About the song
Skeeter Davis, a country music icon whose voice possessed a raw, soulful quality, released her signature song, “The End of the World,” in 1962. This ballad, a poignant exploration of grief and despair, quickly catapulted Davis to international stardom.
The song’s haunting melody and Davis’s emotive delivery create a powerful atmosphere of desolation. The lyrics, penned by songwriter Arthur Kent, paint a vivid picture of a world devoid of joy and hope. The protagonist, consumed by sorrow, contemplates the bleakness of existence following a devastating loss.
Davis’s vocal performance is a masterclass in emotional expression. Her voice, both fragile and resilient, conveys a deep sense of vulnerability and pain. The way she phrases each word, the subtle nuances in her tone, and the raw emotion that seeps through every note make this rendition unforgettable.
“The End of the World” resonated with audiences on a profound level, striking a chord with those who had experienced loss or felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The song’s timeless message of despair and resilience has ensured its enduring popularity.
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”