Graham first heard the guitar at the age of 12, when a family friend played him a song on his instrument. As legend would have it, the friend went out for a while, and Graham, who had never picked up a guitar in his life, stayed at home "to play on the guitar". To the amazement of the friend, when he returned Graham could play the song he had performed earlier exactly. Buying his first guitar at age 16, Graham exhibited unnatural talent in playing the instrument and in picking up tunes - a skill he attributes to his being blind in one eye. Graham was to perfect an eclectic style over the next few years, travelling abroad to pick up new styles and ways of playing. After a trip to Morocco, hearing the Oud, Graham introduced and popularised the DADGAD tuning of the Oud, now common amongst Celtic musicians especially, to western guitarists. He released his first LP, The Guitar Player, (after two EPs) in 1963. From this time until the early 1970s, Graham would release a range of albums, ranging in style and content album-to-album and even within albums. Towards the end of the 1970s, Graham stopped recording and faded into obscurity. However, Graham became active again in the mid nineties.
Davy Graham died on December 15th 2008 of lung cancer.
Cry Me a River
Davy Graham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You cried 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
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 you do
Come on and cry me a river, cry me a river
I cried a river over you
Go on and cry me a river, cry me a river
I cried a river............over you
Davy Graham's "Cry Me a River" is a testament to the timeless pain of love gone wrong. The singer addresses their former lover, who claims to be lonely and remorseful for their infidelities. The singer responds with a sentiment that is both assertive and vulnerable, telling the ex-lover to "cry me a river" while admitting that they themselves cried a river over the tryst. The singer also mentions how the lover never cried during the breakup while they themselves were almost driven mad with grief. The lover has since returned, claiming to once again have feelings for the singer, and the singer wants proof of this love through tears.
The lyrics in "Cry Me a River" are dense with meaning, both overt and hidden. On one hand, the song is a classic tale of heartbreak, with a vengeful edge. The singer commands their former lover to weep for the pain they've caused, with a sense of triumph in their own tears. However, the song also reveals a depth of emotion and vulnerability in the singer, who is still hurting from the experience. The final plea for proof of love is a desperate appeal, revealing that the singer is still not over the break-up.
Line by Line Meaning
Now you say you're lonely
You express your solitude
You cried the whole night through
You shed tears all night long
Well you can cry me a river, cry me a river
You can cry as much as you want to me
I cried a river over you
I shed a lot of tears over you
Now you say you're sorry
You express regret
For being so untrue
For not being honest
You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head
You caused extreme emotional distress for me
While you never shed a tear
While you never showed any remorse
Remember, I remember all that you said
I recall everything you said
Told me love was too plebeian
You told me that our love was common and unrefined
Told me you were through with me
You said you were done with me
And now you say you love me
And now you claim to love me
Well just to prove you do
To prove your love is true
Come on and cry me a river, cry me a river
You can cry to me as much as you want
Go on and cry me a river, cry me a river
Continue to cry as much as you want to me
I cried a river............over you
I shed a lot of tears over you
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Hamilton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Glen
Just focus on this: Davy Graham's influence is undeniable. Paul Simon, in particular, interpreted Graham's style very well--"Anji" is a classic. The video is very cool because it demonstrates that Graham communicated effectively to the 'common man.' He didn't need pyrotechnics. He just played from the heart; EVERY note is believable. He could make people listen--that's what it's all about.
jkoff76
The greatest acoustic guitar genius is gone. I am gutted. RIP Davey.
Andy Tran
This descending progression probably the greatest in all of music history let’s be honest here. It’s just super emotional and godlike. From Julie London to stairway and even granata it truly shows you that music is universal
patrick laws
He made an album with Shirley Collins "Folk Roots New Routes" a true folk rock masterpiece.
subterranean47
its just the old school thirties picking mixed with blues riffs with minor key tonality. And they're all so beautiful. Davy Graham was a definite virtuoso
ZeppelinClassics
I've only heard, and been listening to Davy Graham for a few minutes now, and I can honestly say that I'm in love with his sound. It's perfection.
lonewizzard
I had no idea DG was popular enough for almost 350,000 views. The guy was a treasure to say the least.
Alison Swensen
What a beautiful moment in time. Davey Graham a true gift to music. This is art at it's finest.
kingcutt
that sure is a young Davy! You can see how much he advanced technically in a short period of time if you compare the version of this song captured here to that which was released on 'The Guitar Player' LP. Inspirational.
SmallDays1 Natalie Davis and Dave Merrick
Thanks for this brilliant post. What an inspiration he was. This has inspired me to post a double video response - one of me playing 'Anji' at a gig, just about four weeks after his death - I dedicated it to him then and now. I haven't heard this clip of 'Cry Me a River' before, I guess the version we play also owes a lot to this iconic guitar player. Best wishes, Dave (Small days)