Roy Orbison – Handle with Care

Lyrically, “Handle with Care” captures themes of vulnerability, heartbreak, and the bittersweet nature of love. With the opening line, “Been beat up and battered around”, the song immediately sets a tone of emotional fragility. It speaks of someone who has been through life’s trials and has had their heart broken but is still yearning for love and connection. In many ways, the lyrics mirror Roy Orbison’s own personal struggles, as he had experienced much heartbreak in his own life. As the song progresses, the narrator expresses the necessity of being handled gently, revealing the complexities of emotional intimacy and the difficulty of opening up to others after having been hurt.

The track also showcases Roy Orbison’s powerful, distinctive voice—his signature soaring falsetto and emotive delivery are immediately recognizable. His voice carries the weight of the song’s emotion, drawing listeners in with its depth and vulnerability. Alongside Orbison, the other members of The Traveling Wilburys contribute to the song’s warmth, with their harmonious backing vocals enriching the overall sound. George Harrison’s subtle guitar work and Tom Petty’s gravelly yet smooth voice blend seamlessly with Orbison’s, creating a rich, layered sound that captures the essence of collaboration.

“Handle with Care” was released at a time when Roy Orbison was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to his involvement in The Traveling Wilburys and his renewed visibility on the music scene. Though he had been a major star in the 1960s with hits like “Only the Lonely” and “Oh, Pretty Woman,” Orbison had seen a decline in his commercial success during the 1970s and early ’80s. However, his participation in this collaborative project marked a new chapter, and “Handle with Care” became an instant classic, charting in several countries and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.

The impact of “Handle with Care” went beyond just Orbison’s career revival—it also influenced the broader rock and pop landscape of the late ’80s. The formation of The Traveling Wilburys was a kind of musical celebration, bringing together five of the most iconic figures in rock music at the time. Their collaborative efforts on Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 created a sound that was fresh yet familiar, bridging the gap between the ’60s and ’80s rock scenes. “Handle with Care” was central to the album’s success and became emblematic of the band’s laid-back, yet deeply emotional approach to music. It resonated with listeners who appreciated the blend of sincerity and pop sensibility, and it reinforced Roy Orbison’s place in rock history as a master of emotional storytelling.

In conclusion, “Handle with Care” is more than just a song; it’s a beautifully crafted expression of the complexities of love and life, wrapped in the warmth of a collaborative effort that highlighted the strengths of all its creators. The song remains a testament to Roy Orbison’s enduring talent and the ability of music to transcend time and space, connecting people across generations. Its blend of heartfelt lyrics, Orbison’s legendary voice, and the contributions of The Traveling Wilburys make it an unforgettable piece in the annals of rock and pop music.