"End of the World" is the ultimate ballad about unrequited love. The music was written by Arthur Kent, and the lyrics by Sylvia Dee. Mary Frances Penick, better known as "Skeeter" Davis, first recorded the song in 1963 , and it stayed near the top of the country charts for nearly 10 months. It became her signature song, and was performed at her funeral services at the Ryman Auditorium (Sept. 2004). It was also one of the first "crossover hits", appearing among the top hits on the charts for "adult contemporary" and "rhythm and blues", as well as the country music charts.

Over the years it has been recorded by such artists as Chet Atkins, Loretta Lynn, Herman's Hermits, Johnny Mathis, Eddy Arnold, John Cougar Mellencamp, and Anne Murray.