Ricky Nelson rose to fame in the late 1950s with his smooth voice and catchy rock and roll songs.
He became one of the first teen idols, helping to shape the early development of pop and rock music. Hits like Hello Mary Lou and Travelin’ Man made him a chart favorite.
Over his career, he placed 53 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold millions of records. In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
His music remains popular for its honest emotion, easy sound, and lasting impact on the history of rock.
About the Song
Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson is a slow, sad song about a place where people go when they feel heartbroken and alone. In this town, everyone shares the same pain of lost love.
The music is soft and simple, which matches the lonely feeling of the lyrics. Ricky Nelson’s gentle voice makes the song emotional but easy to sing along to.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 29, 1958 |
| Album | Legendary Masters Series |
| Writer | Baker Knight |
| Producers | Ricky Nelson, Ozzie Nelson, Jimmie Haskell |
Complete Lyrics of Lonesome Town
Verse 1
There’s a place where lovers go
To cry their troubles away
And they call it Lonesome Town
Where the broken hearts stay
Verse 2
You can buy a dream or two
To last you all through the years
And the only price you pay
Is a heart full of tears
Bridge
Goin’ down to Lonesome town
Where the broken hearts stay
Goin’ down to Lonesome town
To cry my troubles away
Verse 3
In the town of broken dreams
The streets are filled with regret
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
I can learn to forget (To forget)
Outro
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
I can learn to forget
(Lonesome Town)
Other Artists Who Covered Lonesome Town
Two notable artists who have covered Lonesome Town are The Cramps and Paul McCartney.
The Cramps gave the song a darker, more intense sound with their unique psychobilly style. Paul McCartney performed it live, honoring Ricky Nelson with a heartfelt rock-and-roll version.
Both covers bring different moods while keeping the song’s simple and memorable feel.
1. The Cramps
Intro
Some people call me a teenage idol
The smile and say they envy me
I guess they got no way of knowing
How lonely it can be
Verse 1
There’s a place where lovers go
To cry their troubles away
And we call it Lonesome Town
Where the broken hearts stay
Verse 2
You can find a dream or two
To last you all through the years
And the only price you pay
Is heart full of tears
Chorus
Going down to Lonesome Town
Where the broken hearts stay
Going down to Lonesome Town
To cry all troubles away
sobs
Verse 3
In the town of broken dreams
The streets are filled with regret
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
We can learn to forget
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
We can love to forget
2. Paul McCartney
Verse 1
There’s a place where lovers go
To cry their troubles away
And we call it Lonesome Town
Where the broken hearts stay
Verse 2
Where you can buy a dream or two
To last you all through the years
And the only price you pay
Is heart full of tears
Bridge
Going down to Lonesome Town
Where the broken hearts stay
I’m going down to Lonesome Town
To cry my troubles away
Verse 3
Well now, in the town of broken dreams
The streets are filled with regret
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
I can learn to forget
Guitar Solo
Bridge
Going down to Lonesome Town
Where the broken hearts stay
Yeah I’m going down to Lonesome Town
To cry my troubles, cry my troubles away
Verse 3
In the town of broken dreams
The streets are filled with regret
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
I can learn to forget
Outro
Maybe down in Lonesome Town
I can learn to forget
Similar Songs Like Lonesome Town
Fans who enjoy the sound and feeling of Lonesome Town may also like these Ricky Nelson songs:
Hello Mary Lou: Bright and playful, this upbeat track shares how a charming girl instantly attracts the singer, using fun lyrics and a rhythm that makes you want to dance.
Travelin’ Man: Told through quick verses, this lively song follows a man travelling across the world, meeting women everywhere, with high energy and a bold, catchy chorus.
Poor Little Fool: Spoken with quiet sadness, this tender tune shows the heartache of lost love, expressing the pain of trusting too easily and learning love’s harsh lessons.
It’s Late: Beginning with urgency, this fast-moving song shows the emotions of parting late at night, filled with regret, tension, and the rush of unsaid words.
Similar Artists Like Ricky Nelson
Many artists from the same era or style as Ricky Nelson share his smooth voice and classic rock and roll sound:
- Elvis Presley
Genre: Rock and Roll, Pop
Top Albums: Elvis Presley (1956), Elvis’ Golden Records (1958) - Buddy Holly
Genre: Rock and Roll, Rockabilly
Top Albums: Buddy Holly (1958), The “Chirping” Crickets (1957) - Chuck Berry
Genre: Rock and Roll
Top Albums: After School Session (1957), Chuck Berry Is on Top (1959) - Carl Perkins
Genre: Rockabilly, Rock and Roll
Top Albums: Dance Album of Carl Perkins (1957), Rock ’n’ Roll Guitar (1957) - Eddie Cochran
Genre: Rock and Roll, Rockabilly
Top Albums: Singin’ to My Baby (1957), The Eddie Cochran Memorial Album (1960)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Music Style Affect the Feeling of Lonesome Town?
The slow, soft melody creates a calm and quiet mood that perfectly matches the theme of sadness.
What Makes Ricky Nelson’s Voice Stand Out in this Song?
His smooth, gentle singing adds warmth and sincerity, making the sadness feel personal and real.
How Have Different Artists Changed the Song’s Mood in their Covers?
Some covers add darker or faster tones, changing the feeling from soft sadness to intensity or energy.
Why does Lonesome Town Remain Popular After Many Years?
Its simple words and tune connect with people’s feelings, keeping it relatable across generations.
