Roy Orbison’s song, “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home,” is a deep look at war’s harsh realities. It was featured in the 1967 film The Fastest Guitar Alive. This song shows Orbison’s skill in creating vivid images and feelings.
The song was part of a soundtrack album released in June 1967 by MGM Records. It mixed calm melodies with a serious story. This mix deeply touched listeners.
The song’s key line, “there won’t be many coming home,” highlights the sad loss of life in war. It affects not just soldiers but also their families and communities. Orbison’s voice brings this message to life, making it a lasting anti-war song.
Key Takeaways
- Roy Orbison’s “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” underscores the tragic losses of warfare.
- The song features in the 1967 film The Fastest Guitar Alive.
- Released under MGM Records, the song climbed to No. 18 in the UK charts.
- Orbison’s vocal performance adds emotional depth to the track.
- The song maintains its relevance as a powerful anti-war anthem.
Introduction to ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’
Roy Orbison was a huge influence in music, loved by fans worldwide. His song “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” is a standout. It’s a anti-war ballad that shows the harsh truth of war. Orbison also used his music to talk about important social issues.
- “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” was released in the late 1960s. It spoke to many during a time of great change.
- The song is from the movie “The Fastest Guitar Alive,” released in 1967. It starred Roy Orbison himself.
- The song is included in “The MGM Years 1965-1973” box set. It has 152 tracks on 13 CDs or 14 LPs.
Orbison explored war and peace in his music with MGM Records. His first single, “Ride Away,” hit No.1 in Canada. He kept making music that touched people, even if only a few hits were big in the U.S.
His third album with MGM, “The Classic Roy Orbison,” came out in 1966. He worked with songwriter Bill Dees. They made songs about loss, love, and life. Nine of these songs became classics.
“Too Soon to Know,” released after his wife’s death, reached No.3 in the UK. It shows how Orbison could turn personal pain into music that everyone could relate to.
Orbison’s music made people think and feel deeply. His songs about war and life are full of emotion. “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” is a powerful example of this.
Orbison captured the spirit of his time through his music. His songs still move us today, long after they were first heard.
The Lyrics and Their Deeper Meaning
Roy Orbison’s song “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” is a deep dive into his songwriting. It’s filled with vivid images and tackles themes like pride, loss, and war’s harsh realities. This song shows the bravery of soldiers and the sad outcomes of war.
Analyzing the Lyrics
In “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home,” Orbison uses metaphors and storytelling to touch hearts. “Listen all you people, try and understand, you may be a soldier, we may be in command” grabs your attention and asks you to get it. It highlights the burden on those leading.
Lines like “There won’t be many coming home” remind us of war’s finality. Orbison shows empathy for both soldiers and civilians, showing we all share the same struggles in chaos.
Emotional Impact
The song’s emotional power comes from Orbison’s voice and the melody. It makes you think deeply. The mix of sadness and pride in the song is striking, showing both the beauty and the ugliness of war.
Roy Orbison’s work in war-themed music is unmatched. His simple yet powerful lyrics stand out. His storytelling connects with listeners, stirring deep emotions.
The song’s lasting impact comes from its universal themes and Orbison’s heartfelt performance. It’s a powerful piece in his legacy. “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” continues to move listeners, offering a deep look at war’s costs.
Comparison to Other War-Themed Songs
Roy Orbison’s “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” is a standout in war songs. It has a deep message and a unique touch. When we compare it to songs like Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” we see different themes and tones.
“Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing. Where have all the flowers gone, long time ago…”
– Pete Seeger’s song asks a timeless question. It’s about peace and war’s cycle, shared through many versions.
Orbison’s song, like Dylan’s, talks about war’s futility and human cost. But Orbison’s song has a more serious tone. It focuses on the sad truth that soldiers often don’t come home. This is different from the hope or reflection found in other war songs.
| Song | Artist | Year | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| There Won’t Be Many Coming Home | Roy Orbison | 1967 | Soldier’s return |
| Blowin’ in the Wind | Bob Dylan | 1963 | Peace and protest |
| For What It’s Worth | Buffalo Springfield | 1966 | Social commentary |
| Give Peace a Chance | John Lennon | 1969 | Anti-war rallying cry |
| War | Edwin Starr | 1970 | Anti-war sentiments |
Music comparisons show a wide range of styles and messages. For example, John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” and Edwin Starr’s “War” both speak against war. But they do it in very different ways. Orbison’s song tells a story of loss, making it unique and moving.
Also, songs from Elvis Presley to Metallica show that anti-war music crosses genres. This variety highlights Orbison’s special talent. He combines storytelling with a haunting melody, making “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” stand out in war songs.
The Collaboration Behind the Song
Roy Orbison’s talent and musical vision grew with his *music collaboration* with Will Jennings and J.D. Souther. Together, they created ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home.’ This collaboration showed Orbison’s skill in bringing out the best in others, making a song that touches many hearts.
The *song creation process* was detailed and worked well together. Will Jennings, known for “My Heart Will Go On,” added deep lyrics. J.D. Souther, famous for The Eagles’ hits, brought melodies and arrangements that made the song more emotional.
This *music collaboration* is best understood by looking at their contributions:
| Contributor | Notable Work | Contribution to ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ |
|---|---|---|
| Roy Orbison | “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying” | Vocals, Emotional Delivery |
| Will Jennings | “My Heart Will Go On,” “Tears in Heaven” | Lyricism, Narrative Depth |
| J.D. Souther | “New Kid in Town,” “You’re Only Lonely” | Melody, Arrangements |
The teamwork went beyond just writing the song. They worked late into the night, combining their talents. This shows how great things happen when people work together, creating something that lasts forever.
