Introduction
This composition, titled “Don’t Cry Joni,” originates from the pen of American country music artist Conway Twitty. Released in August 1975, the song features a heartfelt duet between Twitty and his then 16-year-old daughter, Joni Lee Jenkins. It served as the single from the album “The High Priest of Country Music.”
The decision to collaborate on this duet stemmed from Joni Lee’s aspirations to become an entertainer, a desire she had harbored for years. Conway Twitty, her father, saw an opportunity to provide encouragement by allowing her to join him on a song he had written years earlier. The result was a touching recording that resonated with audiences.
Upon its release, “Don’t Cry Joni” made its mark as a pop hit, reaching number 63 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and securing the impressive fourth position on the Billboard Country Singles chart. The success of this duet not only showcased the musical talents within the Twitty family but also added another dimension to Conway Twitty’s already illustrious career.
Video
Lyrics
Jimmy please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday you’ll see
Saving all my kisses just for you
Signed with love
forever trueJoni 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 sayJimmy please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday you’ll see
Saving all my kisses just for you
Signed with love
forever trueSlowly I read her note once more
Then I went over to the house next door
Her tear drops fell like rain that day
When I told Joni what I had to sayJoni, Joni please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
You’re just fifteen
I’m twenty two
And Joni I just cant wait for youSoon I left our little home town
Got me a job and tried to settle down
But these words kept haunting my memory
The words that Joni said to meJimmy please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up some day you’ll see
Saving all my kisses just for you
Signed with love
forever trueI 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 meI ran all the way
To the house next door
But things weren’t like they were before
My tear drops fell like rain that day
When I heard what Joni had to sayJimmy, 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