I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)

"I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" is a song written by Loretta Lynn that was recorded by her sister, American country music artist Crystal Gayle. It was released as her debut single in 1970, becoming a minor hit on the Billboard country songs chart. Despite not becoming a major hit, the song is identified with Gayle's early career persona and has been considered among her essential songs in her recording career.

Content and reception

"I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" was first written by Loretta Lynn after Gayle signed her first recording contract to Decca Records (Lynn's label as well). Gayle had also done the original demo recording in 1969. The demo session was recorded at Surefire Music, a publishing company owned by The Wilburn Brothers. Gayle had been recording a series of demos at the publishing company before recording Lynn's composition. Gayle's version of the track was heard by Decca producer Owen Bradley. Liking what he heard, he asked if Gayle could record it officially for the Decca label. The official recording session took place circa 1970 in a session produced by Bradley in Nashville, Tennessee.

The song has received mixed critical reception since its release. In comparison with Gayle's later country pop material, "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" is often compared to the musical style of her sister, Loretta Lynn. Steve Huey of Allmusic called the song (along with her further Decca recordings) a "Little Loretta" record because of its similarities to her recordings. When reviewing an album that the song would later appear on, critic Jason Birchmeier noted that "the easy listening country-pop style Gayle would later employ with longtime producer Allen Reynolds is noticeably absent here, showcasing instead the singer's initial resemblance to her much grittier sister." Nonetheless, he also praised the track, calling it "noteworthy".

Chart performance and release

"I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" was released as a single in August 1970. Issued with Lynn's composition "Sparklin' Look of Love" on the B-side, the single peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Additionally, the single would also peak at number 34 on the Canadian RPM Country Singles chart around the same time. The song became Gayle's first single to not only be released but to also become a top 40 hit. In 1978, the track would be reissued as a promotional single in concurrence with Gayle's 1978 compilation album, also titled I've Cried the Blue Right Out of My Eyes. The song charted again on both the Billboard and Canadian country surveys, reaching similar positions. It would also be the first time that the song would appear on an official album.

"I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" has been considered one of Gayle's signature recordings. While not a major hit, the song reflected the early artistic persona Gayle displayed under Decca Records. The label encouraged Gayle to record in a similar style of that of her sister. Gayle's further singles for the Decca label would prove unsuccessful as well. Gayle reflected in a 2019 interview with CMT, saying "...I was trying to sing just like her. That’s why she said, 'Quit singing my songs. Don’t sing anything I would.' She said, 'You’ll only be compared' and I would have been."

Track listings

7" single

"I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" – 2:42
"Sparklin' Look of Love" – 1:59

Charts

Chart (1970)	Peak position
Canada Country Songs (RPM)	34
US Hot Country Singles (Billboard)	23
Chart (1978)	Peak position
Canada Country Songs (RPM)	36
US Hot Country Singles (Billboard)	40

References

^ Bufwack, Mary A.; Oerman, Robert K. (2003). Finding Her Voice: The History of Women in Country Music. Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press. p. 344.
^ Shelburne, Craig. "Crystal Gayle Gathers Her Family for Classics Album". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on September 18, 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
^ "Crystal Gayle -- "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" (1970, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
^ Huey, Steve. "Crystal Gayle -- Biography & History". Allmusic. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
Birchmeier, Jason. "I've Cried the Blue Right Out of My Eyes -- Crystal Gayle - Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
^ Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
^ "Canadian country search results for "Crystal Gayle"". RPM. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
"Crystal Gayle -- I've Cried the Blue Right Out of My Eyes (1978, Vinyl Album)". Discogs. Retrieved 2 January 2020.

External links

Crystal Gayle - "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" on YouTube

v t e Crystal Gayle singles
Albums Singles
1970s	"I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" "Wrong Road Again" "Somebody Loves You" "I'll Get Over You" "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye)" "I'll Do It All Over Again" "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" "Ready for the Times to Get Better" "Talking in Your Sleep" "Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For" "When I Dream" "Your Kisses Will" "Half the Way" "Your Old Cold Shoulder"
1980s	"It's Like We Never Said Goodbye" "The Blue Side" "If You Ever Change Your Mind" "Take It Easy" "Too Many Lovers" "The Woman in Me" "You Never Gave Up on Me" "Livin' in These Troubled Times" "'Til I Gain Control Again" "You and I" (with Eddie Rabbitt) "Everything I Own" "Our Love Is on the Faultline" "Baby, What About You" "The Sound of Goodbye" "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love" "Turning Away" "Me Against the Night" "Nobody Wants to Be Alone" "A Long and Lasting Love" "Makin' Up for Lost Time (The Dallas Lovers' Song)" (with Gary Morris) "Cry" "Straight to the Heart" "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" "Another World" (with Gary Morris) "Nobody Should Have to Love This Way" "Only Love Can Save Me Now" "O Holy Night" "Nobody's Angel"
1990s	"Never Ending Song of Love" "Two Sleepy People" (with Willie Nelson)
2000s	"Hallelujah I Love Him So"

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