About the song
“Don’t Cry Joni” is a touching duet performed by the legendary country artist Conway Twitty and his daughter, Joni Lee Jenkins. Released in 1975, this song not only showcases the deep emotional connection between father and daughter but also highlights Twitty’s remarkable storytelling ability, which had already made him a household name in the country music scene.
Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, had a prolific career that spanned multiple genres, including rock and roll, R&B, and, most famously, country music. By the time “Don’t Cry Joni” was released, Twitty had already established himself as a major force in country music, with numerous chart-topping hits and a reputation for his smooth baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics.
The song “Don’t Cry Joni” was featured on Twitty’s album “The High Priest of Country Music,” which further solidified his status as one of the genre’s most beloved artists. This particular track, however, stood out due to its unique collaboration with his then-teenage daughter, Joni Lee. Their vocal interplay adds a poignant layer to the song, making it a memorable piece that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.
“Don’t Cry Joni” tells the story of a young girl, Joni, who falls in love with a boy named Jimmy. Despite her feelings, Jimmy tells her to wait until she is older. Years later, Jimmy returns, only to find that Joni has moved on and married someone else. The narrative, set to a gentle country melody, explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Joni Lee’s youthful voice paired with her father’s seasoned vocals creates a dynamic contrast that enhances the song’s emotional depth.
Upon its release, “Don’t Cry Joni” received considerable airplay and quickly became a favorite among fans. While it did not achieve the same level of chart success as some of Twitty’s other hits, its impact was undeniable. The song reached number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, demonstrating its broad appeal across different audiences.
The enduring popularity of “Don’t Cry Joni” lies in its relatable storyline and the genuine chemistry between Conway Twitty and Joni Lee. Their performance captures the essence of familial bonds and the bittersweet nature of young love, making it a timeless classic that continues to touch the hearts of listeners.
In conclusion, “Don’t Cry Joni” is a significant entry in Conway Twitty’s illustrious career, highlighting his ability to craft compelling narratives through song. The collaboration with his daughter Joni Lee adds an authentic and heartfelt dimension to the track, making it a standout piece in the world of country music. Its success on the charts and lasting resonance with fans underscore the song’s enduring appeal and Twitty’s remarkable talent as a storyteller and musician.
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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 10 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
Then 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 fifteen I’m twenty two
Joni I just can’t wait for you
Soon I left our little home town
Got me a job and tried to settle down
But her 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 ask 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.