Coffin Break was formed in Seattle, USA in the late 1980s, during the time … Read Full Bio ↴Coffin Break was formed in Seattle, USA in the late 1980s, during the time that grunge was beginning to catch on; however, the group eschewed the nascent alternative sound, taking their influences from punk rock. The group released its first two full-length albums and a compilation on C/Z Records. Signing to Epitaph Records, they released two further albums in 1991 and 1992 before disbanding in late 1993. Both bassist Rob Skinner and guitarist Peter Litwin wrote songs for the group, and the group's releases show a marked difference between their songwriting styles. Kurt Cobain mentioned the group as one of his favorite bands.

Peter Litwin also recorded albums and singles for other bands such as Daddy Hote Box in 1989/1990, which they were also featured on the Teriyaki Asthma Vols. I-V grunge compilation. And Softy in 1994-1998 and finally Plaster in 2009. The band still tours around the pacfic northwest area, the last concert being on February 28th, of 2020 in Seattle.

Cry
Coffin Break Lyrics

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Saw you on the street today
You don′t even notice me
I saw that look in your eye
That blank look a window to your soul

The hate you feel
Eats you up
Take a drink

From an empty cup
The love you need
Eats you up
Take a drink
From an empty cup
You're crying out for someone

All the plans you had
Now have all gone away
You just wanted to live your life free
Now your love is a needle in your veins

The hate you feel
Eats you up
Take a drink
From an empty cup
The love you need
Eats you up
Take a drink
From an empty cup
You′re crying out for someone

Don't think that I'm trying to preach
It′s not my place to say what′s right or wrong
I only know my love for you won't die
Even if you don′t remember why

The hate you feel
Eats you up
Take a drink
From an empty cup
The love you need
Eats you up
Take a drink

From an empty cup
You're crying out for someone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Coffin Break's song Cry touch upon themes of unrequited love, addiction, and the search for connection. The song is addressed to an individual who is seen on the street by the singer and who does not notice or acknowledge their presence. The singer notes that this individual has a blank look in their eye, which serves as a window into their soul. Through the rest of the song, the lyrics describe the individual's struggles with addiction and the search for love and connection.

The first verse of the song sets up the scene and the singer's observations about the person they see on the street. The lyrics allude to a lack of recognition or acknowledgment from the individual, suggesting a sense of isolation and disconnection. The third line, "That blank look a window to your soul," suggests that despite the lack of communication or recognition, the singer is able to see pain and turmoil in the person's eyes.

The second verse delves deeper into the individual's struggles. The lyrics suggest that the person had plans for their life that have since fallen by the wayside, and that they have turned to addiction in search of some measure of freedom. The imagery of "your love is a needle in your veins" is particularly powerful, conveying both the idea of addiction as a destructive force and the concept of love as a drug.

The chorus of the song repeats the same lines twice, "The hate you feel eats you up/Take a drink from an empty cup/The love you need eats you up/Take a drink from an empty cup/You're crying out for someone." These lyrics capture the central theme of the song, which is the idea of a person who is consumed by hatred and self-destructive behavior, yet who craves love and connection.

The final verse of the song speaks to the singer's feelings for the person, declaring that their love will not die even if the person does not remember why they were once important to each other. The overall effect of the song is to convey a sense of despair and loneliness, while also suggesting that there is hope in the possibility of human connection.

Line by Line Meaning

Saw you on the street today
I saw you today while walking outside

You don't even notice me
You did not recognize me

I saw that look in your eye
I saw a blank expression in your eyes

That blank look a window to your soul
That emotionless expression reveals what's going on inside of you

The hate you feel
You feel intense anger towards something or someone

Eats you up
It consumes you

Take a drink
Try to escape or numb your feelings

From an empty cup
But there's nothing that can fill the void inside you

The love you need
You crave love and affection

You're crying out for someone
You need someone to be there for you and love you

All the plans you had
The future you envisioned