About the song
“Don’t Cry Joni” is a heartfelt duet performed by Conway Twitty and Joni Lee Jenkins that resonates with audiences for its tender storytelling and emotional depth. Originally released in 1975 as part of Twitty’s album “High Priest of Country Music,” the live version performed with Joni Lee Jenkins captivated audiences with its genuine emotion and soulful delivery.
Written by Conway Twitty himself, “Don’t Cry Joni” tells the story of a young girl named Joni who falls in love with an older boy. Despite their age difference, their affection for each other is palpable, and the song captures the innocence and sweetness of young love.
The live rendition of “Don’t Cry Joni” with Joni Lee Jenkins adds an extra layer of authenticity to the song, as the two artists share the stage and bring the narrative to life with their heartfelt performance. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their voices blend seamlessly together, creating a truly magical moment for listeners.
While “Don’t Cry Joni” did not chart as a single, it remains a fan favorite and a cherished part of Conway Twitty’s repertoire. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and longing continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, cementing its status as a classic in the world of country music.
As we listen to “Don’t Cry Joni,” we are reminded of the power of music to evoke emotion and connect us to shared experiences. Conway Twitty and Joni Lee Jenkins’ heartfelt performance is a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved song.
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Lyrics
Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true
Joni was the girl who lived next door
I’ve known her, i guess, ten years or more
Joni wrote me a note one day
And this is what she had to say
“Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true”
Slowly, I read her note once more
And I went over to the house next door
Her teardrops fell like rain that day
When I told Joni what I had to say
“Joni, Joni, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
You’re just 15, I am 22
And Joni, I just can’t wait for you”
Soon, I left our little hometown
Got me a job and tried to settle down
But these words kept haunting my memory
The words that Joni said to me
“Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true”
I packed my clothes, and I caught a plane
I had to see Joni, I had to explain
How my heart was filled with her memory
And asked my Joni if she’d marry me
I ran all the way to the house next door
But things weren’t like they were before
My teardrops fell like rain that day
When I heard what Joni had to say
“Jimmy, Jimmy, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
It’s been five years since you’ve been gone
Jimmy, I married your best friend John”