So Long I'm Gone

Roy Orbison · Other Songs - Roy Orbison

Well I called you for the last time, I won't hang around no more

I don't even remember the number on your door

I don't need you any longer, I don't want your devil's charm

So go and cry your heart out, In your other lover's arm

So long, I'm gone, you won't forget me

I hope you recall all of our fun

So long, be sweet and remember

When you want me back, think of what you've done

You've lost a guy who loved you, don't say I didn't try

This time I'm gone forever, I've said my last goodbye

So long, I'm gone, you won't forget me

I hope you recall all of our fun, so long, be sweet and remember

When you want me back, think of what you've done

So Long I'm Gone

Roy Orbison's "So Long I'm Gone" stands as a quintessential example of his mid-1960s rock and roll output, characterized by his distinctive, soaring vocals and dramatic, reverb-drenched guitar work. While often associated with his later, more polished pop ballads, this track captures the raw energy and emotional intensity that defined his earlier career. The song reflects the era's shift toward a more aggressive sound, blending the classic rockabilly roots Orbison inherited with a modern, driving rhythm section. It remains a staple of his discography, showcasing his ability to convey deep melancholy and longing through a powerful, unadorned performance that resonated with audiences across the United States during the height of his fame.