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Roy Orbison — Only The Lonely
Album: The Big O
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 764









Released: 1960
Length: 2:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah
Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Only the lonely
Only the lonely

Only the lonely ''(dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)''
Know the way I feel tonight ''(ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah)''
Only the lonely ''(dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)''
Know this feeling ain't right ''(dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-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-dumdy-doo-wah
Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Only the lonely
Only the lonely

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

Maybe tomorrow
A new romance
No more sorrow
But that's the chance

You gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks
Only the lonely

Dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah
Comments (83)add comment
Dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah 
Ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah 
Oh-oh-oh-oh-wah
Posted 11 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Wow Bill....The Lullaby of Loneliness and then Only the Lonely?  Are you TRYing to depress us singles right as another lonely weekend creeps up?  {#Ask}
Posted 12 years ago by jen3005545    [ Reply ]
 Ubaldo wrote:
When I was a kid I thought he was saying "only baloney"

{#Sunny}
 
That made me laugh!! {#Roflol}
Posted 12 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


Too tired to click the wikipedia link above?
 
Wikipedia and Google surely must have caused the demise of many a on-line know-it-all.  It makes it harder to post comments for some, perhaps.  I mean, what's the point of pointing out all kinds of facts and stuff when anyone can just click that link?
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
When I was a kid I thought he was saying "only baloney"

{#Sunny}
Posted 12 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
I remember playing RO on my mothers record player again and agin and again and again.....
Posted 12 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
it jumped!...wierd
Posted 12 years ago by linlanc    [ Reply ]
 jimbaca wrote:
Wasn't Roy a member of the X-Men?  With his voice, he had to be a mutant!  Love it!
 
haha...funny one! ..and true! :D
Posted 12 years ago by andy_pomus    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
He's ripping off Chris Issak
 
Shirley, you jest, boober!!!!! LOL!!!!!

Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
It's funny, every time I hear this song, it sounds like Buddy Holly singing backup.  I know that's impossible, but still the likeness is uncanny.
Posted 13 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]

Roy Orbison's sound - the production combined with his voice - is downright magical.



Posted 13 years ago by olivertwist    [ Reply ]
 alph wrote:
What a voice. What a song.
 
{#High-five} Amen to that!

Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
One of his early big hits.  Pretty sure it was before Pretty Woman.
Posted 14 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
Wasn't Roy a member of the X-Men?  With his voice, he had to be a mutant!  Love it!
Posted 14 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:

I'm really not a fan of this type of music from that era, but since it's Roy Orbison, I still have to give it an 8.

Actually, It's the "dum dum dum doobie do-wah" or whatever the hell they're singing in the background that I really don't like, but I found a solution: I pulled out my right earphone.  Try it!
 
It's called "doo-wop" and the "shoobie doobies," "dumbie doo-wahs," and the "shoo bop doo bops" are essential to it. I recommend to everyone else, then, keeping the right earphone in.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Ow! That was good at the end! —-(ear orgasm.)

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 oufason wrote:
Back in the late 80's I wanted to see the Big O and my fiance would go only if I would take her to see Madonna... I should have known right then and there it would end in divorce.
 

{#Skull}
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]

Roy Orbison - "Only The Lonely" Live

"such a timeless song, Roy Orbison is a legend. its unfortunate he left us just as he was gaining moment in his comeback"
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
BIll,  Great story about growing up in W. CO...I'm thankful you continued to listen.  Good mix tonite (like the Pearl Jam).
Posted 14 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
He's ripping off Chris Issak
 
Naw, his voice doesn't make dogs howl like Chris Iaask's does

Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
He's ripping off Chris Issak
 
{#Lol}

Posted 15 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
 mefrombrazil wrote:
can somebody tell me the cause of Mr. Orbison's death?
 

Too tired to click the wikipedia link above?
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]

I'm really not a fan of this type of music from that era, but since it's Roy Orbison, I still have to give it an 8.

Actually, It's the "dum dum dum doobie do-wah" or whatever the hell they're singing in the background that I really don't like, but I found a solution: I pulled out my right earphone.  Try it!
Posted 15 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Wow, I've actually never heard this version. What a voice he had!
Posted 15 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
He's ripping off Chris Issak
Posted 15 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Dum, dum, dum, dum, dee, doo wah!

Posted 15 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]



you know who you are
Posted 16 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
 oufason wrote:
Back in the late 80's I wanted to see the Big O and my fiance would go only if I would take her to see Madonna... I should have known right then and there it would end in divorce.
 

