Unconquered" by J D Davis is a must for any fan of their music, rock n roll, Country and gospel music.
Tears Of The Lonely
Mickey Gilley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well worn memories of days gone by
Needing someone and nobody's there
These are the things broken dreams are made of
Lord they're everywhere
Oh, the tears of the lonely
Keep falling all the time
They never dry
Another night time that just never ends
A helpless longing for what might have been
Another morning to face all alone
These are the things broken dreams are made of
They go on and on
Oh, the tears of the lonely
Keep falling all the time
Oh, the tears of the lonely
They never dry
Oh, the tears of the lonely
Keep falling all the time
Oh, the tears of the lonely
They never dry
The lyrics of Mickey Gilley's song "Tears of the Lonely" reflect the feeling of being lost and abandoned by everyone around. It paints a picture of an individual who is surrounded by faded pictures and memories of a time gone by. The memories are all that they have left and the need for someone in their life becomes truly evident, but nobody seems to be around. The absence of someone in their life is a heartbreaking reminder of the broken dreams that they carry that are scattered all around them. The loneliness is suffocating and it gives rise to a never-ending cycle of sadness that seems to go on and on.
As the lyrics continue, it is clear that this is not just a momentary feeling or phase but is something that the individual is forced to deal with every day. The darkness of the night becomes an endless night that never ends, and the never-ending thoughts of what could have been and what might never be continue to plague their mind. The morning only brings with it a reminder of another day spent alone.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey the deep sadness and despair that sets in when one is forced to confront an existence that is filled with loneliness and the realization that the future might not hold much promise. The recurring refrain of "the tears of the lonely" is an apt description of the endless grief that one feels when left alone with their thoughts.
Line by Line Meaning
Faded pictures, yellow from time
Old memories are like photographs that have been worn and discolored by time
Well worn memories of days gone by
Memories that have been revisited so often that they have become dull and faded
Needing someone and nobody's there
The overpowering feeling of needing someone but having nobody to turn to for comfort
These are the things broken dreams are made of
These are the things that make our dreams feel shattered and unattainable
Lord they're everywhere
These feelings of loneliness and heartache are prevalent and all-encompassing
Another night time that just never ends
The endless feeling of loneliness that is felt when spending nights alone
A helpless longing for what might have been
A deep, uncontrollable desire for a different outcome or path in life
Another morning to face all alone
The harsh reality of waking up to face another day without the comfort of someone by one's side
They go on and on
These feelings and experiences seem never-ending and cyclical, with no end in sight
Oh, the tears of the lonely
The overwhelming and constant feeling of sadness that is experienced when one is lonely
Keep falling all the time
These tears are constantly present and seem to be never-ending
They never dry
The tears and sadness that come with loneliness seem to last forever and never fully go away
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WAYLAND D. HOLYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eli Jackson
Mickey Gilley is the Frank Sinatra of country music and he kills it in every song, have to love it.
Amy Lovendaal
Have you listened to Don Williams' rendition of this song yet ?
It's a matter of taste, though - music is all about emotions .....
rat bastard
never heard it better said
Roger Daniels
@Amy Lovendaal +1
Kelly Moyer
RIP Mickey Gilley. This is my second favorite song by him under True Love Ways. Don Williams recorded this song back in 1978 but was not a single but he did this just as beautiful. This was one of his 17 #1 songs. Will miss him dearly and he will not be forgotten.🙏🙏🙏😔😔😔🎹🎼
mrcraigis40
damn shame this song didnt make it to #1. Mickey was one of the best acts of the 70's and 80's.
Shawn Duncan
I remember hearing this song when I was a little boy. Mickey Gilley was really great. He never lost his touch. His music is really touching
JayDogTitan 1464
This is a great classic country masterpiece! Probably Mickey Gilley's best!
Vintage Ben / Ben Co. Films
Rest In Peace Mickey. Still remember me and my dad singing to your songs coming home from school.
holtridge
I can't believe he's gone. I will never forget Urban Cowboy and his many great songs. Rest easy Mickey.