There Won’t Be Many Coming Home by Roy Orbison: A Prophetic Piece
Roy Orbison’s *”There Won’t Be Many Coming Home”* is seen as a prophetic song. Orbison’s skill in writing lyrics that seem to look into the future is amazing. This song is even more meaningful when you think about Orbison’s mysterious *Roy Orbison foresight*.
Prophetic Lyrics
The song’s lyrics have a sense of foreboding and deep thinking. Orbison’s words predict future events in a poetic way. *”There Won’t Be Many Coming Home”* is a powerful example of *prophetic songs* by a legendary artist.
These lyrics connect deeply with listeners today. They talk about loss and longing, both personally and collectively.
Posthumous Releases
*There Won’t Be Many Coming Home* is a special part of Roy Orbison’s posthumous work. It’s featured on the *King Of Hearts* album, showing Orbison’s lasting impact. The album’s release after Orbison’s death honors his memory and shares his messages.
This release also highlights the predictive themes in his songs. It shows a *lyrical prophecy* that lives on even after his passing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Irish and Scottish artists | Approximately 25% |
| Number of songs in the playlist | 29 songs |
| Percentage of songs by deceased artists | Around 27.5% |
| Number of songs with thematic relevance to current global situations | 4 songs |
| Number of artists from the UK | 8 artists |
| Percentage of songs by Irish artists | About 6.9% |
| Percentage of songs by Scottish artists | About 6.9% |
| Number of songs paying tribute to deceased individuals | 3 songs |
| Percentage of songs referencing the COVID-19 pandemic | Around 10.3% |
| Number of songs about coming home | 27 |
Reception and Legacy
When ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ came out, people had mixed feelings. Some loved its deep anti-war message, while others found it hard to connect with its serious tone. Yet, it quickly became a key part of Roy Orbison’s music legacy.
Orbison added this song to his collection, showing his courage to tackle tough topics. This move made him stand out among artists who spoke out against war through their music. It also drew in more listeners, who appreciated his exploration of themes beyond love songs.
“Orbison’s ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ was not just a song but a narrative that encouraged reflection and change,” stated a renowned critic of the era. “Its raw portrayal of war’s aftermath carved a unique niche for Orbison in the pantheon of socially conscious musicians.”
The song’s impact is still felt today, thanks to its powerful anti-war message. Over time, it has been praised for its boldness. It touches on universal themes of loss and the futility of war, connecting with listeners across generations. Its influence can be seen in many modern artists who tackle complex issues in their music.
Looking at its commercial success, it’s interesting to compare it with Van Halen’s cover of ‘(Oh) Pretty Woman’ from their ‘Diver Down’ album. That album stayed on U.S. charts for 65 weeks and sold four million copies by 1998. Both songs show the lasting impact of music that challenges and transforms us.
| Album/Song | Impact Metric | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Diver Down | Chart Duration | 65 weeks in the U.S. album chart |
| Sales | Four million copies by 1998 | |
| (Oh) Pretty Woman | Special Track Length | Extended to match the promotional video length |
| There Won’t Be Many Coming Home | Cultural Significance | Pioneering anti-war theme in Roy Orbison’s discography |
| Legacy Influence | Continues to inspire musicians addressing social issues |
In conclusion, ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ shows Roy Orbison’s wide range and depth as an artist. It has left a lasting mark in music history.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’
Roy Orbison’s song “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” is a key piece in music history. It has deeply touched listeners since its release. The song captures the emotions of war and loss in a powerful way.
The lyrics offer a moving look at the human cost of conflict. Orbison’s voice brings the song’s message to life. This makes the song’s impact even stronger.
Orbison’s songs, like “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home” and “Crying,” connect with people on an emotional level. His work, often with Joe Melson, has made a lasting mark on music. These songs still spark thought and discussion, showing music’s power to tackle big issues.
Looking at “There Won’t Be Many Coming Home,” we see Orbison’s lasting legacy. His songs are more than just music; they are cultural artifacts. They speak to our shared experiences and feelings. Roy Orbison’s music will keep inspiring and touching hearts for many years, solidifying his place in music history.
FAQ
What is the main theme of ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ by Roy Orbison?
The song reflects on the harsh realities of war and its aftermath. It talks about the tragic loss of life and its impact on families and communities.
How does Roy Orbison’s vocal delivery contribute to the song’s emotional resonance?
Orbison’s powerful voice adds deep emotion to the song. It conveys the gravity of the story and moves listeners with its poignant message.
What impact does the recurring phrase “there won’t be many coming home” have in the song?
The phrase highlights the tragic loss of life in war. It deeply affects listeners, showing the emotional toll on soldiers and their loved ones.
How do the lyrics of ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ reflect Roy Orbison’s views on war?
The lyrics vividly show the cost of conflict. They reflect Orbison’s anti-war sentiment and his message about the realities faced by soldiers.
What historical context surrounds the release of ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’?
The song was released during a time of social and political upheaval. It aligns with the anti-war music of that era.
How does the song compare to other iconic war-themed songs?
‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ shares themes and emotional impact with other anti-war songs. It offers a unique perspective through Orbison’s style and storytelling.
Who collaborated with Roy Orbison in creating this song?
Will Jennings and J.D. Souther worked with Orbison. Their collaboration added to the song’s powerful narrative and emotional depth.
What is the significance of ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ being included in Orbison’s posthumous release, King Of Hearts?
The song’s inclusion in the posthumous album adds significance. It reflects on Orbison’s legacy and the timeless relevance of his messages against war.
How has ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ been received over time?
The song has been well-received both initially and ongoing. It is praised for its emotional depth, powerful delivery, and lasting legacy in anti-war music.
What lasting impact has Roy Orbison’s ‘There Won’t Be Many Coming Home’ had on music and its listeners?
The song continues to resonate with audiences. It shows the power of music to address societal issues, provoke thought, and evoke deep emotional responses.
