Cry Me A River
Crystal Gayle Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now you say you're lonely
You cry the whole night through
Well, you can cry me a river, cry me a river
I cried a river over you

Now you say you're sorry for being so untrue
Well, you can cry me a river, cry me a river
I cried a river over you

You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head
While you never shed a tear, remember?
I remember all that you said, told me love was too plebeian
Told me you were through with me and

Now you say you love me
Well, just to prove it's true
You can cry me a river, cry me a river
I cried a river over you





Cry me a river, cry me a river
I cried a river over you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Cry Me a River" by Crystal Gayle is a great representation of the classic breakup song genre. The song is a sad ballad about a lover who is left heartbroken after her partner's infidelity. The lyrics to the song describe how she experienced the same pain and emotions that her partner is now feeling.


The first verse of the song indicates that the lover has decided to return to her and apologize. The singer, however, is not moved by their tears and apologies, and they tell the person to "cry me a river" because they too had cried after the breakup. The singer clearly remembers being driven to the brink of insanity by the breakup, while their ex-partner never seemed to shed a tear or feel remorse. They remember being told that their love was ordinary and being informed that they were no longer wanted. The final verse indicates that their ex has now returned and claims to love them, but the singer will not be convinced by words alone.


In conclusion, "Cry Me a River" is a relatable song for anyone who has suffered a broken heart. It's both sad and empowering to listen to the singer's experience and refusal to welcome back a lover who has previously betrayed them.


Line by Line Meaning

Now you say you're lonely
You claim to be feeling lonely now


You cry the whole night through
You cry continuously throughout the night


Well, you can cry me a river, cry me a river
You can cry as much as you want, but it won't affect me


I cried a river over you
I cried excessively because of your actions towards me


Now you say you're sorry for being so untrue
You apologize for being disloyal


You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head
You caused me great emotional distress


While you never shed a tear, remember?
Despite causing me pain, you never showed any remorse


I remember all that you said, told me love was too plebeian
I recall you stating that love was too common for your taste


Told me you were through with me and
You informed me that you were finished with our relationship


Now you say you love me
Now you claim to love me


Well, just to prove it's true
To validate your love


Cry me a river, cry me a river
You can continue to cry, I won't be moved


Cry me a river, cry me a river
Keep crying, but it won't change what happened between us


I cried a river over you
I suffered significantly due to my emotions for you




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Hamilton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Cq Christos

Again, one of the finest, most under-rated performances in Country Music. Crystal Gayle had a quality that no other performer has ever possessed before or since.

Randall Terry

Crystal has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Got this album back in the 70s. But it's timeless!

Patricia DiMaggio Siergiej

Best version of this song in my opinion!

Mike Morrissey

Love the arrangement...excellent version.

UnclaimedFr8

Mike Morrissey Glad you enjoyed it, Mike! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.Best Regards,
David

MegF

Have this record, but no record player anymore. Ah... so nice to get to hear this sung again. Saw her in person too.

UnclaimedFr8

+MegF Glad you found it, and thanks for visiting, Meg! I've seen her also--fabulous performer!
Best Regards,
David

steve unger

you are so lucky to have seen her in concert, i'd pay to see her in concert

UnclaimedFr8

+1 from this corner, Christos! I've been a fan since the late '70's--some of the albums I've posted are my originals. Thanks for stopping by! Best Regards, David

Daniel Berry

I think this song means . He left her and broke her heart . She cried so many tears . But now he wants to come back . He says he still loves her the tables have turned . She wants him to cry her a river to prove he still does . I don't think it will any good . Cry Me A River

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