About the song
“The End of the World,” performed by Skeeter Davis, is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of many since its release in 1962. This melancholic yet beautiful song is one of the defining tracks of Davis’s career, encapsulating the raw emotion of heartbreak and loss. Written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, the song was included in Davis’s album *Skeeter Davis Sings The End of the World*, released in 1963.
Skeeter Davis, born Mary Frances Penick, was a prominent figure in the country and pop music scenes. Her unique voice and emotional delivery brought “The End of the World” to life, making it an enduring favorite. The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Davis’s heartfelt performance, perfectly convey the desolation felt when love comes to an end.
“The End of the World” achieved remarkable success on the charts. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, making Davis one of the few artists to bridge the gap between country and pop music so effectively. Additionally, it climbed to the top five on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and was a hit in the United Kingdom, where it reached number eighteen on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s appeal lies not only in its touching lyrics and melody but also in its universal theme of love and loss, resonating with listeners across generations. Over the years, “The End of the World” has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a classic. Skeeter Davis’s rendition remains the most beloved, a testament to her talent and the song’s enduring impact.
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”