The Meaning Behind The Song: The End of the World by Brenda Lee
Music has a way of bringing people together, of crossing cultural barriers, and of expressing universal feelings. The song “The End of the World” by Brenda Lee is a prime example of this. The song was released in 1962 and has since become a timeless classic. While many people have heard the song before, few know the story behind it. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and provide answers to the most frequently asked questions related to it.
The Story Behind The Song
“The End of the World” was written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee. Kent was a Canadian songwriter, while Dee was an American lyricist. They had previously worked together on several other songs, including “I Left My Heart in the Balcony” and “Don’t Go to Strangers.” However, “The End of the World” would go on to be their biggest hit.
According to Kent, the inspiration for the song came from a phrase that Dee had heard on a television program. The phrase was “It’s the end of the world as we know it,” and it had been used in reference to a political crisis happening at the time. Dee thought the phrase would make a great song title and suggested it to Kent. Together, they wrote the lyrics and melody for the song.
Initially, the song was recorded by American country singer Skeeter Davis. However, the song didn’t take off until Brenda Lee released her version. Lee’s version was more upbeat and had a pop sound, which appealed to a wider audience. The song went on to become a massive hit, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the charts in several other countries.
FAQs
1. What is the meaning behind “The End of the World”?
The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of heartbreak and the end of a relationship. The singer is describing how she feels like the world is ending now that her partner has left her. While the song’s lyrics are about heartbreak, they are also about the universal feeling of loss and how it can make everything feel like it’s falling apart.
2. Who wrote “The End of the World”?
The song was written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee. Kent was a Canadian songwriter, while Dee was an American lyricist. They had previously worked together on several other songs and would go on to collaborate on many more after “The End of the World.”
3. Who originally sang “The End of the World”?
The song was first recorded by American country singer Skeeter Davis. However, it wasn’t until Brenda Lee released her version that the song became a massive hit.
4. When was “The End of the World” released?
The song was released in 1962.
5. What genre is “The End of the World”?
The song is a pop ballad.
6. Did “The End of the World” win any awards?
No, the song did not win any awards. However, it has since become a timeless classic and has been covered by many other artists.
7. How high did “The End of the World” chart?
The song reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the charts in several other countries.
8. Which other artists have covered “The End of the World”?
Several other artists have covered the song, including Jody Miller, Carpenters, and Brenda Holloway.
9. What is the meaning behind the phrase “It’s the end of the world as we know it?”
The phrase was originally used in reference to a political crisis happening at the time. It suggests that the world as we knew it was coming to an end and that a new reality was emerging.
10. Who is Brenda Lee?
Brenda Lee is an American singer who rose to fame in the 1960s. She is known for her powerful voice and her ability to sing a variety of genres, including rock and roll, country, and pop ballads.
11. What other songs is Brenda Lee known for?
Brenda Lee is known for several other hits, including “I’m Sorry,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “All Alone Am I.”
12. What is Skeeter Davis known for?
Skeeter Davis was an American singer known for her country and pop songs. She had several hits in the 1960s, including “The End of the World” and “I Can’t Help You (I’m Falling Too).”
