Only the Lonely
Roy Orbison Lyrics


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(Dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah, ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, ooh, ah, only the lonely)
(Only the lonely)

Only the lonely (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)
Know the way I feel tonight (ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
Only the lonely (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)
Know this feeling ain't right (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)

There goes my baby
There goes my heart
They're gone forever
So far apart

But only the lonely
Know why I cry
Only the lonely (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah, ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, ooh, ah, only the lonely)
(Only the lonely)

Only the lonely (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)
Know the heartaches I've been through (ooh yay, yay, yay, yeah)
Only the lonely (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)
Know I cry and cry for you (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)

Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that's the chance
You've got to take





If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely (dum, dum, dum, dum do, wah)

Overall Meaning

Roy Orbison's song "Only The Lonely" is a lament of loneliness and heartbreak. The lyrics describe the singer's profound isolation and the unique perspective that only those who have experienced genuine loneliness can understand. The song begins with a repeating rhythm of "dum, dum, dum, dumdy do, wah" that serves as both an introduction to the melancholic melody and a percussive background to the rest of the song. The opening lines of the song establish the singer's sense of isolation, stating that "only the lonely know the way I feel tonight" and that this feeling is not one that anyone would wish to experience.


The second verse picks up the narrative with the announcement that the singer's love has left him or her forever, leaving the singer feeling even more alone than before. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the theme of the song, that only those who have been truly alone can understand the depth of the singer's heartache. The bridge of the song suggests that the singer holds onto a small glimmer of hope that perhaps they will find a new love and eventually leave their sorrow behind, but this chance at a happy ending comes with the risk of enduring further heartbreak.


Line by Line Meaning

Only the lonely
No one else but those who feel alone and abandoned can relate to what I'm going through.


Know the way I feel tonight
Understand the crushing weight of loneliness that bears down on me right now.


Know this feeling ain't right
Are aware that feeling this low and alone is not normal, and that something is missing from my life.


There goes my baby
The love of my life has left me or is no longer a part of my life.


There goes my heart
My heart feels as though it's been ripped out of my chest.


They're gone forever
I've lost them for good and there's no hope of reconciliation.


So far apart
The distance between us is so great that it feels as though we're on different planets.


Know why I cry
Can understand the reason why I'm shedding tears and feeling such deep sadness.


Know the heartaches I've been through
Comprehend the emotional pain and heartache that I've endured since the loss of my love.


Know I cry and cry for you
Are fully aware that I'm crying for the love that I've lost and that this pain is all-consuming.


Maybe tomorrow
Perhaps in the future, I'll find a new love and things will be better.


A new romance
A new relationship filled with love and companionship.


No more sorrow
The pain and heartache that I'm feeling now will no longer be present in my life.


But that's the chance
However, there's always a risk when it comes to love and relationships, and I must be willing to take that risk.


You've got to take
If I want to experience love and happiness again, I must be willing to try again.


If your lonely heart break
If my heart is broken and I'm feeling completely alone, I must still be brave enough to try again.




Lyrics © Roy Orbison Music Company, Barbara Orbison Music Company, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joe Melson, Roy Orbison

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@milindajageacks4440

Roy orbinson was loved by many!

@Roberto-lg7jx

Did you see The Boss in the background playing his Fender Telecaster, he always said Roy is his idol

@conradcole2547

Elvis Costello was as well

@sharonmullins1957

Love when other musicians respect others!

@dianehess7340

Just saw the boss.great

@FilemonSicat

idol

@partsunknown1679

What time

@louis6legros1975

Janvier 2024 ..... tu fait encore vibrer des âmes 😎👍

@evawolter7316

Genau

@olinadostal

He is my favorite singer..
His voice and songs are
helping me to go through the pain off losing my husband.
Love you Roy.
Olga

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