About the song
“The End of the World,” a poignant pop ballad written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, emerged as a defining piece in the repertoire of American singer Skeeter Davis. Released in December 1962 by RCA Records, Davis’s rendition swiftly ascended the charts, resonating deeply with audiences across multiple genres.
The song, rooted in the sorrow of romantic loss, drew inspiration from Dee’s personal grief following her father’s passing, imbuing its lyrics with a heartfelt authenticity. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville under the production of Chet Atkins and featuring the skilled piano accompaniment of Floyd Cramer, Davis’s rendition captivated listeners with its emotive delivery and poignant narrative.
Upon its release, “The End of the World” achieved remarkable chart success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1963, second only to “Our Day Will Come” by Ruby & the Romantics. It also topped Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and reached No. 2 on the Hot Country Singles chart, highlighting its broad appeal and crossover success. Notably, it remains the only song to date to break into the Top 10 on all four Billboard charts simultaneously.
Critically acclaimed, the song was ranked as the No. 2 song of 1963 by Billboard, solidifying its stature as a classic of the era. Its enduring popularity is underscored by numerous cover versions and adaptations that have followed over the decades, each paying homage to Davis’s emotive original.
Beyond its commercial success, “The End of the World” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It has been featured in various films, TV shows, and even video games, testament to its timeless appeal and emotional resonance. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to evoke universal sentiments of heartache and loss, making it a perennial favorite among audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, “The End of the World” stands as a testament to the power of a well-crafted song to transcend generations and genres. Skeeter Davis’s soul-stirring rendition, coupled with Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee’s poignant lyrics, ensures its place as a cherished classic in the annals of popular music history.
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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 moreWhy 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 loveI wake-up in the morning, and I wonderWhy everything’s the same as it wasI can’t understand, no, I can’t understandHow life goes on the way it doesWhy 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, mmmDon’t they know it’s the end of the world?It ended when you said, “Good-bye”