The Meaning Behind The Song: The End of the World by Skeeter Davis
The End of the World is a classic country song released in 1962 by Skeeter Davis. Written by Sylvia Dee and Arthur Kent, its haunting melody and lyrics have made it one of the most enduring songs in the American music canon. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including legendary names such as Elvis Presley and Carpenters. Despite its popularity, the meaning behind the song may be a mystery to many fans. In this article, we will examine the lyrics and the context of its creation to shed light on its significance.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of The End of the World are deceptively simple. It describes the devastation that follows a breakup, as we see in the opening lines:
> 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 anymore.
The narrator is unable to understand why the world around them continues to function normally, despite their own personal tragedy. As the song progresses, the narrator becomes more and more desperate, asking questions like “Why do the birds go on singing?” and “Why do the stars glow above?”, only to realize that the world is indifferent to their pain.
The chorus sums up the despair that the narrator feels:
> Why do I go on pretending
> That you love me when you don’t?
> Why do I keep on praying
> When there ain’t no praying for the lost?
The song ends with the narrator accepting the reality of the situation, but still unable to move on:
> 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.
The Context
Skeeter Davis recorded The End of the World in 1962, at the height of her popularity. Davis was one of the most successful female country singers of her time, with hits such as “I Can’t Stay Mad at You” and “Gonna Get Along Without You Now”. However, The End of the World was a departure from her usual upbeat, cheerful songs, marking a shift towards more melancholic material.
The songwriters, Sylvia Dee and Arthur Kent, were a successful duo who had previously written hits such as “Johnny Angel” and “The Name Game”. However, The End of the World was their first collaboration, and it was inspired by Dee’s recent breakup. Dee had been devastated by the end of her relationship, and the lyrics of the song reflect her feelings of despair and hopelessness.
The song struck a chord with audiences, and it quickly became a hit. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also topped the country charts. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it has been used in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials.
FAQs
1. Who covered The End of the World?
Many artists have covered The End of the World over the years, including Elvis Presley, The Carpenters, and Sharon Van Etten. However, the most successful cover was by British punk rock group The Cure in 1992. Their version reached #30 on the UK charts.
2. What inspired the songwriters to write The End of the World?
The songwriters Sylvia Dee and Arthur Kent were inspired by Dee’s recent breakup. Dee had been devastated by the end of her relationship, and the lyrics of the song reflect her feelings of despair and hopelessness.
3. What was the context in which Skeeter Davis recorded the song?
Skeeter Davis was one of the most successful female country singers of her time, with hits such as “I Can’t Stay Mad at You” and “Gonna Get Along Without You Now”. However, The End of the World was a departure from her usual upbeat, cheerful songs, marking a shift towards more melancholic material.
4. How successful was The End of the World?
The song struck a chord with audiences, and it quickly became a hit. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also topped the country charts.
5. Who else has covered The End of the World?
Besides The Cure, other notable covers include those by Nancy Wilson, Shirley Bassey, and Brenda Lee.
6. What movies and TV shows have used The End of the World in their soundtracks?
The song has been used in numerous movies and TV shows, including Girl, Interrupted, Heartbreakers, and The Walking Dead.
7. What message does The End of the World convey?
The song describes the devastation that follows a breakup, and it reflects the feelings of despair and hopelessness that often accompany such events.
8. What is the significance of the chorus in The End of the World?
The chorus sums up the narrator’s despair, as they struggle to understand why they continue to pretend that their lost love still cares for them, and why they continue to pray when there is no hope left.
9. Why has The End of the World endured as a popular song?
The haunting melody and lyrics of The End of the World have made it one of the most enduring songs in the American music canon. Its theme of heartbreak and loss is universal, and it continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
10. How has The End of the World influenced other songs?
Many artists have been inspired by The End of the World, and its melancholic lyrics and melody have influenced numerous other songs. For example, Adele has cited the song as an inspiration for her hit, “Someone Like You”.
11. What other hit songs were written by Sylvia Dee and Arthur Kent?
Dee and Kent were a successful duo, and they wrote many hit songs. Some of their other well-known compositions include “Johnny Angel”, “The Name Game”, and “Am I That Easy to Forget?”
12. What impact has The End of the World had on Skeeter Davis’s legacy?
The End of the World remains one of Skeeter Davis’s most enduring hits, and it has helped to cement her status as a country music legend. It has also been instrumental in introducing her music to new audiences over the years.
