Keep Me Cryin
Al Green Lyrics


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You keep me crying all the time
I have to say that you
Keep me crying all the time

Well, I tried to play my music
But my music was too loud
Well, I pleased all the people
But I couldn`t please the crowd

And I dropped down on my knees
And said, hey, mama
Won`t you clear my head
Don`t you know they
Keep me crying all the time

They keep me crying all the time
Oh, Lord, don`t you know they
They keep me moaning all the time
They keep me burning all the time

Well, I tried
To run my business
But they said I can`t
Just keep it to myself
Not bothering any man

Just as sure as I try
Cause my tears in my eye
Don`t you know they
Keep me crying all the time

They keep me crying all the time
Friends knocking in my door
They keep me crying




Somebody calling on the phone and
They keep me crying...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Al Green's "Keep Me Cryin'" tell a story of a man who is constantly feeling emotional and overwhelmed due to the actions of others. He explains that no matter what he does, he cannot escape the pain that others are causing him. He mentions that he tried to play his music but it was too loud, and although he pleased some people, he couldn't please everyone. He then drops down on his knees and asks his mother to clear his head, hoping for some relief from the constant crying and moaning that he experiences.


Throughout the song, Green sings about how he tries to run his business and keep to himself, but people come knocking at his door and calling him on the phone, causing him to cry even more. The lyrics suggest that Green is feeling isolated and alone in his suffering. He is unable to control the actions of others, and their actions are keeping him in a constant state of sadness.


While the song may be interpreted in a number of ways, it is generally considered to be a testament to Green's tremendous talent as a songwriter and singer. The emotionally charged lyrics, combined with Green's soulful voice and classic R&B sound, make this song a powerful statement about the struggle of being human.


Overall, "Keep Me Cryin'" is a deeply moving song that speaks to the universal experience of pain and heartache. It is a testament to Green's ability to convey emotion through his music, and it remains a classic example of the power of soulful R&B.


Line by Line Meaning

You keep me crying all the time
I am constantly feeling emotional pain because of you


I have to say that you
I must admit that it is you who is causing my distress


Well, I tried to play my music
I attempted to do something that brings me joy


But my music was too loud
Unfortunately, this activity did not provide the relief I needed


Well, I pleased all the people
I succeeded in making others happy


But I couldn`t please the crowd
However, despite my efforts, I was not able to satisfy everyone


And I dropped down on my knees
I turned to a higher power for help


And said, hey, mama
I beseeched a maternal figure


Won`t you clear my head
Asking for relief from my troubled thoughts


Don`t you know they
Because of their actions


Keep me crying all the time
I am always in a state of emotional pain because of them


They keep me moaning all the time
Their behavior causes me to continually express my sadness


They keep me burning all the time
The way they treat me makes me feel intense emotions of anger and frustration


Well, I tried
I attempted to make progress


To run my business
To manage my life and responsibilities


But they said I can`t
They prevented me from doing so


Just keep it to myself
They want me to suffer in silence


Not bothering any man
I am not causing harm to anyone


Just as sure as I try
Every time I make an effort


Cause my tears in my eye
I am overwhelmed with sadness


Don`t you know they
It is because of their actions


Keep me crying all the time
I am continually in a state of emotional pain because of them


Friends knocking in my door
My friends are coming to check on me


They keep me crying
Unfortunately, even their presence does not alleviate my pain


Somebody calling on the phone and
Someone is trying to reach out to me


They keep me crying...
But even that communication cannot erase my feelings of distress




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: A. GREEN, W. MITCHELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Carrie Nixon

So many memories. This was the JAM. Al Green sung this song on soul train, and he had those dancers rocking that floor. 💜

james smirk

Love it !!!!

Edward Hackett

This was my mom's favorite song.Shes love her Al green.

Kwame Aboagye

Al Green is my hero.
Al is so classical.
Al is the man.

Veronique Braxton-Angus

love this song

Jarriet Fair

I 💘 this song from al green

T Brinkley

I like all Al greens music

Mo Jackson

Classic Al Green

Rev Charles HODGES Sr.

I loved recording this song with my friend al and HI RHYTHM

QUEEN Boogie

Keep me crying all the time

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