About the song
“Don’t Cry Joni” was written by Twitty himself, under his real name Harold Lloyd Jenkins, along with his son Michael Twitty. The song tells the story of a teenage boy expressing his feelings for a younger girl named Joni, assuring her that their age difference doesn’t matter and encouraging her not to cry over their forbidden love. Twitty’s gentle vocals and sincere delivery add depth to the song’s heartfelt lyrics, creating a poignant narrative that touches listeners’ hearts.
Upon its release, “Don’t Cry Joni” achieved significant success on the charts, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its crossover appeal highlighted Twitty’s ability to appeal to a wide audience with his emotional ballads.
The album “The High Priest of Country Music,” which featured “Don’t Cry Joni,” further showcased Twitty’s versatility as an artist who could seamlessly blend traditional country music with contemporary themes and styles. Twitty’s interpretation of the song resonated with audiences, making it a memorable addition to his repertoire.
“Don’t Cry Joni” remains a timeless classic in Conway Twitty’s discography, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and heartfelt sentiment. Its enduring popularity underscores Twitty’s enduring legacy as a master storyteller and his ability to evoke genuine emotions through his music.
In summary, “Don’t Cry Joni” by Conway Twitty stands as a testament to Twitty’s songwriting prowess and his ability to create timeless songs that resonate with listeners of all ages. Its tender lyrics and Twitty’s soulful rendition ensure its place among the cherished classics of country music.
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Lyrics
Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true
Joni was the girl who lived next door
I’ve known her, i guess, ten years or more
Joni wrote me a note one day
And this is what she had to say
“Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true”
Slowly, I read her note once more
And I went over to the house next door
Her teardrops fell like rain that day
When I told Joni what I had to say
“Joni, Joni, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
You’re just 15, I am 22
And Joni, I just can’t wait for you”
Soon, I left our little hometown
Got me a job and tried to settle down
But these words kept haunting my memory
The words that Joni said to me
“Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true”
I packed my clothes, and I caught a plane
I had to see Joni, I had to explain
How my heart was filled with her memory
And asked my Joni if she’d marry me
I ran all the way to the house next door
But things weren’t like they were before
My teardrops fell like rain that day
When I heard what Joni had to say
“Jimmy, Jimmy, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
It’s been five years since you’ve been gone
Jimmy, I married your best friend John”