About the song
Skeeter Davis ~ The End of The World (1962)
There are songs that simply transcend their time, embedding themselves in the collective consciousness of a generation. Skeeter Davis’s 1962 hit, “The End of the World,” is undoubtedly one of those songs. With its haunting melody and lyrics that speak to the universal experience of heartbreak, it captured the hearts of listeners across genres and continues to resonate with music lovers today.
Born Mary Frances Penick in 1931, Skeeter Davis embarked on her musical journey early, finding success as part of the Davis Sisters duo. However, it was her solo career that truly launched her into the spotlight. Blessed with a voice that was both powerful and vulnerable, Davis possessed a unique ability to convey raw emotion, a quality that shines through in “The End of the World.”
Released at a time when the world was grappling with the anxieties of the Cold War and the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation, the song’s themes of loss and despair struck a deep chord. While the lyrics ostensibly describe the pain of lost love, they also tapped into a broader sense of existential angst that permeated the era. Lines like “Why do the birds go on singing? / Why do the stars glow above?” express a profound sense of bewilderment at the world’s indifference to personal suffering.
What truly sets “The End of the World” apart is its simplicity. There are no elaborate orchestral arrangements or vocal acrobatics; just Davis’s plaintive voice, accompanied by a gentle acoustic guitar and subtle strings. This understated production allows the raw emotion of the lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimacy that draws the listener in.
Interestingly, the song’s success transcended the usual genre boundaries. While Davis was primarily known as a country artist, “The End of the World” found its way onto pop, R&B, and easy listening charts, a testament to its universal appeal. This crossover success can be attributed in part to the song’s “Nashville Sound” production, which incorporated elements of pop and countrypolitan, making it palatable to a wider audience.
More than just a song about lost love, “The End of the World” is a meditation on grief, resilience, and the human condition. It acknowledges the pain of loss without wallowing in it, ultimately offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming sorrow, life, in some form, goes on.
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”