About the song
“The End of the World,” penned by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, stands as a poignant pop ballad immortalized by Skeeter Davis in the early 1960s. This melancholic masterpiece delves into the emotional aftermath of a romantic breakup, resonating deeply with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics and Davis’s soulful rendition.
Skeeter Davis, renowned for her expressive vocals, recorded “The End of the World” on June 8, 1962, at RCA Studios in Nashville under the guidance of producer Chet Atkins and engineer Bill Porter. Released by RCA Records later that year, the song swiftly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1963. Its success extended across various Billboard charts, reaching No. 2 on the Hot Country Singles, No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart, and even No. 4 on the Hot R&B Singles chart, marking a rare accomplishment at that time.
The song’s emotional depth and universal theme struck a chord with audiences, earning it the distinction of being the No. 2 song of 1963 according to Billboard. Notably, Davis’s version uniquely modulates up a half step towards the end, intensifying its emotive impact as she delivers the final lines.
Beyond its initial acclaim, “The End of the World” has been covered extensively, attesting to its enduring appeal. Artists across genres and decades have offered their interpretations, from Swedish pop group Mike Wallace & The Caretakers to an R&B-style rendition by Brilliant produced by Stock Aitken Waterman in 1986. Each rendition has added a new layer to the song’s legacy, demonstrating its ability to resonate across cultural and musical boundaries.
The song’s cultural impact extends to its use in films, TV shows, and video games, further embedding it in popular consciousness. It remains a timeless testament to the power of music to convey complex emotions and connect deeply with listeners on a personal level.
“The End of the World” continues to evoke nostalgia and introspection, its enduring popularity a tribute to both the songwriting prowess of Kent and Dee and the interpretative skill of Skeeter Davis. As it transcends generations, it remains a cherished classic in the annals of pop music, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience with every note.
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Lyrics
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me any more
Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake-up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
(Why do these eyes of mine cry?)
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”