Only Fools And Horses Crying Song

Alright, grab your tea and put your feet up. Let’s talk about something that hits different. I mean, really hits you right in the childhood.

We’re talking about that song from Only Fools and Horses. You know the one. The one that makes even the toughest geezer sniffle into his pint.

The Tune That Breaks You

It’s not even a real song, is it? Not in the traditional sense. It’s just a bit of instrumental, a few chords, and a whole lot of emotional damage.

I’m talking about “Crying” by Roy Orbison. Yes, that Roy Orbison. The man with the voice of an angel who’s just had his heart run over by a lorry.

When Del Boy and Rodney have their big, heartbreaking fight? That’s the song they play. It’s like the show’s way of saying, “Brace yourself, mate. The laughs are over.”

Why This Song? Why Now?

Think about it. The show is mostly slapstick, get-rich-quick schemes, and Uncle Albert’s war stories. Then, out of nowhere, you get this wave of pure, unfiltered sadness.

It’s the ultimate emotional cheat code. One strum of that guitar, and you’re back on that sofa in the 80s, wondering why your dad is pretending to have something in his eye.

Roy Orbison understood pain. He sang like he was drowning in a puddle of his own tears. And Only Fools knew exactly when to use that.

The Scene That Ruined Us

Let’s be specific. The scene where Del Boy and Rodney fall out. The one where Del says something awful, and Rodney walks off into the night.

It’s not just the words, though. It’s the silence between them. The air gets thick, and then… the song starts.

You’re sitting there, thinking, “Put the kettle on, Del! Just apologize!” But no. The song just keeps playing. It’s cruel, honestly.

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And then there’s the bit where Grandad passes away. Or when they sell the watch. Every time, that same track creeps in like an emotional ninja.

You never see it coming. It’s like a hug and a punch at the same time. A real heartbreaker of a cue.

Is It Overused? Absolutely Not.

Some people say the song is overplayed. Others say it’s too sad for a comedy. To that, I say: rubbish.

That’s the genius of John Sullivan, the show’s writer. He knew you need the rain to appreciate the sunshine. You need Del falling through a bar to appreciate him crying over his brother.

The song becomes a character itself. It’s the voice of all the things the Trotter boys can’t say out loud. It’s the sound of missed opportunities and broken dreams.

And let’s be real: who hasn’t had a moment where they wished they had a backing track like that? Imagine having a row with your boss and then the theme from Rocky starts playing. Different energy, but you get the point.

The Nostalgia Knife

Why does it still work today? Why do we still get chills? Because it’s honest.

We grew up with Del Boy. We wanted to be him. Cocky, charming, always on the make. But deep down, we knew he was scared.

Tony Angelino's Cwying Performance with Raquel | Only Fools and Horses

The song peels back that London bravado. It reminds us that under the leather jacket and the dodgy car, he’s just a bloke trying to keep his family together.

And when the music swells, you feel it in your bones. It’s the sound of a missed train, a lost bet, or a friend who moved away.

It’s a reminder that life is mostly chaos, but the quiet moments matter most. Even if those moments are soundtracked by a man wailing about heartbreak.

The Verdict (Because I’m Tipsy on Tea)

So, next time you hear that first guitar riff while watching old episodes, brace yourself. Seriously, grab a tissue.

Don’t pretend you’re too cool for it. I don’t care if you’re a hard-nosed builder or a posh accountant. That song will find a crack in your armor.

It’s the official anthem of every British family dinner that went wrong. It’s the tune that plays when your dad says, “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.”

Roy Orbison never knew he was writing the theme song for a sitcom about a market trader. But he did. And we’re all better for it.

Now, pass the biscuits. I think I need a lie-down after all that emotion. Lovely jubbly.