Crawling Back
Roy Orbison Lyrics


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Only you and no one else
Can keep me crawling back
You know I can't help myself
And now I'm crawling back

After all you've done to me
The times you've turned me down
I still will be your clown
Because I love you
I'm crawling back

You know I would die for you
Heaven knows how I have cried for you
But what else can I do
But crawl on back to you, ooh
Crawling back to you

People stop they talk and they stare
But they don't know that you really care
That you're only lonely, and making believe
And you need me around
When the world turns you down

Whenever you might need me
I will come crawling back




Wherever you will lead me
I will come crawling back

Overall Meaning

In Roy Orbison's classic song Crawling Back, the singer is expressing their undying love for the person they are singing to. They acknowledge that despite all the times this person has turned them down and hurt them, they can't help but come crawling back to them because their love is so strong. The singer sings "Only you and no one else / Can keep me crawling back," acknowledging that this person holds some sort of power and control over them. The singer even goes as far as to say "I still will be your clown / Because I love you," potentially suggesting that they are willing to endure some level of humiliation just to be loved by this person.


The chorus of the song, "You know I would die for you / Heaven knows how I have cried for you / But what else can I do / But crawl on back to you," is an incredibly powerful expression of love, illustrating that the singer is willing to go to extreme lengths for this person. The bridge of the song, "People stop they talk and they stare / But they don't know that you really care / That you're only lonely, and making believe / And you need me around / When the world turns you down," suggests that there may be some sort of stigma around this relationship, and that the person the singer is addressing may not be seen in the best light by others. However, the singer knows that this person truly cares for them and needs them, and is willing to continue crawling back to them no matter what.


In essence, Crawling Back is a classic story of unrequited love, where the singer acknowledges the flaws of the person they love but are powerless to resist their pull. It is a song that captures the raw vulnerability and intensity of the human heart, and has resonated with listeners for decades.


Line by Line Meaning

Only you and no one else
You are the only one who has the power to keep me coming back.


Can keep me crawling back
Your hold on me is so strong that I have no choice but to come back.


You know I can't help myself
I am completely helpless when it comes to my feelings for you.


And now I'm crawling back
Once again, I find myself returning to you.


After all you've done to me
Despite all the pain and heartbreak you've caused me,


The times you've turned me down
All the times you've rejected me,


I still will be your clown
I will continue to let you toy with my emotions and make a fool out of myself.


Because I love you
My love for you is so strong that it overrides all the hurt and rejection I've experienced.


You know I would die for you
I am so devoted to you that I would be willing to die for you.


Heaven knows how I have cried for you
I have shed countless tears because of my love and pain for you.


But what else can I do
I am at a loss for what to do because my love for you is so strong.


But crawl on back to you, ooh
Once again, I find myself coming back to you despite everything.


People stop they talk and they stare
Others notice my devotion to you and wonder why I continue to come back.


But they don't know that you really care
They don't understand the true depth of your feelings for me.


That you're only lonely, and making believe
They don't realize that you are just as lonely and in need of love as I am.


And you need me around
You depend on me and my love for you to fill the void in your life.


When the world turns you down
When you feel rejected or alone, you know I will be there for you.


Whenever you might need me
No matter what the circumstances, I will always be there for you.


I will come crawling back
My love and devotion for you will always lead me back to you.


Wherever you will lead me
I am willing to go wherever you want me to go because of my love for you.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bill Dees, Roy Orbison

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@joline2730

Joseph: I would have to agree - Pretty Woman does not define this wonderful singer ...
It's Over
Crying
Leah
The Crowd
She Wears My Ring
Cry Softly Lonely One
Heartache
. . . And so many others draw the REAL ROY out 💯



All comments from YouTube:

@vincentmcauley2313

Can’t understand this beautiful tune didn’t hit number one, goes to show Roy wasn’t fully appreciated for his remarkable talent, but he will never be forgotten.

@melanie19721985

Played at my dads funeral in 1993 now here we are , 2020, now and now it’s my mums funeral , together at last , RIP MUM, now go and dance together again, love you both so much 💔💔💔

@maida-vale

Roy was very kind to me when I was young and living in London. Only now in old age do I hear how fabulous that voice was.

@canuckyukyuk9164

This is my favourite Roy Orbison song, EVER!

@joline2730

Mine is The Crowd, but this is a close second 💯💯💟💜💟💜

@user-cz1rw3xk9r

Mine as well

@lvb1975

Roy had that amazing ability to sing with such a deep understanding and emotion. One of most beautiful tunes he ever made. What a pity that it was underestimated. Roy miraculously made through those tragic and dark moments of his life to give us all those thrills. He cared for his fans as much as we care for his music. And yes, Dearest Roy, we remember. We always will...

@sheilaenglish8316

This has to be the best love song I have heard in all my 72 years

@rhondalamb7053

Sheila English He always put heart into his beautiful voice.

@jackfrost2146

Also at 72----I agree!

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