Skeeter Davis’s “The End of the World” (1962) is a poignant and melancholic ballad that captures the heartache of a devastating breakup.
About The Song
Written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, the song features Davis’s emotive, crystal-clear vocals against a backdrop of gentle piano and string arrangements, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.
The lyrics convey the profound sorrow and disbelief that accompanies the end of a significant relationship. The recurring question, “Why does the sun go on shining? Why does the sea rush to shore?” underscores the singer’s feeling that the world should stop in the face of such personal tragedy. Davis’s delivery imbues the song with genuine emotion, making it a powerful expression of loss and longing.
“The End of the World” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Easy Listening chart. It also found success internationally, resonating with audiences who identified with its universal theme of heartbreak.
The song’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to convey deep emotional pain in a simple yet profoundly moving way. “The End of the World” remains a classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and Skeeter Davis’s unforgettable performance, which continues to touch listeners’ hearts.
Video
Lyric
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”