No One Will Ever Know
Roy Orbison Lyrics


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No one will ever know my heart is breaking
Although a million teardrops start to fall
I'll try myself to sleep and wake up smiling
I miss you but no one will ever know

I'll tell them we grew tired of each other
And realized our dreams could never be
I'll even make believe I never loved you
Then no one will ever know the truth but me

I'll tell them we grew tired of each other
And realized our dreams could never be





I'll even make believe I never loved you
Then no one will ever know the truth but me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Roy Orbison's "No One Will Ever Know" tell the story of a person in deep, silent pain over the loss of someone they loved. Despite a million tears falling, this person will suffer in secret, putting on a brave face in public, rather than expose their heartbreak for all to see. They promise to lie to others about why they parted ways with the person they loved, telling them that they simply grew tired of each other and that their dreams could never be realized. These lies will be convincing enough to those who hear them, but the truth is that the singer will carry that love with them always, no matter how much it hurts.


The song is one that speaks to the universal experience of loss - whether it be from a breakup, death, or otherwise. It captures the need to keep up appearances while one is in pain, and the reality that the outward signs of devastation might not always match what's going on inside. The theme of secret heartbreak is one that finds its way into many a sad song, and in this instance it is Oribson's soulful delivery and melodic accompaniment that bring it to life.


Line by Line Meaning

No one will ever know my heart is breaking
My heart is broken, but I will not let anyone see my pain.


Although a million teardrops start to fall
Even though I am crying constantly, no one will know I am hurting.


I'll try myself to sleep and wake up smiling
I will try to hide my sadness by putting on a brave face and pretending to be happy.


I miss you but no one will ever know
Although I miss you terribly, no one will ever know how much I truly miss you.


I'll tell them we grew tired of each other
I will pretend that we decided to end our relationship because we were simply tired of each other.


And realized our dreams could never be
I will further pretend that we mutually acknowledged our dreams and plans for the future were unsustainable together.


I'll even make believe I never loved you
I will go so far as to pretend that I never loved you at all.


Then no one will ever know the truth but me
I will be the only one who knows the truth about how much I loved you and how much your absence has hurt me.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRED ROSE, MEL FOREE

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

jUSTpLAINbRAD

@chefmastershake That clip still has me smiling. Didn't know it existed, and when Johnny said ...mercy...I let out a roar...that was priceless.
Watching Johnny's face, as he looked with admiration at Roy singing, made the clip. [also loved when Johnny threw Roy's timing off...a little too soon, John]
When you think about it, if you read the lyrics, from their songs, you'll notice that they both have a unique timing, that goes beyond, simply the words. Following the lyrics, their pace cannot be duplicated, if not copied exactly.
I've attempted to read/sing along with both (and more), and it's hard to figure out when they will stop, and restart.
It never matched the written word.
Jones was the most difficult to follow...relying on simply the words.
Even knowing the song, it was difficult, as each was so unique. More often than not...the pause, made the song.


Really enjoyed that clip...ty



All comments from YouTube:

barrygioportmorien1

My favourite rendition of this song. such a talented man with a tragic legacy.

Lynn McKeown

I love this song. Yes he is the greatest singer.

Gena Hutchinson Sheehe

WOW,His voice is just soo incredible, miss his voice and him too,never be another Roy Oribison

bwatson65

A unique version of this great song that only Roy Orbison can deliver. Roy's version kills it, as usual!

Stu Stewart

Roy could have sung "Pop goes the weasel" and made it sound Great!!!! What a voice!!!!

Holloway

I'll never grow tired of Orbison's voice.

kirsten myford

There will never never ever be another singer like Roy Orbison.

patrick ryan

That IS for certain! BTW the "In Dreams" album from which this is taken is a very good one from Roy. 6/2019

Christopher Franklin

You might want to take a listen to Gerry Grant (on YouTube). He was an Orbison impersonator who actually sounded like Roy. Unfortunately, Grant is no longer with us.

edward charles

Mickey May introducing you to Frank Ifield in Australia? He came from Australia having emigrated there with his parents when he was 9. I thought he was famous in Australia before we heard of him in the UK?

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