About the song
“End of the World,” sung by Skeeter Davis, is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of listeners for decades. Released in 1962, this poignant ballad was penned by songwriters Sylvia Dee and Arthur Kent. The song is featured on Davis’s album “Skeeter Davis Sings The End of the World,” which solidified her place in music history.
Skeeter Davis, whose real name was Mary Frances Penick, was a prominent figure in the country and pop music scenes during the 1960s. Her unique voice and emotional delivery made “End of the World” an enduring hit. The song captures the profound sense of loss and heartbreak one feels after a relationship ends, resonating deeply with many who have experienced similar emotions.
“End of the World” achieved remarkable success on various music charts. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, showcasing its crossover appeal. Additionally, it climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. Its universal theme of heartache, combined with Davis’s heartfelt performance, helped the song transcend genres and time periods.
The song’s enduring popularity is also evident in its numerous covers by various artists over the years, reflecting its influence and significance in the world of music. From its melancholic melody to its soulful lyrics, “End of the World” remains a beloved classic, reminding us of the universal nature of love and loss.
For those who have grown up with this song or are discovering it anew, “End of the World” by Skeeter Davis offers a beautiful, nostalgic journey into the depths of human emotion, showcasing the powerful connection between music and our shared experiences.
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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”