August learned at an early age that drugs and money could make you, or break you. With both his father and stepfather battling crack addiction, August’s mother moved their family to Houston, Texas in search of a fresh start. But Houston provided no happy ending. For years, a young August endured a home life plagued by drugs and violence. At just 14, he got word from New Orleans that is father, August Sr., lost his battle with drugs and alcohol.
In an attempt to escape his reality, August took to Youtube, where he posted dozens of homemade performance videos. His clips covering the likes of Musiq Soulchild and Lyfe Jennings went viral, generating millions of views in just over a month. It seemed that he was finally taking his first steps toward a bright future in music, but just a year later, reality hit home when his best friend was shot and killed in the streets of Houston. As quickly as August appeared, he vanished form Youtube, back to the real world. With tensions mounting, 16-year-old August was kicked out of his mother’s home. Alone, he returned to New Orleans. He bounced around between family and friends houses, but on some nights, only the corner store provided him shelter. Eventually, he took to the streets, selling drugs as a means of survival.
With his older brother also in the streets hustling, it wouldn’t be long before August learned that the addiction to money could be just as deadly as the addiction to drugs. Just days before August’s 18th birthday, his older brother was gunned down in New Orleans East, another unsolved murder in one of the nations most dangerous cities. “I never expected them [the police] to find his killer”, August explains. “People die everyday in the streets of New Orleans. Unfortunately, death has become a way of life,” but not for August. His brother’s death became his motivation to not become a statistic, but to pursue his musical aspirations on an entirely new level.
Under the guidance of NNTME MuCo, AKA Noontime, (management/production company), August relocated to Atlanta in 2011 to begin carving his own musical path, creating music in a lane that would separate him from his R&B counterparts. His experiences in life are what shaped him, so those experiences, no matter how brutally honest, positive or negative, would serve as the focal point of his artistry. In April of 2012 August teamed up with Hoodrich/MMG’s own DJ Scream for the release of his debut mixtape, ‘The Product’, which garnered him an internet and radio buzz, and spawned the Sound Mob produced single, “Sucka” featuring fellow New Orleans native, R&B crooner Lloyd. The anti-love track offers the opinion that “love is for suckas”, providing an alternative to the sappy love songs associated with today’s R&B.
This past May, Alsina returned with his second installment of ‘The Product‘ series, this time teaming up with DJ Drama and his Gangsta Grillz brand. The debut single “I Luv This Shit” finds August paired with fellow Def Jam label mate, Trinidad Jame$. The top 10 hit, produced by Knucklehead, speaks to the rebellious and, sometimes, reckless lifestyle that finds August singing words that many can relate to, “I’m way too drunk to be talking like this, I’m way too high to be trippin like this, I’m way too young to be livin like this, ask me why I do it I’ma put it like this... God Damn it, I luv it”. It’s that honest and rebellious tone that caught the ear of Cash Money CEO/Rich Gang boss, Birdman, who jumped on the remix to stamp the fellow New Orleans native.
With his buzz building, August’s next stamp would come from media giant MTV, as he was named one of 2013’s Fab 5, their annual list of hip-hop artist to watch. Exposure on the network helped to make his independent video “Downtown” ft. Kidd Kidd, a viral hit, generating nearly 1 million views in less than 2 months. The autobiographical song/visual would become the title track for Alsina’s first official NNTME/Radio Killa/Def Jam release, an 8-song EP titled, ‘Downtown: Life Under the Gun’, which offers collaborations between Alsina and the previously mentioned Jame$ & Kidd Kidd, along with NOLA veteran Curren$y, and Atlanta newcomer Rich Homie Quan. Of the EP, Alsina says, “It allows you to walk through my hood with me and see where I’m from. Don’t get it confused, this isn’t my album, just a few songs to let people know what I’m about and why I do this”.
While just 21 years old, and already a lifetime of experiences behind him, August Alsina is living proof that your past doesn’t have to dictate your future, and that life’s hardships can be the motivation required for success.
Song Cry
August Alsina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I can't seem to find the way I'm supposed to go
And all these so-called people that I'm supposed to know
They be the main ones
Smile up in your face, but behind your back they hate
So I hope you know
You're like the only reason I'm emotional
My tears fall like water so that I can grow
Tryna make a change, I need something more
I can't hold back these tears
Let me cry
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
So I'mma let the song cry
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I need to try to free my mind
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
But when I let the song cry
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Let the song cry
What am I supposed to do?