{#Lol}
Posted 16 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Darn it. I must've hit the button for K-EARTH 101 again.
Posted 16 years ago by funkaholic    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
can somebody tell me the cause of Mr. Orbison's death?
Believe he died of a sudden heart attack
Posted 16 years ago by crnkan    [ Reply ]
oufason wrote:
Back in the late 80's I wanted to see the Big O and my fiance would go only if I would take her to see Madonna... I should have known right then and there it would end in divorce.
poor friend.pitiful you.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
Back in the late 80's I wanted to see the Big O and my fiance would go only if I would take her to see Madonna... I should have known right then and there it would end in divorce.
Posted 16 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
can somebody tell me the cause of Mr. Orbison's death?
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
What a classic voice!!
Posted 16 years ago by crnkan    [ Reply ]
squidish wrote:
who is the smooth voice on backup vocals?
Good question! Sounds marvelous. Here is the answer: Joe Melson. Uh yeah, yeah, yeah.... Ps: Honk.
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Sure like to hear more from the Big 'O'!
Posted 16 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
What a voice. What a song.
Posted 16 years ago by alph    [ Reply ]
who is the smooth voice on backup vocals?
Posted 16 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
Kaiser wrote:
Someone in another forum asked why Roy Orbison "sounded so much like a woman." The ensuing virtual bitchslap fest was brutal.
He-he-he-he-he. Whoever made the comment about his voice had it coming! His was one of the great voices in popular music.
Posted 16 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Someone in another forum asked why Roy Orbison "sounded so much like a woman." The ensuing virtual bitchslap fest was brutal.
Posted 17 years ago by Kaiser    [ Reply ]
beautiful. just when i begin to think i would never hear a particular song on RP, i get put in my place!
Posted 17 years ago by swinghamer    [ Reply ]
I actually like Jay and the Americans version of this song.
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Imposible to over-estimate the talent and influence of Roy. An original, and genuine.
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Dum, dum, dum, dum, dee, doo, waa!
Posted 17 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
Wow. Blatent statements like this make me think that America has the most ignorant people on the planet. . we certainly have proven that with our fearless leader. But I digress. Roy's voice is so smooth and from the heart. I love his voice, his lyrics and songwriting. I miss him like I miss Elliot Smith and Nick Drake, but unlike the other two, his life was fuller and blessed us with far more music and memories. A legend indeed.
Hate to rain on your parade, but a statment lie "Worst Voice Ever" is more of a statement of opiniom than fact, and is in no way related to intelligence
Posted 17 years ago by GChevy410    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
Wow. Blatent statements like this make me think that America has the most ignorant people on the planet. . we certainly have proven that with our fearless leader. But I digress. Roy's voice is so smooth and from the heart. I love his voice, his lyrics and songwriting. I miss him like I miss Elliot Smith and Nick Drake, but unlike the other two, his life was fuller and blessed us with far more music and memories. A legend indeed.
The "Crying" duet with k.d. lang is also a classic.
Posted 17 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
No other voice like this one..Splendid
Posted 17 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
AAAHHH...
Posted 17 years ago by dharmanavy    [ Reply ]
Been watching Wilburys DVD lately,the emty rockingchair with Leftys picture init actually made me quite emotional.(ok I cried a bit). Only the lonely, all the girls favurite when we were kids.Mine too!
Posted 17 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
In agreement on Isaak.
Isaak is good for a pretty boy poser. I have followed him since the early 80s, but Roy is the man. I am sure Isaak would agree as well.
Posted 17 years ago by zurcronium    [ Reply ]
meower215 wrote: Roy Orbison singin for the lonely..... Pazzat wrote: ...hey that's me, and I want you only. sandpebble wrote:
Don't turn me home again...
I just can't face myself alone again
Posted 17 years ago by KermitDfrog    [ Reply ]
meower215 wrote:
Roy Orbison singin for the lonely.....
Pazzat wrote:
...hey that's me, and I want you only.
Don't turn me home again...
Posted 17 years ago by sandpebble    [ Reply ]
A classic! Watch the DVD, Black And White Night, if you're not a believer, with guest stars Elvis Costello, Bruce Springstein, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt...the list goes on. P.S. As an avid Top 40 oldies collector, RP would be well-served, IMHO, to include more. floydslips.blogspot.com
Posted 17 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Perfect segue for my unrequited jones for Aimee.
Posted 17 years ago by E_A_D_G    [ Reply ]
Yikes, lots of negative comments. Roy was da man. Cool-ee-oh.
Posted 17 years ago by Marina1    [ Reply ]
Best Voice Ever
Posted 17 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Worst. Voice. Ever.
