When we think of Roy Orbison, we often conjure up images of soaring operatic ballads, haunting melodies, and a voice that could convey the deepest of emotional wounds. But long before he became the icon we revere today, Orbison’s journey in rock and roll began with a raw, unpolished moment that would foreshadow the greatness to come.
Released in 1956 by Roy Orbison & The Teen Kings, “Trying To Get To You” wasn’t an immediate chart-topping success. In fact, the single didn’t make a significant impact on the national charts when it first appeared. But its importance lies not in its initial reception, but in its enduring legacy as one of Orbison’s earliest masterpieces—a song that would eventually be featured on his 1961 album At the Rock House, a collection of his early work with Sun Records.
A Snapshot of Early Rock ‘n’ Roll
“Trying To Get To You” exists at the crossroads of rockabilly, early rock ‘n’ roll, and the nascent stages of Orbison’s defining style. Unlike the lush, orchestrated sound that would later be his trademark, this track feels urgent—almost frantic. It’s a song pulsing with energy, framed by a rhythm that snaps and echoes, characteristic of Sun Records’ trademark sound during the mid-1950s. But what truly sets this song apart is Orbison’s voice. Even at this early stage of his career, his vocal delivery reveals an emotional depth that is rare among his contemporaries.
The rawness of the track, lacking the polish that listeners would come to expect from Orbison, only enhances its charm. You can hear him straining against the confines of the simple rockabilly beat, pushing his voice to convey something deeper than mere love. He doesn’t just sing; he reaches. He doesn’t merely serenade; he pleads. It’s not a song of love that has been found, but a love just out of reach—a theme that would come to define much of his later work.
The Emotional Heart of the Song
The title, “Trying To Get To You,” might seem straightforward enough, but Orbison imbues it with a sense of desperation that transforms the song into an emotional journey rather than a simple love song. There is a palpable sense of obsession in his delivery, a relentless pursuit rather than a romantic courtship. The repetition of the central phrase in the chorus doesn’t feel like a musical device; it feels like a confession that cannot be contained. Each repetition is not merely a refrain, but a plea—an expression of a love that feels distant and unreachable.
The genius of Orbison’s performance lies in how he captures this sense of yearning. Unlike many of his rockabilly peers, who often embraced a more carefree, rebellious tone, Orbison’s voice is imbued with a quiet, aching vulnerability. He doesn’t just sing about love; he embodies the very act of longing. The way he bends notes, stretching phrases beyond their expected shape, suggests that he’s already aware of the emotional depth and complexity that will come to define his career.
Musically, a Bridge Between Eras
Musically, “Trying To Get To You” is rooted firmly in rockabilly tradition, with the Teen Kings providing a steady and driving backdrop that propels the song forward. Yet, it is Orbison’s vocal phrasing that hints at something more theatrical, almost operatic. His bending of notes and emotional delivery are in stark contrast to the straightforward rockabilly beat, signaling the emergence of an artist whose ambitions stretched far beyond the conventions of the genre.
The simplicity of the song allows Orbison’s voice to shine through, and this rawness captures the spontaneity of the moment. There is an authenticity in this early recording, one that feels almost like a snapshot—an unfiltered moment in time before refinement and polish took over. Sun Records was known for its ability to capture the spontaneity of its artists, and “Trying To Get To You” feels like a perfect example of that ethos: it’s a performance that’s caught in mid-air, on the cusp of something greater.
A Cultural Artifact of Its Time
The release of “Trying To Get To You” marks a pivotal moment in the history of rock and roll. At this time, the genre was still evolving, finding its emotional vocabulary, and Orbison’s track was an early and important step in that process. The song captures a transition in rock music—one from the exuberance of early rock and roll to a deeper, more reflective sound. It’s a song that speaks not just to the conventions of the genre, but to the artist’s inner world.
This track is often overlooked in the broader history of rock music, but in retrospect, it becomes clear that it was a quiet declaration of intent. Orbison was not simply interested in becoming another voice in the rockabilly craze; he was beginning to carve out his own space in the musical landscape. He was not just singing to be heard—he was singing to be understood.
Legacy and Influence
In the years that followed, Roy Orbison would go on to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His voice would define a series of chart-topping hits, including “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely.” But “Trying To Get To You” remains an important milestone in his career, a powerful reminder of his humble beginnings and the emotional depth that would come to define his signature sound.
The song’s impact can also be seen in the artists who followed Orbison’s lead. His ability to convey raw, unfiltered emotion has influenced generations of musicians, from Bruce Springsteen to Bono. His voice, with its remarkable ability to soar and fall, remains one of the most iconic in the history of popular music.
In the context of rock and roll’s evolution, “Trying To Get To You” stands as a crucial document of a moment in time. It is a reflection of an artist on the verge of greatness, a glimpse into the emotional and musical journey that Orbison would embark upon in the years to come.
Roy Orbison may have started with a song about unrequited love, but he would go on to shape the very sound of modern rock music—one heartache at a time. And for those of us who know his story, “Trying To Get To You” remains a timeless reminder of the artist’s humble origins and the profound emotional landscape that he would come to conquer.