About the Song
Roy Orbison. Now there’s a name that brings back memories. The man with the velvety baritone, the sunglasses that became his trademark, and a voice that could soar with the angels or ache with heartbreak. Today, we’re going to take a listen to a song from his later years, a track titled “In the Real World”.
Orbison’s career was a rollercoaster ride. He burst onto the scene in the late 50s with hits like “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Only the Lonely,” becoming a teen idol with his dramatic ballads and operatic vocals. But tragedy struck in the 60s with the loss of his wife and sons. He retreated from the spotlight for a while, and his career seemed to fade.
Then, in the 80s, there was a remarkable resurgence. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello cited him as an influence, and a new generation discovered his music. Orbison himself embraced this new chapter, collaborating with some of these younger musicians.
“In the Real World” is a product of this late-career revival. Released in 1989, it was the title track from his final studio album, Mystery Girl. Orbison wasn’t a young man anymore, but his voice still held that power, that vulnerability.
So, if you’re looking for a song that captures the essence of Roy Orbison – the drama, the emotion, the timeless quality – then “In the Real World” is a perfect place to start. It’s a song that reflects on life, on love, and on the sometimes harsh realities of the world we live in. But even amidst those realities, Orbison’s voice reminds us of the beauty, the hope, and the enduring power of human connection.
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