Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Elaine Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I try to explain how I feel
That I still need your love after all that I've done
You won't believe me, all you will see is a girl you once knew
Although she's dressed up to the nines
At sixes and sevens with you
I had to let it happen, I had to change
Couldn't stay all my life down at heel
Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun
So I chose freedom, running around trying everything new
But nothing impressed me at all
I never expected it to
Don't cry for me, Argentina
The truth is, I never left you
All through my wild days, my mad existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
And as for fortune, and as for fame
I never invited them in
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired
They are illusions, they're not the solutions they promised to be
The answer was here all the time
I love you, and hope you love me
Don't cry for me, Argentina
Don't cry for me, Argentina
The truth is, I never left you
All through my wild days, my mad existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
Have I said too much?
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know
That every word is true
In Elaine Andrews's "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," the lyrics delve into the complex emotions and internal conflicts of the singer, possibly based on Eva Perón's life story. The opening lines express the difficulty in conveying one's feelings, acknowledging the strangeness and disbelief that may arise when attempting to articulate deep emotions. The singer confesses a lingering need for love despite past actions, acknowledging the disbelief this may evoke in others who only see a superficial facade. The imagery of being "dressed up to the nines" while feeling disoriented and conflicted with a partner is a powerful juxtaposition, hinting at inner turmoil beneath a polished exterior.
The following verses depict a sense of restlessness and disillusionment with a life of luxury and freedom. The singer admits to trying everything new in a quest for fulfillment, yet finding nothing that truly impresses or satisfies. The yearning for something genuine and meaningful shines through in these lines, contrasting the facade of excitement and novelty with a deeper emotional void. This section conveys a longing for authenticity and connection amid a world of superficiality and fleeting pleasures.
The chorus, "Don't cry for me, Argentina," becomes a poignant refrain throughout the song, serving as a plea for understanding and forgiveness. The singer insists they never truly abandoned their roots, holding onto a sense of loyalty and connection despite their wild and tumultuous past. The rejection of fortune and fame as hollow illusions underscores the theme of seeking genuine love and acceptance above all else. The declaration of love and the plea not to keep a distance reinforce the deep emotional ties and commitment the singer feels toward their homeland.
The closing lines reflect a moment of vulnerability and honesty, questioning if too much has been said yet emphasizing the sincerity of the singer's words. The final plea to simply look at them to understand the truth speaks to the raw and open-hearted nature of the confession, underscoring the theme of authenticity and genuine emotion. Overall, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" portrays a captivating exploration of love, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions, weaving together themes of longing, regret, and unwavering devotion with poetic grace.
Line by Line Meaning
It won't be easy, you'll think it strange
Expressing that the situation may be difficult to understand or accept, but it is truthful and sincere
When I try to explain how I feel
Attempting to articulate emotions and thoughts in a way that may be hard to comprehend
That I still need your love after all that I've done
Admitting to the necessity of love even after past actions or mistakes
You won't believe me, all you will see is a girl you once knew
Describing a lack of belief in change and growth, only seeing a familiar version of oneself
Although she's dressed up to the nines
Despite an outward appearance of sophistication and success
At sixes and sevens with you
Feeling confused or uncertain in the current situation or relationship
I had to let it happen, I had to change
Accepting the need for change and growth, despite difficulties
Couldn't stay all my life down at heel
Refusing to remain in a position of disadvantage or suffering indefinitely
Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun
Choosing to observe from a distance, avoiding direct involvement or exposure
So I chose freedom, running around trying everything new
Preferring autonomy and exploration, seeking out new experiences and opportunities
But nothing impressed me at all
Feeling unaffected or uninspired by the novelty or excitement of new endeavors
I never expected it to
Surprised by the lack of impact or significance in newfound experiences
Don't cry for me, Argentina
Requesting understanding and forgiveness, reassuring that departure does not equal abandonment
The truth is, I never left you
Revealing the constancy of love and connection, even in physical absence
All through my wild days, my mad existence
Acknowledging periods of chaos and unpredictability in life
I kept my promise
Maintaining a sense of duty or commitment despite challenges or distractions
Don't keep your distance
Encouraging closeness and intimacy, preventing emotional separation
And as for fortune, and as for fame
Addressing the transient nature of material success or recognition
I never invited them in
Choosing not to prioritize wealth or celebrity, focusing on personal connections instead
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired
Despite external perceptions, inner desires and values remain unchanged
They are illusions, they're not the solutions they promised to be
Revealing the emptiness and falsehood of societal expectations and aspirations
The answer was here all the time
Realizing that true fulfillment and joy come from within, in existing relationships
I love you, and hope you love me
Expressing deep affection and a desire for reciprocal feelings
Have I said too much?
Questioning whether honesty or openness has been excessive or overwhelming
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
Conveying that all thoughts and feelings have been shared, leaving no words unsaid
But all you have to do is look at me to know
Emphasizing that emotions and truths are conveyed through actions and expressions, not just words
That every word is true
Affirming the authenticity and sincerity of all statements and confessions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind