It's Over

It's over, it's over, it's over.

This refrain is dominating the airwaves as the so called glorious summer of sport comes to an end.  Not a glorious summer of sport for Andrew Strauss perhaps, now ex-England captain.  Not a glorious summer for KP.  Nor even a glorious summer for FB, for whom the continuous rain reduced his opportunities for that exceptional innings.  But a glorious summer of sport none the less.  And now it's over - only the T20 world Cup to look forward to.  Ah well.

It's Over is the only cricket song recorded by Roy Orbison, one of the greats of 1960s music.  It takes its inspiration from the umpire's call at the end of six balls.  some say 'And that's over', some say 'Over up' some simply say 'Over'.  But Roy Orbison says It's Over.  And why shouldn't he?  He may well have had the greatest voice in pop music.

Orbison had toured the UK in 1963 alongside The Beatles - his familiarity with the phrase had obviously been acquired during that trip.  When the tour was planned the Beatles were billed as the support act, but their rapid rise meant that all the attention and publicity went to them.  This was to Orbison's chagrin - when he arrived he had never heard of the Beatles.  'What's a Beatle anyway?' he asked a bit crossly.  'I am,' said John Lennon who was standing behind him.

It's Over entered the United Kingdom Singles Chart on April 30, 1964, reaching No 1 on June 25. It's Over spent 2 weeks at No.1 out of a total of 18 weeks spent on the chart. The week it reached No 1 was a wet week too - the Lords Test against Australia that finished that week lost more than half its time to rain.  This Test marked the debut of Norman Gifford. Australia won that series, by virtue of winning the only match that produced a result - the weather restricted play for much of the summer.  One highlight in the series was the 300th Test wicket of Fred Trueman, taken in the final Test at the Oval having Neil Hawke caught by Cowdrey.  Trueman had one more Test summer left in him - he played 2 more Tests against New Zealand in 1965 and then it was over for him too.

Its Over was Orbison's second UK No 1 single the first was Only the Lonely in 1960.  His next release in 1964, Pretty Woman, also went to No 1.  Neither Only the Lonely nor Pretty woman was inspired by cricket. 

Orbison's career had its up and downs but many of his songs are still alive.  His early contact with the Beatles was also to bring benefits for in 1988 he teamed up with George Harrison, and Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, to record as the Travelling Wilburys bringing his unique and soaring vocal style to a new audience.

Sadly Roy Orbison died from heart failure in 1988 at the age of 52. His contribution lives on - a distinctive song writer and unique vocalist. Test Match Quality.