Brenda Holloway (born June 21, 1946 in Atascadero, California) is an Africa… Read Full Bio ↴Brenda Holloway (born June 21, 1946 in Atascadero, California) is an African-American singer and songwriter best known for her period as a recording artist for the Motown label during the 1960s. Her best known hits from her Motown days were the soul ballad Every Little Bit Hurts (which reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. The title of the song was similar to the 60's television public service announcement about highway littering--Every Litter Bit Hurts. After her '64 hit, she recorded, When I'm Gone,which had been recorded by Mary Wells and was intended to be Mary's followup to her '64 mega-hit , My Guy. However, after a contract dispute, Mary Wells left Motown for 20th Century Fox Records. Brenda's version of "When I'm Gone" was a R&B hit, but never crossed over in the days of segragated R&B/Rock & Roll radio.

Holloway did not fit the Motown mold well. She lived in Los Angeles, not Detroit. She also had a grittier edge than the typical polished Motown performer, and wrote songs as well as sang them, which was unprecedented for a female Motown artist. Brenda Hollowy inspired many pop artists, including The Beatles who asked her to perform as the opening act on their 1965 tour of the U.S. She was the only female to open for them.

You Can Cry On My Shoulder
Brenda Holloway Lyrics

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Just because you know I love you so much
Don't be afraid to tell me you're sad because you've lost her love
Though your love is not for me
I don't wanna see you in misery
So come on, baby baby come on
You can cry on my shoulder, you can cry on my shoulder
& bring all your troubles to me, to me

A man ain't supposed to cry; if you do I'll understand
& maybe I can show you how you can win her love again
It may seem strange, I know
But it's just that I love you so
Come on, baby come on
You can cry on my shoulder, you can cry on my shoulder

Now you've given her all you had
She'd better stop treating you so bad
So come on, baby baby come on
You can cry on my shoulder, yes you can
& bring all your troubles to me

(repeat title & fade)

Overall Meaning

Brenda Holloway's "You Can Cry On My Shoulder" is a poignant and empathetic song about supporting someone who is going through heartbreak. The singer of the song tells the person they love and care for that they are always there for them, even if the person's love is not directed towards them. The lyrics are touching in their willingness to help someone through a difficult time, even if it hurts to see them suffering.

The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, demonstrating the singer's understanding of the situation. They reassure the listener that they can share their feelings and be honest without fear of judgement. They encourage the person to cry and express their sadness, providing a shoulder for them to lean on.

The second verse addresses the societal expectation that men shouldn't cry, but the singer tells the person they love that it's okay to cry and that they won't judge or think less of them. They offer to help the person find a way to win back their lost love, acknowledging that it may seem strange to some, but love can make people do things that seem out of character, and they'll do whatever it takes to make them happy again.

The final section of the song encourages the person to stop accepting mistreatment from their lost love and to come to the singer for support. The final refrain is a repeat of the title line, a comforting reminder that the singer is always there for them and that they don't have to face their troubles alone.

Line by Line Meaning

Just because you know I love you so much
Despite the fact that you know I love you deeply

Don't be afraid to tell me you're sad because you've lost her love
Do not hesitate to inform me of your sorrow over losing her love

Though your love is not for me
Despite the fact that you do not love me

I don't wanna see you in misery
I do not want to witness you in a state of sorrow

So come on, baby baby come on
Therefore, please come to me

You can cry on my shoulder, you can cry on my shoulder
You can express your emotions in my presence

& bring all your troubles to me, to me
As well as sharing all of your concerns and problems with me

A man ain't supposed to cry; if you do I'll understand
It is culturally unacceptable for men to cry; however, I will empathize with your situation if you do shed tears

& maybe I can show you how you can win her love again
Additionally, I may be able to assist you in regaining her affection

It may seem strange, I know
I recognize that this might appear odd to you

But it's just that I love you so
Nevertheless, the reason I offer my support is that I love you deeply

Now you've given her all you had
You have exhausted all of your efforts in attempting to win back her love

She'd better stop treating you so bad
She needs to stop mistreating you

So come on, baby baby come on
Therefore, I implore you to come to me

You can cry on my shoulder, yes you can
You can trust me with your tears and vulnerability

& bring all your troubles to me
In addition to sharing all of your worries and problems with me

(repeat title & fade)
The song repeats the title, 'You Can Cry On My Shoulder' as it fades out.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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