Hold it all together when I think of you?
In my heart I'm thinking you were gone too soon
May you rest in peace, yet I can't sleep
It's my point of view
Got me in a state of mind, I'm so confused
Crying raindrops so that I can bloom
So what am I to do?
I can't hold back these tears
Let me cry
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
So I'mma let the song cry
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I need to try to free my mind
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
But when I let the song cry
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Let the song cry
(Let it breathe)
(Let it breathe)
(Let it breathe)
(Let's get it)
I may be cryin' now but I'll be laughin' later
No way, wouldn't be easy when you're tryna be the greatest
That ever did it or does it
Ain't no fuckin' time for later
And I know they think I'm sporadic
The bastard child of an addict
But I'm way too calculated
I try to love, but I never knew her
This money, I'm blowin' through it
Ain't rockin' red or blue, I'm unaffiliated
'Cause my bloods and my cousins hate me
I try to buy my mama's love, no she don't appreciate it
So I stay inebriated
I figured maybe J. Cole or Drizzy Drake
Would drop a verse and tell the people how we hurtin'
Guess I was mistaken
This moment mine for the taking
For all them nights I thought of suicide, contemplating
I can't hold back these tears
Let me cry
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
So I'mma let the song cry
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I need to try to free my mind
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
But when I let the song cry
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Let the song cry
The song “Song Cry” is a powerful ballad by August Alsina featuring heartfelt lyrics that showcase his emotions at different stages of his life. The song starts with August talking about how sometimes he gets emotional when he can't seem to find the way he's supposed to go, and how he feels like he's surrounded by fake people who pretend to care but secretly hate him. He then goes on to express how he uses his tears to grow and change and how crying is sometimes necessary to ease his hurt.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of letting the song cry, which symbolizes letting out the emotions that are hard to express verbally. August is aware of the societal pressure that men should not cry, which is why he does it through his music. The lyrics are an honest portrayal of his struggles with mental health and his ability to overcome his insecurities through the power of his music.
The second verse highlights the struggles and pain that August feels due to someone he loved that passed away. He talks about how he is confused and can't sleep, but still needs to cry to feel better. The bridge of the song is particularly poignant as August talks about his personal struggles with addiction, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The repetition of the phrase “I can't hold back these tears” throughout the song shows the emotional release that August experiences and how he embraces it as it helps him heal.
Overall, “Song Cry” is a powerful song about the importance of emotional expression and coming to terms with the struggles and pain that we face in life. It is a reminder that even though we might feel like we are alone during tough times, letting out our emotions can help us grow, heal and eventually overcome the pain.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I get emotional
At times, I feel overwhelmed with emotions
When I can't seem to find the way I'm supposed to go
When I feel lost and uncertain about my path in life
And all these so-called people that I'm supposed to know
The people in my life who I am expected to be close with
They be the main ones
They are often the ones who cause the most problems
Smile up in your face, but behind your back they hate
They pretend to be friendly to my face, but they talk badly about me when I am not around
So I hope you know
I want you to understand
You're like the only reason I'm emotional
You are the only person who sees and understands how I feel
My tears fall like water so that I can grow
I cry as a means of personal growth and progress
Not like I was before
I am attempting to change and become a better version of myself
Tryna make a change, I need something more
I am striving to make a positive change in my life and need more support to do so
I may be cryin' now but I'll be laughin' later
I may be upset and emotional now, but I know I will find joy again in the future
No way, wouldn't be easy when you're tryna be the greatest
It is difficult to become successful and rise to the top
That ever did it or does it
To be the best in my field or industry
Ain't no fuckin' time for later
I cannot wait or procrastinate in pursuing my goals
And I know they think I'm sporadic
Others may perceive me as unpredictable or unstable
The bastard child of an addict
As the child of an addicted parent, I am judged and stigmatized
But I'm way too calculated
Despite what others may think of me, I make careful and precise decisions
I try to love, but I never knew her
I attempt to connect with love, but struggle due to past experiences or trauma
This money, I'm blowin' through it
I am recklessly spending my money
Ain't rockin' red or blue, I'm unaffiliated
I do not align with any particular gang or affiliation
'Cause my bloods and my cousins hate me
My own family members have negative feelings towards me
I try to buy my mama's love, no she don't appreciate it
