About the Song

“The End of the World” is a timeless country ballad written by Bill Cook and recorded by American singer Skeeter Davis. Released in 1962, the song became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and establishing Davis as a major force in country music. The song’s haunting melody, melancholic lyrics, and Davis’s powerful vocals have made it a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists and featured in popular films and television shows.

Did You Know?

  • Skeeter Davis, born Mary Frances Penick, was a prominent figure in the country and pop music scene. She was not only a talented singer but also a gifted songwriter.
  • “The End Of The World” reached remarkable heights, becoming a chart-topping hit and earning Skeeter Davis a Grammy nomination.
  • The song’s emotional depth and universal themes of heartbreak and loss have made it a favorite for cover artists and a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
US singer Dolly Parton performs onstage during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Video

Lyrics: The End Of The World

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 goodbye

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 goodbye