Crying Mandolin / Banjo Tab By Roy Orbison
Crying Mandolin / Tenor Banjo Tab By Roy Orbison With Chords In The Key Of D Major
Crying, written and performed by Roy Orbison, has become one of the most iconic songs in music history. Released in 1961, it quickly rose to the top of the charts and has since been covered by numerous artists, solidifying its place in popular culture. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics have captured the hearts of millions, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. In this thesis, we will explore the origins and impact of Crying, analyzing its musical elements, lyrics, and cultural significance.
The story of Crying begins in the late 1950s when Roy Orbison, a young musician from Texas, was signed to Sun Records. At the time, Orbison was experimenting with different genres and styles, but it wasn't until he joined Monument Records in 1960 that he found his signature sound. Working with producer Fred Foster, Orbison began to develop a unique blend of country, rock, and pop, which would become known as the 'Orbison sound.' This sound was characterized by Orbison's powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by lush orchestral arrangements. It was this sound that would define Crying and set it apart from other songs of its time.
Musically, Crying is a masterful composition that showcases Orbison's vocal range and control. The song opens with a hauntingly beautiful string arrangement, setting the mood for what is to come. Orbison's vocals then enter, soaring effortlessly over the music, delivering the opening line, 'I was all right for a while, I could smile for a while.' The use of falsetto in these opening lines adds a sense of vulnerability and sets the emotional tone for the rest of the song. As the song progresses, Orbison's vocals continue to build in intensity, reaching a climactic point in the chorus, where he belts out the iconic line, 'I was crying over you.' This powerful moment, accompanied by a crescendo in the music, captures the raw emotion of the lyrics and leaves a lasting impact on the listener.
Lyrically, Crying tells the story of a man who is trying to move on from a lost love but finds himself unable to do so. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, conveying a deep sense of heartache and longing. Orbison's delivery of the lyrics is what truly brings them to life, with his soulful and emotive vocals adding layers of depth and emotion to the words. The chorus, in particular, is a masterclass in songwriting, with the repetition of the line 'I was crying over you' driving home the central theme of the song. This theme of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it is something that many people can relate to, which is one of the reasons why Crying has resonated with audiences for decades.
The impact of Crying goes far beyond the song itself. It has become a cultural touchstone, referenced and covered by countless artists over the years. In 1987, Orbison's version was used in the film Blue Velvet, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. The song has also been covered by artists such as k.d. lang, Don McLean, and even Celine Dion, further cementing its place in popular culture. In addition to its musical impact, Crying has also been featured in various TV shows, commercials, and movies, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
In conclusion, Crying by Roy Orbison is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to touch the hearts of listeners. Its haunting melody, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics make it a masterpiece of songwriting. Through its impact on popular culture and its ability to resonate with people of all ages, Crying has cemented its place as one of the greatest songs of all time. As long as there are people who have experienced heartache and loss, this song will continue to be a source of comfort and catharsis, solidifying its place in music history.
The story of Crying begins in the late 1950s when Roy Orbison, a young musician from Texas, was signed to Sun Records. At the time, Orbison was experimenting with different genres and styles, but it wasn't until he joined Monument Records in 1960 that he found his signature sound. Working with producer Fred Foster, Orbison began to develop a unique blend of country, rock, and pop, which would become known as the 'Orbison sound.' This sound was characterized by Orbison's powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by lush orchestral arrangements. It was this sound that would define Crying and set it apart from other songs of its time.
Musically, Crying is a masterful composition that showcases Orbison's vocal range and control. The song opens with a hauntingly beautiful string arrangement, setting the mood for what is to come. Orbison's vocals then enter, soaring effortlessly over the music, delivering the opening line, 'I was all right for a while, I could smile for a while.' The use of falsetto in these opening lines adds a sense of vulnerability and sets the emotional tone for the rest of the song. As the song progresses, Orbison's vocals continue to build in intensity, reaching a climactic point in the chorus, where he belts out the iconic line, 'I was crying over you.' This powerful moment, accompanied by a crescendo in the music, captures the raw emotion of the lyrics and leaves a lasting impact on the listener.
Lyrically, Crying tells the story of a man who is trying to move on from a lost love but finds himself unable to do so. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, conveying a deep sense of heartache and longing. Orbison's delivery of the lyrics is what truly brings them to life, with his soulful and emotive vocals adding layers of depth and emotion to the words. The chorus, in particular, is a masterclass in songwriting, with the repetition of the line 'I was crying over you' driving home the central theme of the song. This theme of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it is something that many people can relate to, which is one of the reasons why Crying has resonated with audiences for decades.
The impact of Crying goes far beyond the song itself. It has become a cultural touchstone, referenced and covered by countless artists over the years. In 1987, Orbison's version was used in the film Blue Velvet, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. The song has also been covered by artists such as k.d. lang, Don McLean, and even Celine Dion, further cementing its place in popular culture. In addition to its musical impact, Crying has also been featured in various TV shows, commercials, and movies, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
In conclusion, Crying by Roy Orbison is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to touch the hearts of listeners. Its haunting melody, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics make it a masterpiece of songwriting. Through its impact on popular culture and its ability to resonate with people of all ages, Crying has cemented its place as one of the greatest songs of all time. As long as there are people who have experienced heartache and loss, this song will continue to be a source of comfort and catharsis, solidifying its place in music history.
