About the song
“The End of The World” by Skeeter Davis, released in 1962, is one of the most poignant and timeless classics in country and pop music. The song, written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, was recorded and released as a single by Skeeter Davis, a prominent American country music singer. This melancholic ballad is known for its tender and sorrowful lyrics, capturing the profound sense of loss and heartbreak one feels when a relationship ends.
Skeeter Davis, whose real name was Mary Frances Penick, brought an emotional depth to the song that resonated with a wide audience. Her sweet yet haunting voice perfectly conveyed the sentiment of despair and longing expressed in the lyrics. “The End of The World” was a significant hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles, and number 1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. This remarkable crossover appeal made it one of the most successful songs of the early 1960s.
The song was featured on Davis’s album “Skeeter Davis Sings The End of The World,” further solidifying its place in music history. The album and single’s success catapulted Skeeter Davis to international fame, earning her a lasting legacy in both country and pop music circles.
“The End of The World” continues to be covered by various artists and featured in movies and television shows, a testament to its enduring appeal. Its universal theme of heartache and the end of love is something many can relate to, making it a song that has stood the test of time. Skeeter Davis’s performance of this classic remains a touchstone in music history, cherished by listeners of all ages.
Video
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”