About the Song
Roy Orbison, the man with the velvet voice. We all know him for those powerful ballads that could make a teardrop roll down your cheek faster than a jukebox could spin a record. But did you know Orbison had a bit of a late-career renaissance? Well, buckle up, because that’s exactly what “She’s a Mystery to Me” is all about.
Released in 1989, “She’s a Mystery to Me” came from Orbison’s final studio album, also titled Mystery Girl. Now, some might find it surprising that a song with such a contemporary feel came from the legendary crooner we all know. But that’s part of the magic here. See, “She’s a Mystery to Me” was written by none other than Bono and the Edge from U2. Yes, you read that right. The unlikely pairing of Orbison’s classic style with U2’s edgy rock resulted in a song that defied expectations and became a hit.
Think of it this way: imagine walking into your favorite record store back in the day, browsing the familiar section for Orbison’s latest. You pull out the album, a little unsure what to expect. Then, the first chords of “She’s a Mystery to Me” hit you. It’s Orbison, for sure, but there’s a new energy, a contemporary twist that makes you perk up your ears. That, my friends, is the experience of this remarkable song. So, let’s delve into “She’s a Mystery to Me” and see what this unexpected collaboration brought to the table.
Barbara Desetto