Released in 1969, the song became a cornerstone of Twitty’s career, showcasing both his songwriting prowess and his unmatched ability to inhabit a heartbroken character.
Background
Twitty wasn’t new to country heartache ballads by this point. Throughout the 1960s, he’d carved a niche for himself with songs like “It’s Only Make Believe” and “Lonely Merry Christmas.” But To See My Angel Cry felt different. Co-written by Twitty himself alongside L.E. White and Carlton Haney, the song transcended the genre’s typical tropes. It wasn’t just about a love lost; it was about the unbearable guilt of causing that loss.
The opening lines set the stage for a story of devastating consequence:
“(I heard) a teardrop fall like a hammer on stone A lonely echo in an empty room all alone”
The weeping woman isn’t just any woman; she’s the narrator’s angel, a term that elevates her beyond mere romantic interest. This angelic imagery suggests a love that was pure, innocent, and perhaps even redemptive. The narrator, however, has shattered this paradise.
The song progresses through a series of vivid metaphors. We hear of a “storm” brewing in the woman’s eyes, a storm the narrator himself created. The lyrics paint a picture of a world turned upside down, with “laughter turned to silence” and “sunshine turned to rain.” This emotional devastation isn’t abstract; it’s a tangible force that suffocates both the woman and the narrator.
Twitty’s masterful delivery is key to the song’s impact. His voice, usually smooth and powerful, takes on a ragged quality here, reflecting the narrator’s internal turmoil. The despair is palpable, particularly in lines like:
“To see my angel cry, it tears this heart of mine in two”
The use of the steel guitar adds another layer of depth. In country music, the steel guitar is often associated with both sorrow and longing. Its mournful twang perfectly complements the narrator’s anguish.
To See My Angel Cry wasn’t just a critical success; it was a commercial one too. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Twitty’s position as a country music superstar. The song also transcended genre barriers, appealing to a wider audience with its relatable themes of love, loss, and regret.
But the song’s legacy goes beyond chart success. To See My Angel Cry became a cornerstone of Twitty’s repertoire, a ballad that resonated with audiences for decades. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in country music, a genre that thrives on tales of love, loss, and the human condition. And for those familiar with Twitty’s voice, it serves as a powerful reminder of his unmatched ability to capture the depths of human emotion.
Harley