Crywank started in 2009 with Jay Clayton attempting to do some folk-punk influenced acoustic music with no previous experience playing guitar. The first album "James is going to die soon" was inspired by a painful break up. Jay stated that "I wrote these songs out of frustration and sadness and they ended up making me feel a lot better, I hope they have a similar effect on you".
In 2012 Crywank released their second album 'Narcissist On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown'. Described as "a collection of paranoid songs mostly about me trying to understand my own sadness along with the concept of sadness as a whole. It was fueled by self help books and pot."
In late 2012 Dan Watson joined Crywank on percussion, and in early 2013 they released tour demos for their third album 'Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday And Everyday Is Stupid' which was released in October 2013.
In 2016 Jay and Dan began couch surfing to afford to be able to tour as much as possible. Over the next four years they performed over 500 shows in over 30 countries and released four albums.
Crywank announced their breakup following a world tour in 2019, alongside the album ‘fist me til your hand comes out my mouth’’ a huge departure in sound and the first release to include songwriting from Dan and explained the tense relationship between Jay and Dan that had developed over the years on the road.
Their breakup tour was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic and the North American and European dates had to be rescheduled numerous times. During this time Jay was in a house fire, which led to the release of a solo Crywank album ‘Just Popping In To Say Hi’ that was written and recorded over three days.
Between 2022-2023 Crywank managed to continue their final tour and performed 100 shows in the USA and over 50 shows in the UK and Ireland, often with bass player Jules Noel (AKA Guard Petal). In 2024 it was announced that Crywank will no longer be breaking up and Jules would be joining the band.
The name Crywank comes from reclaiming a cruel nickname given to Jay during a period of depression. Jay has since said that if they knew how popular the band would have become they probably would’ve chosen a different name.
Obsessive Muso With No Friends
Crywank Lyrics
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Listening to music I think makes me cool.
It's not cool being lonely, not cool being cold.
Not cool being someoen you wouldn't want to know.
Now my room stinks like shit,
I've been in here too long.
Saying "yes this is me,
but I don't deserve the lines I relate to
The lyrics to Crywank's song "Obsessive Muso With No Friends" paint a vivid picture of isolation and the struggle to connect with others. The singer is spending yet another night alone in their room, listening to music that they believe makes them cool. However, they recognize that being lonely and cold is far from cool, and they don't want to be someone that others wouldn't want to know.
As the night wears on, the singer's room begins to stink, a clear indication that they've been spending too much time alone in there. They continue to cling to the lyrics of the music they're listening to, believing that they somehow relate to them on a deep level. However, they can't shake the feeling that they don't really deserve to connect with these words, that they're not worthy of the emotions they're feeling.
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the difficulties many people face when it comes to connecting with others and finding a sense of belonging. The singer's intense loneliness and self-doubt are palpable, and the song's stripped-down, raw style only adds to its emotional resonance.
Line by Line Meaning
One more night alone in my room
Yet another night spent in my bedroom, all by myself
Listening to music I think makes me cool.
I am trying to feel better by listening to music that I believe is cool and trendy.
It's not cool being lonely, not cool being cold.
I realize that being lonely and feeling disconnected is not cool or fun compared to having human connections and warmth.
Not cool being someone you wouldn't want to know.
Being a lonely and disconnected person, I am not someone desirable or interesting to others.
Now my room stinks like shit,
My room is now unbearable due to the extended time I have spent here without proper ventilation or cleaning.
I've been in here too long.
I have spent an excessive amount of time in my room, resulting in isolation and potential health hazards.
Saying 'yes this is me,
I identify deeply with the lyrics of the songs I listen to, as they relate to my current state of loneliness and feeling disconnected from others.
your lyrics break through'
The lyrics of these songs provide some form of comfort or solace in my solitary state.
but I don't deserve the lines I relate to
Despite connecting with these lyrics, I do not feel worthy or deserving of them due to my current state.
Contributed by Jeremiah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.