"It's Time to Cry" is a song written and performed by singer-songwriter Paul Anka. It was released in October 1959.

"It's Time to Cry"
Single by Paul Anka
from the album Paul Anka Sings His Big 15
B-side"Something Has Changed Me"
ReleasedOctober 1959
Genre
Length2:24
Label
Songwriter(s)Anka
Paul Anka singles chronology
"Put Your Head on My Shoulder"
(1959)
"It's Time to Cry"
(1959)
"Puppy Love"
(1959)

Content and composition

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The song, at two minutes and twenty-four seconds long, is in the key of D sharp / E flat major, with a tempo of 74 beats per minute. Its lyrical content is about how a partner ending their relationship with you leads to heartbreak, loneliness and sadness, with Anka writing that such an occasion would be "the time to cry" for both people involved.[1]

Reception and chart performance

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A Billboard writer called the song and its B-side, "strong ballad efforts, read in hit style, nicely chanted over lush chorus and orchestra backing,"[2] while Cashbox wrote of the song, "It's Time to Cry should easily follow in the footsteps of 'Put Your Head on My Shoulder,' for the talented singer-cleffer, who keeps turning out one rock-a-ballad chart smash after another. Chorus and orchestra superbly assist Anka as he waxes this emotional romancer with heartfelt sincerity."[3]

"It's Time to Cry" debuted at number 8 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart for the week of November 23, 1959. The following week, it debuted at number 74 on the main Hot 100, peaking at number 4 and charting there for a total of 15 weeks.[4] It was also ranked by Billboard as the 66th biggest song of 1960, and by Cashbox as their 46th biggest song of 1960.[5] In addition, the song reached 28 in the United Kingdom,[6] 5 in Canada, 18 in Australia, and 2 in Italy.

The song was covered by The Lettermen for their 1964 album, She Cried.

References

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  1. ^ "Paul Anka – "It's Time to Cry" Lyrics". Genius.
  2. ^ "Billboard - Week of November 9, 1959" (PDF). Billboard.
  3. ^ "Cashbox - Week of November 14, 1959" (PDF). Cashbox.
  4. ^ "Paul Anka | Biography, Music & News". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  5. ^ "Cash Box - December 24, 1960" (PDF). WorldRadioHistory.
  6. ^ "Paul Anka – UK Singles Chart". Official Charts.