Cruel
Eliza and the Bear Lyrics

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Don't give up on me,
if all I can be is,
all I can be is cruel.

Look out for me when,
all I can see is,
all I can see is you.

I'm sorry that I couldn't,
give you all the world,
but I wanted to.

I'm sorry that I couldn't give you all the world.
But I'll try to.

Don't give up on me,
when all I can be is,
all I can be is cruel.

If I could falter,
slower and slowly,
slower and slow down to you.

Brief intrumental

I'm sorry that I couldn't,
give you all the world,
but I wanted to.

I'm sorry that I couldn't give you all the world.
But I'll try to.

I'll try to.

Yeah!

Yeah!

I'll try to.

(oh) And I'm sorry that I couldn't,
give you all the world.

And I'm sorry that I couldn't,
but I'll try to.

Don't give up on me when,
all I can be is,
all I can be is cruel.

Don't give up on me when,
all I can be,
all I can be is cruel

Dont give up on me when,
all I can be is,
all I can is cruel.

Don't up on me when,

all I can be is,
all I can be is cruel.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eliza and the Bear’s song, “Cruel,” convey a sense of apology and helplessness as the singer addresses someone close to them who they fear may give up on them due to their cruel or harsh behavior. The song begins with the plea, “Don't give up on me, if all I can be is, all I can be is cruel” emphasizing the singer’s awareness of their behavior and a desire to make amends. They acknowledge that they may not be perfect, but they are still asking that this person extend their love and support.

The chorus continues with the singer asking this person to “look out for them when all they can see is you” highlighting the significance of the relationship to them. The singer admits that they may have limitations in what they can provide for this person but wants to try anyway: “I'm sorry that I couldn't give you all the world, But I'll try to.” The song ends with a repetition of the plea from the beginning: “Don't give up on me when all I can be is cruel.”

Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who is struggling with their own behavior and the impact it may have on their relationship. They recognize their limitations but are still striving to improve and make things right with the other person.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't give up on me,
I need your support even when I'm at my worst.

if all I can be is,
I acknowledge that I have flaws and my behavior may not always be ideal.

all I can be is cruel.
I may hurt you with my words or actions even if I don't mean to.

Look out for me when,
I need you to be there to guide me when I'm lost.

all I can see is,
My focus may be on you and I may rely on you heavily without realizing it.

all I can see is you.
My world revolves around you and I may not notice other important things in my life.

I'm sorry that I couldn't,
I feel bad that I couldn't do something even if it was beyond my control.

give you all the world,
I wish I could have provided you with everything you ever wanted.

but I wanted to.
I had good intentions even if I fell short.

If I could falter,
I wish I could slow down and show more patience and kindness.

slower and slowly,
My pace and manner may not always match yours and I wish I could adapt to you.

slower and slow down to you.
I want to meet you at your level and show you more understanding.

I'll try to.
I promise to make an effort to improve myself for you.

And I'm sorry that I couldn't,
I regret not being able to meet your expectations.

but I'll try to.
I want to make it right and I'm willing to put in the work.

Don't give up on me when,
I know I may be difficult to deal with but I need your patience and understanding.

all I can be,
I have limitations and imperfections that I can't always control.

all I can be is cruel
I may act in ways that hurt you even though I don't intend to.

Writer(s): MARTIN STEPHEN DUKELOW, CALLIE HARRISON NOAKES, JAMES PATRICK KELLEGHER

Contributed by Nolan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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