Ross is one of the early practitioners of a singing style known as vocalese, which involves the setting of original lyrics to an instrumental jazz solo. Her 1952 treatment of saxophonist Wardell Gray's "Twisted" is a classic example of vocalese. "Twisted" is perhaps her most famous song.
She recorded seven albums with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross between 1957 and 1962. Annie left the group in 1962 and in 1964 opened her own nightclub in London. Annie's Room featured performances by such jazz luminaries as Joe Williams, Stuff Smith, Blossom Dearie, Anita O'Day, Jon Hendricks, and Erroll Garner as well as Annie herself.
Ross is also an accomplished actress and has appeared in a number of films: Superman III (1983), Throw Mama From The Train (1987), Pump Up the Volume (1990), Blue Sky (1994), Short Cuts (1993).
Cry Me A River
Annie Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you cry the whole night through
You can cry me a river
oh yes you're goin' to cry me a river
'Cause I cried a river over you
Now you say you're sorry for being so untrue
You may cry a river
I cried a river over you
Yes I did child, yes I did my child
You drove me nearly out of my head
You stood by and never shed a tear
But I remember every word that was said
Oh yes, I remember - never fear
You may cry me a river - c'mon now
Cry me a river
You may cry me a river
I cried a river for you (Oh how I cried)
You nearly drove me out of my own sweet head
You stood by - you never shed a tear for me.
I remember every cruel word - everything that was said
Yes I remember - never you fear
You may cry me a river
I cried a river for you
Yes I cried a river for you
Turn back the tide of life, I cried - salty water runnin' down
I cried I love you
I cried I love you
I cried, I cried
You may cry, oh, she may cry now, a river of tears
A river of tears for you
You may cry now, she may cry, oh, she may cry now
You may cry, oh, she may cry now a river of tears
A river of tears for you
I cry you can cry me a river
Lord loves a cheerful giver
C'mon and cry me a river of tears
C'mon now and cry me a river of tears
C'mon now and cry me a river of tears
C'mon now - c'mon down and cry me a river...
In Annie Ross's iconic song Cry Me a River, the singer has finally broken free from her toxic partner and their manipulative ways. She is no longer the one crying herself to sleep at night and shedding endless tears for their love. The partner is now apologizing for their past behavior, professing their love for the singer, but their tears now symbolize their own heartbreak over the loss of the singer's love. The singer is now stronger and distant, almost mocking their former partner with the repeated refrain of "cry me a river, oh yes you're going to cry me a river, 'cause I cried a river over you." The singer remembers every cruel word that was once said to her and has finally asserted herself in the relationship.
The song captures the theme of empowerment and moving on from a toxic relationship. Ross delivers the lyrics with a sultry and smoky voice, adding depth and intensity to the emotion behind the words. The repetition of "cry me a river" throughout the song adds a sense of irony and playfulness, as the singer is no longer the one shedding tears.
Line by Line Meaning
Now you say you love me
You claim to love me now
But you cry the whole night through
Yet, you continue to cry in sorrow all night long
You can cry me a river
You can express your sadness to me
oh yes you're goin' to cry me a river
Yes, you will definitely cry to me
'Cause I cried a river over you
Because I already shed many tears over you
Now you say you're sorry for being so untrue
Now you apologize for your dishonesty
You may cry a river
You are permitted to express your emotions to me
Yes I did child, yes I did my child
Yes, I did cry for you, my dear
You drove me nearly out of my head
Your actions nearly drove me insane
You stood by and never shed a tear
You were unemotional and didn't express any concern for me
But I remember every word that was said
However, I still remember every single thing that happened
Oh yes, I remember - never fear
Yes, I recall everything clearly
C'mon now
Come on now
Cry me a river
Express your sadness to me
Oh how I cried
I cried very much
Turn back the tide of life, I cried - salty water runnin' down
I pleaded for the reversal of unfortunate events, as I sobbed uncontrollably
I cried I love you
I expressed my love for you through tears
You may cry, oh, she may cry now, a river of tears
You or anyone may also cry to the extent of shedding a lot of tears
A river of tears for you
Tears of sorrow in relation to you
Lord loves a cheerful giver
God loves those who give with an open heart
C'mon and cry me a river of tears
Come and express your sad emotions to me in a great amount
C'mon now - c'mon down and cry me a river...
Come on now and express your sadness to me without hesitation
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Hamilton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pete L
Anita O'Day...real jazz vocalist.
retrorocker44
3 Wonderful voices.
Morrigan Ravenchild
The Greats!!!
Mixemotus Runner
Fabulous !
David Anthony Stone
great singer
Corinna C.
She played Vera Webster, the sister of Ross Webster but not his 'Psychic Nutritionist'. That was the blonde woman Loralei, who pretended to be stupid but was actually quite intelligent. P.S.: Lex Luthor had no involvement with the characters.
Johnnyc drums
Anita, and it ain't close.