Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel),” released in 1960, stands as a monument to heartbreak and the isolating power of unrequited love. Preceding his signature operatic rock sound of later hits like “Crying,” this track showcases a more vulnerable, almost fragile Orbison, delivering a performance dripping with melancholic beauty. While often overshadowed by his later work, “Only the Lonely” was instrumental in establishing Orbison as a major force in popular music.
The song’s success was immediate, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts internationally. This success cemented Orbison’s status as a credible artist following a string of less successful releases. Monument Records, his label, initially resisted releasing the song due to its unconventional structure and reliance on vocal harmonies reminiscent of doo-wop. Orbison, however, championed the track, and its subsequent triumph vindicated his belief in its potential. He employed a unique blend of layered vocals, a technique learned from working with the Everly Brothers, and lush orchestration, creating a sound both intimate and grand.
Lyrically, “Only the Lonely” explores the depths of romantic rejection. The narrator’s pleas for understanding resonate with anyone who has experienced the agonizing sting of unreciprocated affection. Lines like “Only the lonely/Know the heartaches I’ve been through” express the profound isolation that accompanies such emotional pain. The song’s power lies not in dramatic pronouncements of grief, but in the quiet desperation conveyed by Orbison’s delicate phrasing and the swelling, almost weeping, instrumental arrangement.
Contemporary audiences connected deeply with the song’s vulnerability. Its success wasn’t built on catchy riffs or danceable rhythms, but on the raw emotion it conveyed. Reviews praised Orbison’s emotive vocals and the song’s innovative production, recognizing the singular blend of pop sensibility and operatic grandeur. “Only the Lonely” established a template for Orbison’s future hits and influenced countless artists who followed, securing its place as a classic of the early rock and roll era.
