Jo Stafford (born Jo Elizabeth Stafford, 12 November 1917, in Coalinga, Cal… Read Full Bio ↴Jo Stafford (born Jo Elizabeth Stafford, 12 November 1917, in Coalinga, California and died July 16, 2008 at Century City, California) was an American jazz and big band singer whose career spanned the late 1930s through the early 1960s. She was known especially as a fond favorite of name bandleaders during World War II and in the years immediately after. Stafford was greatly admired for the purity of her voice and was considered one of the most versatile vocalists of the era. Even now, hers are widely held as the supreme versions of jazz standards "It Could Happen to You" and "Blue Moon." She sang with male partners on occasion, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. She was also considered a pioneer of modern musical parody, having won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1961 (with husband Paul Weston) for their album Jonathan and Darlene Edwards in Paris.

I Cried for You
Jo Stafford Lyrics

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I remember other days how I used to weep
Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
You forgot your promises, every single vow
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now

I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning

I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me

How can I forget the hours that I worried through
Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
In those days you never thought anything of me
But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free

I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer

I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me

Overall Meaning

"I Cried for You" is a powerful and emotional song about a woman who's been deeply hurt by a man's broken promises and dishonesty. The lyrics describe how she used to cry over the hurtful things he said and did to her, but now she's calling him out and letting him know that it's his turn to suffer the pain of heartbreak. She's found someone new who treats her better, and she wants her ex-lover to know that she's moved on and that he has lost her forever. The song is a statement of strength and empowerment, as the woman asserts her independence and takes control of her life by leaving behind the hurtful past.

The first verse is particularly powerful, as it describes the deep pain of heartbreak and betrayal. The woman recalls how she used to weep and lose sleep over the cruel words and broken promises of her lover. She was deeply hurt by his laughter and indifference, but she has found the strength to move on and find someone new. The chorus is a defiant statement of her new-found confidence and independence, as she declares that she has cried for him and now it's his turn to cry over her. The final verse is a reflection on the past and how the woman never felt valued by her ex-lover, but she has now found someone who loves and appreciates her for who she is.

Line by Line Meaning

I remember other days how I used to weep
I recall days when I was consumed with sadness

Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
Your words hurt me so deeply that I couldn't even find rest

You forgot your promises, every single vow
You failed to keep your word and broke every promise you made

All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
You found amusement in my pain, but now the situation is reversed

I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
I wept for you before, but now it's your turn to experience grief

Every road has a turning
Life is full of twists and turns

That's one thing you're learning
You are finally realizing this truth

I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
I recognize now that I was foolish for putting up with your mistreatment

Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I have found someone else with more attractive eyes than you

I found a heart just a little bit truer
I have discovered someone else who is more sincere and genuine

How can I forget the hours that I worried through
I can't erase the memories of the hours I spent consumed with worry

Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
Pondering endlessly throughout the day what my next step should be

In those days you never thought anything of me
You regarded me with disdain and didn't value me at all

But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free
I was once under your control like a slave, but now I am free and independent

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gus Arnheim, Arthur Freed, Abe Lyman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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