About the song
“Crying, Waiting, Hoping,” penned by the legendary Buddy Holly, epitomizes the essence of 1950s rock and roll with its heartfelt lyrics and distinctive sound. Originally released in 1959 as the B-side to “Peggy Sue Got Married,” the song has seen multiple iterations that highlight its enduring appeal across decades.
Holly’s initial recording on December 14, 1958, in his Manhattan apartment captures a raw intimacy, showcasing his talent with just his voice and guitar. Following Holly’s tragic death on February 3, 1959, producer Jack Hansen took on the task of enhancing these home recordings. Teaming up with studio musicians and the Ray Charles Singers, Hansen aimed to preserve Holly’s original style, adding depth with call-and-response vocal arrangements that mirrored the spirit of Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
The resulting studio version, crafted on June 30, 1959, at Coral Records’ Studio A, marked Holly’s first posthumous release alongside “Peggy Sue Got Married.” This rendition, with its polished instrumentation and poignant vocals, solidified “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” as a poignant tribute to Holly’s enduring musical legacy.
Norman Petty, Holly’s manager, also left his mark on the song, re-recording it in 1964 with The Fireballs, adding surf-guitar arrangements that reflected the evolving sound of the era.
Beyond its initial release, “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” found new life through influential acts like The Beatles. George Harrison, a devout fan of Buddy Holly, integrated the song into the band’s early repertoire. Harrison’s admiration for Holly’s work led him to faithfully reproduce the song’s intricate guitar lines and heartfelt vocals during various performances, including their memorable audition for Decca Records.
Decades later, American musician Marshall Crenshaw paid homage to Holly with his rendition of “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” for the 1987 film “La Bamba.” Portraying Holly in the movie, Crenshaw’s interpretation captured the song’s essence, adding a contemporary touch while honoring its historical significance.
Through its various incarnations, “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” remains a testament to Buddy Holly’s enduring influence on rock music. Its journey from a personal demo to a cherished classic underscores its timeless appeal, resonating with audiences and musicians alike across generations. As each rendition brings forth new nuances and interpretations, the song continues to evoke the heartfelt emotions and musical genius of its creator, ensuring its place in the annals of rock and roll history.
Video
Lyrics
Crying, waiting, hoping, that you’ll come back
I just can’t seem to get you off my mind
Crying, waiting, hoping, that you’ll come back
You’re the one I love and I think about you all the time
Crying, my tears keep fallin’ all night long
Waiting, I feel so useless, I know it’s wrong
To keep crying, waiting, hoping, that you’ll come back
Maybe someday soon things will change and you’ll be mine
Crying, my tears keep fallin’ all night long
Waiting, I feel so useless, I know it’s wrong
To keep crying, waiting, hoping, that you’ll come back
Maybe someday soon things will change and you’ll be mine
Crying, waiting, hoping