I attempt to show love and affection towards my mother through gifts, but she does not value or acknowledge it
So I stay inebriated
I turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with my emotional pain
I can't hold back these tears
I am unable to restrain my emotions from coming out
Let me cry
Allow me to express my emotions through tears
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
There is a societal pressure for men to not show their emotions through tears
So I'mma let the song cry
Instead, I will allow the song to express my emotions for me
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I will use the lyrics to express the depth of my emotional pain
I need to try to free my mind
I must attempt to separate myself from negative thoughts and feelings
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
Crying is a necessary release to alleviate my emotional pain
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
I am still committed to protecting and defending those I love
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
Just like a rose needs rain to grow, every person needs moments of sorrow in order to develop and flourish
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Although you may be crying now, know that you will find a way to move past this pain
Let the song cry
Allow the song to express the depth of your emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SEAN MCMILLION, AUGUST ANTHONY ALSINA, BRANDON ALEXANDER HODGE, RALPH JEANTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindatoosaucy8625
Sometimes I get emotional
When I can't seem to find the way I'm supposed to go
And all these so-called people that I'm supposed to know
They be the main ones
Smile up in your face, but behind your back they hate
So I hope you know
You're like the only reason I'm emotional
My tears fall like water so that I can grow
Not like I was before
Tryna make a change, I need something more
I can't hold back these tears
Let me cry
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
So I'mma let the song cry
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I need to try to free my mind
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
But when I let the song cry
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Let the song cry
What am I supposed to do?
Hold it all together when I think of you?
In my heart I'm thinking you were gone too soon
May you rest in peace, yet I can't sleep
It's my point of view
Got me in a state of mind, I'm so confused
Crying raindrops so that I can bloom
So what am I to do?
I can't hold back these tears
Let me cry
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
So I'mma let the song cry
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I need to try to free my mind
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
But when I let the song cry
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Let the song cry
I may be cryin' now but I'll be laughin' later
No way, wouldn't be easy when you're tryna be the greatest
That ever did it or does it
Ain't no fuckin' time for later
And I know they think I'm sporadic
The bastard child of an addict
But I'm way too calculated
I try to love, but I never knew her
This money, I'm blowin' through it
Ain't rockin' red or blue, I'm unaffiliated
'Cause my bloods and my cousins hate me
I try to buy my mama's love, no she don't appreciate it
So I stay inebriated
I figured maybe J. Cole or Drizzy Drake
Would drop a verse and tell the people how we hurtin'
Guess I was mistaken
This moment mine for the taking
For all them nights I thought of suicide, contemplating
I can't hold back these tears
Let me cry
They say a man ain't supposed to cry
So I'mma let the song cry
I'mma let my soul cry through these words
I need to try to free my mind
Sometimes I need to cry just to ease my hurt
But when I let the song cry
Hope you don't think I still won't ride for mine
Every rose needs the rain sometimes
But know that you can dry your eyes this time
Let the song cry
@akdlg9sjjslk8
MOA, be aware that this artist made this song as a tribute to his brother who passed away. Reconsider just saying “Who’s here cuz of Yeonjun 😍” please. It’s totally fine to acknowledge discovering the song from him, but also consider acknowledging the original artist who made this song, realize its background/meaning, and go on from there. Make a more meaningful comment is what I’m trying to say! This is a song with a lot of heartfelt meaning, so let’s respect the artist and his brother too.
@JustBe_Yourself
honey bANGTAn lo se pero esta cancion es algo muy special por el y nosotros no devijamos ser brutos con nuestros commentarios.Es meyor no decir estas cosas y solo escuchiar a su cancion y decir solamente gracias. No queremos ofender su dolor por su ermano (disculpame por mi spaniol, pero no es mi primera lingua)
@user-tg5mv9sf7d
🙌🏻❤️
@dolphinchenle1899
😭😭😍
@darlingjk2291
Agree with you
@heatherduke6526
Thank you
@leiladrame8875
MOA pls be careful with ur words, Yeonjun did a great cover but the lyrics he didn’t put in the cover are really sad. This song was written for the singers brother that was shot and mentions his suicidal thoughts afterwards. Be mindful with the comments you make ?
@sijarin9913
Leila Drame This is a beautiful song ❤️❤️
@sijarin9913
Leila Drame yeonjun did a great job with the cover
@findlove2712
Now after see this and the whole comments maybe Yeonjun sang this song cause he think everyone can get stress,sad and cry whatever they are... This song so mean .. so I agree