The 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time

Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician born April 23, 1936, and died December 6, 1988. He was known for his distinctive three-octave voice and his unique blend of rockabilly, pop, and country. Orbison’s career peaked in the 1960s with hits such as “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely.” His songs often featured dramatic, emotionally charged lyrics and soaring melodies, earning him the nickname “The Big O.” Orbison’s influence on pop and rock music is profound, and he remains a revered figure in the history of American popular music.

1. Oh, pretty lady

“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a classic rock and roll song written and performed by Roy Orbison. Released in 1964, it became one of Orbison’s best known songs and a milestone in the history of rock music. The song features Orbison’s powerful and soulful vocals, which are characterized by his distinctive three-octave vocal range. “Oh, Pretty Woman” is known for its catchy, upbeat melody, memorable guitar riff, and playful lyrics about a man who meets a beautiful woman on the street. The song topped the charts around the world and cemented Orbison’s status as a leading figure in rock and roll in the 1960s.

2. Crying

“Crying” is a classic ballad by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It is known for its soulful lyrics and Orbison’s distinctive vocal performance, which showcases his ability to express heartbreak and longing. The song features a dramatic arrangement with a soaring string section and Orbison’s trademark falsetto, which became one of his signature singing styles. “Crying” tells the story of a man who is heartbroken and cannot stop crying over lost love. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 charts in several countries and cemented Orbison’s reputation as a masterful singer and songwriter in the field of pop and rock ballads.

3. In dreams

“In Dreams” is a song by Roy Orbison, released as a single in 1963 and later included on his album of the same name. It is known for Orbison’s distinctive and soulful vocals, characterized by his powerful and operatic tenor voice.

Lyrically, “In Dreams” deals with longing, heartbreak and the power of dreams. Orbison’s lyrics describe a story in which dreams provide comfort and escape from the pain of lost love. The song’s melancholy melody and orchestral arrangement enhance its emotional impact, creating a haunting and moving atmosphere.

“In Dreams” became one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs and remains a classic of pop and rock music to this day. The song has been covered by various artists over the years and is celebrated for its timeless appeal, capturing Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability through his music.

4. Only the lonely

“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released as a single in 1960 and later included on his album of the same name. It is one of Orbison’s best known songs, noted for its haunting melody and Orbison’s soulful vocal performance.

Lyrically, “Only the Lonely” deals with themes of heartbreak and loneliness. Orbison’s lyrics tell a story of unrequited love and longing, with the protagonist lamenting loneliness and yearning for company. The song’s melancholy tone is enhanced by its orchestral arrangement and Orbison’s powerful vocals, which showcase his distinctive falsetto and rich vocal range.

Only the Lonely was a commercial success for Roy Orbison, reaching high positions in the music charts and cementing his reputation as a talented singer-songwriter. It remains a classic in the realm of pop and rock music, celebrated for its timeless appeal and Orbison’s ability to evoke deep emotions with his music.

5. Fear of running

“Running Scared” is a song written by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It is known for its dramatic narrative and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance. The song features a distinctive arrangement with a haunting melody and orchestral accompaniment, enhancing its emotional impact. “Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid to confront his girlfriend’s ex-lover, fearing for his own safety. Orbison’s soaring vocals and the intense build-up to the song reflect the protagonist’s tension and desperation. “Running Scared” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and further establishing Orbison as a pioneer of emotional and cinematic rock ballads.

6. You have it

“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 as a single from his album “Mystery Girl”. Orbison wrote it together with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, who also contributed to the production. The song became one of Orbison’s most successful singles in the late 1980s, reaching high positions in the music charts around the world.

Lyrically, “You Got It” is a love song that expresses admiration and affection. Orbison’s lyrics convey a sense of admiration for a special person, celebrate their qualities, and express his feelings of joy and contentment. The song’s fast tempo, catchy melody, and Orbison’s emotional vocals contributed to its popularity and wide appeal.

“You Got It” marked a successful comeback for Roy Orbison in the late 1980s, reintroducing him to a new generation of listeners and reaffirming his status as a legendary figure in rock and roll music. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Orbison’s enduring influence and musical legacy.

7. Dream baby

“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song by Roy Orbison released in 1962. It is known for its fast tempo and catchy melody, characteristic of Orbison’s early rockabilly and pop style. The song features Orbison’s smooth vocals and a lively arrangement with distinctive guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. “Dream Baby” tells the story of longing and desire for a lost love, with Orbison expressing his desire to get back together with the woman of his dreams. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and remains a beloved classic in Orbison’s discography.

8. Blue Bayou

“Blue Bayou” is a song originally written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson and released by Orbison in 1963. It is known for its dreamy, melancholy melody and Orbison’s soulful vocals. The song describes a longing for the tranquility and nostalgia of a past life on the “Blue Bayou”, where the singer would like to return. Orbison’s soulful delivery, combined with the lush orchestration and gentle rhythm of the song, creates an unforgettably beautiful atmosphere. “Blue Bayou” became one of Orbison’s most enduring hits, reaching high chart positions around the world and cementing his place as a classic in the realm of pop and rock ballads.

9. The evil women’s blues

“Mean Woman Blues” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963. It was written by Claude Demetrius, who also wrote hits such as “Blue Suede Shoes” for Elvis Presley. Orbison’s version of “Mean Woman Blues” features his distinctive vocals and a lively, fast beat typical of the rockabilly style of the early 1960s.

Lyrically, the song is about a man lamenting the problems he faces with a difficult and temperamental woman, often described in the lyrics as a “mean woman.” The lyrics play on the traditional blues theme of relationship problems, but are set to an upbeat and energetic rock’n’roll rhythm.

“Mean Woman Blues” became a hit for Roy Orbison, topping the charts and becoming a staple of his live performances. Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a classic in rock’n’roll history.

10. It’s over

“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. It is a powerful ballad that showcases Orbison’s vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a dramatic orchestral arrangement with sweeping strings and a poignant melody that enhances its melancholy tone. “It’s Over” tells the story of heartbreak and acceptance, with Orbison lamenting the end of a relationship and coming to terms with the inevitability of moving on. His emotional delivery and the song’s haunting lyrics resonate with themes of loss and closure. “It’s Over” was a chart hit in several countries and is considered one of Orbison’s greatest achievements in his career.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.