Wow. Blatent statements like this make me think that America has the most ignorant people on the planet. . we certainly have proven that with our fearless leader. But I digress. Roy's voice is so smooth and from the heart. I love his voice, his lyrics and songwriting. I miss him like I miss Elliot Smith and Nick Drake, but unlike the other two, his life was fuller and blessed us with far more music and memories. A legend indeed.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
QueenLucia wrote:
Roy has a voice that could melt butter..
It's true. My microwave busted once and playing Roy O was the only way to get any cooking done at all.
Posted 17 years ago by the_om    [ Reply ]
daedalus wrote:
Elvis also said if there was one singer he wouldn't like to have to follow on stage, it was Roy Orbison.
That concert where Roy and Elvis played together (as well as a host of other greats) aired last night on public TV. Oh wait....which Elvis were you guys talking about? Elvis Presley or "the true king", EC?
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
parrothead wrote:
Elvis once said that Roy had the most amazing voice ever and that he was not in the same class of singer than him. It was the three octave range that Elvis was refering to.
Elvis also said if there was one singer he wouldn't like to have to follow on stage, it was Roy Orbison.
Posted 17 years ago by daedalus    [ Reply ]
meower215 wrote:
Roy Orbison singin for the lonely.....
...hey that's me, and I want you only.
Posted 17 years ago by Pazzat    [ Reply ]
rbigelo wrote:
Oh yes, that fabulous voice.
What he said.
Posted 17 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Oh yes, that fabulous voice.
Posted 17 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Elvis once said that Roy had the most amazing voice ever and that he was not in the same class of singer than him. It was the three octave range that Elvis was refering to.
Posted 17 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
My dislike of Roy Orbison makes me "musically ignorant"? Sorry, I didn't realize musical enlightenent required the acquisition of a taste for Mr. Orbison's warbling voice. Please forgive me.
Had you said you just don't care for his vocal style, you'd probably be safe - but to say worst voice ever is simply musical ignorance, and your responders are quite correct. Sorry.
Posted 17 years ago by eskles    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
My dislike of Roy Orbison makes me "musically ignorant"? Sorry, I didn't realize musical enlightenent required the acquisition of a taste for Mr. Orbison's warbling voice. Please forgive me.
You went far beyond expressing personal dislike of Mr. Orbison to Dub his "Worst. Voice. Ever." If you're going to make such regal and definitive pronouncements, you'd better be ready to back them up with something more than personal preference, n'est ce pas? Not even the most widely admired artists appeal to everyone. I'm sure there's lots of knowlegeable people who don't personally appreciate Roy's appeal, but his vocal talent is undeniable as others below have noted.
Posted 17 years ago by aflanigan    [ Reply ]
aflanigan wrote:
Probably the only way to demonstrate more profound musical ignorance is to argue that Bob Dylan is the worst songwriter ever.
My dislike of Roy Orbison makes me "musically ignorant"? Sorry, I didn't realize musical enlightenent required the acquisition of a taste for Mr. Orbison's warbling voice. Please forgive me.
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
Classic. PBS was re-running a bio film on him last summer? Since I didnt live during that time, it was interesting. My first taste of Roy was the late 80s--"Anything You Want" and his Traveling Wilburys stuff, and he was near the end of his life then.
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Worst. Voice. Ever.
Probably the only way to demonstrate more profound musical ignorance is to argue that Bob Dylan is the worst songwriter ever.
Posted 17 years ago by aflanigan    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Worst. Voice. Ever.
Three octave vocal range. Yeah...methinks you've got it wrong. Orbison had an amazing voice! Spine chilling! Sorry you don't agree, but...whoa! Not everyone can appreciate that death-defying falsetto I guess.
Posted 17 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Not at all.
Then I need some emoticons for astonishment and pity. They really apply here.
Posted 17 years ago by StevenQ    [ Reply ]
StevenQ wrote:
Chris Isaak's version is very credible. Also a great voice.
In agreement on Isaak.
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
Chris Isaak's version is very credible. Also a great voice.
Posted 17 years ago by StevenQ    [ Reply ]
Incredible range!
Posted 17 years ago by AmandaMaria    [ Reply ]
Roy Orbison singin for the lonely.....
Posted 17 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Worst Voice Ever
Are you serious? Roy has a voice that could melt butter. I know I melt every time I hear him. So smooth, so sexy, so passionate.
Posted 17 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
Great Voice!
Posted 17 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
StevenQ wrote:
You're joking, right?
Not at all.
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Worst. Voice. Ever.
You're joking, right?
Posted 17 years ago by StevenQ    [ Reply ]
Best. Voice. Ever. Period.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Oh, yeah. The best of the Best. Go Roy... Solid 10, thanks who ever added this.
Posted 17 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Worst. Voice. Ever.
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]