The 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World: No. 10
- Posted by Spinner Staff
- Comments (33)
'In the Real World'Roy Orbison (1989)
The Breakdown: The master of pop-opera misery ('Crying,' 'It's Over') outdid himself with this quavering answer to his own 'In Dreams.' Posthumously released.
The Waterworks: "I love you and you love me/But sometimes we must let it be."
Casualty Count: All dreams.
Listen to 'In the Real World'
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Reader Comments(1 of 2)
grandpic00at 7-21-2009
i love this song because i love to dream and block out the real cruel world.Roy Orbison was a great singer.
ed chapmanat 10-12-2009
True Roy great vocal great message, sad, we miss him and his songs
Rickat 11-24-2009
The entire "Mystery Girl" album is full of great stuff. But for great and sad, you must hear the big O's "Danny Boy". It beats all other versions of the song.
Beau Rayat 5-05-2007
If you love the oldies but goodies...this is a goodie
Darylat 5-05-2007
A good song, but so is "Crying" & "It's Over".
Terriat 5-05-2007
Speaking of Roy Orbison, the saddest song he ever recorded was "The Comedian:" And I'm up while the dawn is breaking, even my heart is aching/I should be drinking a toast to absent friends, instead of these comedians." I think it was written by Elvis Costello.
Billat 5-05-2007
Crying is my chioce
SCat 5-05-2007
As far as Orbison, I think both the recording and the video of the duet with kd lang, for "Crying" was outstanding. Neither artist's singing style outshone the other, and the emotions were really intensified.
Neil Friedmanat 5-05-2007
Roy Orbison has a greatest hits package of sad songs sung in a voice that evokes sadness.
"Crying," is self-explanatory and sooooo good.
Never will be another with a voice as melodramatic as R.O.
Mike Rasmussenat 5-05-2007
Roy Orbison is one of the greatest singer song writers of all time. Many of his songs envoke memories of the painful events many of us have had in our lives. He should always be remembered. Jim Croche's "Operator" should also be in this list. Every line is vividly writen, with none better than, "The number on the matchbook is old and faded." Two artists sadly missed.
Fred Marshallat 5-05-2007
Orbison's voice range was phenominal, and he reached highs and lows with absolute ease. No one can sing his songs an do them justice. Running Scared, Only in Dreams, It's Over, Crying, Comedian, the list is l-o-n-g.
stacieat 5-05-2007
This is one of the song's we choose to play at our son's memorial services. He was 18 when he passed away very suddenly. I really feel it say's alot about love and the way people relate, especially the way we hope or would like our lives to be more like fairy tales and not have sadness & endings such as losing loved ones.
Fred Marshallat 5-05-2007
Of course it's difficult to cut all the sad songs down to a list of only 25. My all-time favorite is Gene Pitney's "Angelique" in the "sad" category. Here are a couple of its phrases:
"And then the cold winds came, and when I spoke her name, and held her near me, she couldn't hear me..."
"Now in my silent room, I tend the flowers that I buy, as they slowly fade and die, watered by the tears I cry..."
gregoryat 5-06-2007
Orbison was certainly one who was able to bring tears to one's eyes. Fabulous voice--always wondered how he could reach those high notes! I keep expecting to see "Honey" on this list, but haven't yet. When "Honey" came out it was #1 on the charts for three or four weeks. You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing it. I still sing it after all these years.
One more comment--Sonny needs to grow up!
Melat 5-06-2007
Roy Orbison's haunting voice was one of a kind. So much emotion comes through in his voice and his singing.
mojoat 5-06-2007
WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i cry every time i hear him!
Lindaat 5-06-2007
I miss his passion...What a tremendous singer and overall good guy.
charlieat 5-06-2007
I was fortunate to have gone to school with Roy in Wink, Texas. He has been one of my most favorite singers since the 60's.
Deniseat 5-06-2007
They say Elvis would not follow the performances of Roy Orbison. Roy is one of the greatest. He was my dad's favorite. I miss my Dad. HOW SAD.???
SFOMARCOat 5-06-2007
Is there a sadder (and better) Xmas song than PRETTY PAPER??!!!