Roy Orbison And The Letter He Wrote To Himself Before Every Album: “Feel It Or Leave It”

April 2, 2025

Roy Orbison sat in the quiet of his home studio, the soft glow of the overhead lamp illuminating sheets of crinkled paper scattered across his desk. Each piece held snippets of thoughts and ideas, but one particular letter stood out, the familiar words glaring from the page: “Feel it or leave it.” This phrase was more than just a motto for Roy; it was a reminder to stay true to himself and the music that flowed so deeply within him. It was a sort of sacred pact he made with himself before every album he created, a declaration that he would pour his heart into every note and lyric.

Roy’s career had not always been smooth sailing. He faced the harsh realities of the music industry, including botched records, personal tragedies, and even the struggle to fit in with the rock and roll crowd that was taking over the airwaves. But despite these challenges, Roy never lost his passion for music. His unique voice, a haunting baritone that could soar to incredible heights, was a gift that he cherished. He believed that if he didn’t feel the emotions in his songs, how could he expect anyone else to connect with them? This belief was the heart of his letter, a challenge to himself to dig deep and share his soul.

With every new album, the weight of that letter pressed down on him, reminding him to tap into his vulnerability. For example, when he was working on the iconic album “Mystery Girl,” Roy found himself reflecting on loss and heartbreak. The death of his first wife, Claudette, weighed heavily on his heart, yet he channeled those feelings into songs that resonated with anyone who had experienced love and loss. When he sang “You Got It,” listeners felt the passion behind every word, as if Roy was sharing the very essence of his being. The world could feel his struggle as he poured his heart out, and it was this honesty that helped him rise to stardom once again.

The power of “Feel it or leave it” reminded Roy that music was not just a career; it was his lifeline. Each album became a cathartic experience, a way for him to express emotions that often felt too heavy to carry alone. The letters he wrote to himself became a source of inspiration, guiding him to create some of the most beautiful and timeless music of his era. In the end, Roy learned that true success wasn’t measured by records sold or awards won, but by the connections he forged with his fans through his heartfelt melodies.

As the years went by, Roy Orbison became a beacon of resilience in the music world. Even during the toughest times, he held onto his mantra, reminding himself that to create art was to expose oneself to the world. His legacy showed that vulnerability could lead to strength, that sharing one’s true feelings could touch hearts in ways words alone could not. Roy’s journey through music was a testament to the power of authenticity, proving that when we dare to “feel it,” we can create something beautiful that resonates across generations. Each album was not just a collection of songs, but a piece of his soul, forever echoing the message that true art comes from the heart.