About the song
“Crying, Waiting, Hoping” stands as a poignant testament to Buddy Holly’s enduring influence on rock and roll, transcending generations with its heartfelt lyrics and melodic simplicity. Originally penned and recorded by Holly in his apartment on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, this song embodies a raw, personal quality that resonates deeply with listeners.
Holly’s initial recording, done solo with just his guitar, captures the essence of longing and hopefulness in its purest form. Each word, punctuated by pauses (“Cryin’ … waitin’ … hopin’ … you’ll come back”), was a reflection of his own emotions. However, it was Jack Hansen, the record producer, who transformed this intimate solo into a fuller, studio version. By adding backing vocals from the Ray Charles Singers and enhancing the orchestration, Hansen aimed to recreate Holly’s distinct sound with fidelity.
Released posthumously as the B-side to “Peggy Sue Got Married,” the song found a place in the Beatles’ early repertoire, testament to Holly’s lasting impact on the next generation of musicians. George Harrison, in particular, took a liking to the song, singing lead vocals and meticulously recreating Donald Arnone’s instrumental bridge during their performances.
Decades later, American musician Marshall Crenshaw revived “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” for the 1987 film “La Bamba,” where he portrayed Buddy Holly himself. Crenshaw’s rendition, produced by Garry Tallent, paid homage to Holly’s original demo, capturing both the essence of the song and the era in which it was conceived. His version stands as a tribute not only to Holly but also to the enduring legacy of 1950s rock and roll.
Through its various interpretations and tributes over the years, “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” remains a testament to Buddy Holly’s songwriting prowess and the timeless appeal of his music. It continues to resonate with listeners as a reminder of the fleeting nature of love and the enduring power of hope. As each rendition brings new nuances to light, the song’s emotional core remains unchanged, solidifying its place in the pantheon of rock and roll classics.
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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