Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Julie Covington Lyrics
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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
Julie Covington’s iconic song "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from the musical Evita is a touching ballad sung by the lead character, Eva Peron. The song is a reminder to the citizens of Argentina that despite all her travels, experiences, and fame, she never forgot her roots and her love for her country.
In the first verse of the song, Eva admits to her audience that they might find her journey strange and difficult to understand. She was once a girl who was familiar to them, but now she wears fancy clothes and is living a different life. She conveys that she has changed and evolved as a person, and despite all that she has done, she still needs the love and affection of the people she left behind.
The next verse provides an insight into Eva's past and how she chose to leave everything behind to experience freedom and explore new things. She admits that none of those experiences made any real impression on her, but they helped her realize that she had to go back to where she came from because that was the only place where she belonged.
The chorus of the song is a message to the people of Argentina that she never left them despite all her travels and experiences. She kept her promise to her people that she would never forget them, and she urges them not to keep their distance from her. The song ends with a confession that there is nothing more she can say, but her love for her country and the Argentinean people is undeniable.
Line by Line Meaning
It won't be easy, you'll think it strange
I know it may be difficult for you to understand my feelings
When I try to explain how I feel
I still love you despite all that has happened between us
That I still need your love after all that I've done
Despite my mistakes, I crave your love and affection
You won't believe me, all you will see is a girl you once knew
You may doubt what I say and only see the old version of me
Although she's dressed up to the nines
Even if I seem to be showing off material success
At sixes and sevens with you
I feel lost and uncertain in my relationship with you
I had to let it happen, I had to change
I couldn't keep living my life the same way forever
Couldn't stay all my life down at heel
I couldn't remain in a state of poverty and sadness forever
Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun
I was once afraid of going outside, hiding from the world
So I chose freedom, running around trying everything new
I sought independence, wanting to explore new things and ideas
But nothing impressed me at all
Despite my searching, nothing truly captivated me
I never expected it to
But I didn't have any preconceived notions about what I would find
Don't cry for me, Argentina
Please don't weep for me or feel pity
The truth is, I never left you
I never truly turned my back on you, Argentina
All through my wild days, my mad existence
Even in my most turbulent times and crazy experiences
I kept my promise
I remained true to my word, and I always will
Don't keep your distance
Please don't push me away or keep me at arm's length
And as for fortune, and as for fame
While wealth and recognition may seem attractive
I never invited them in
I never desired or sought after them
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired
Despite what it may have appeared to others
They are illusions, they're not the solutions they promised to be
Wealth and fame are fleeting and do not bring lasting happiness
The answer was here all the time
The solution to my problems was within me all along
I love you, and hope you love me
My love for you is true, and I hope you feel the same way
Have I said too much?
I hope I haven't overwhelmed or said too many words
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
I have conveyed all that is in my heart
But all you have to do is look at me to know
My feelings are evident in my eyes and actions
That every word is true
My words are genuine and honest
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@steveymoon
I still think this is by far the best version of this song. Her voice has a vulnerability that others just don't.
@richardgreen8068
perfectly put ....always said that ...but not as well as you obviously.
@mariolemke9049
And I agree.
@thousandoaks.2080
It was number one in the chart in 70s
@WISOTT
Elaine Paige's version is good, if you like that sort of belting; Julie Covington is better - magic, captures the spirit of Eva Peron with subltety and emotion. And it reminds me of 1979 and a very hard time in my life when this song helped me through.
@PasstheDalek
Yes she's the best. Much better than Madonna
@killbill71
This version will never be bettered. Gives me goosebumps every time.
@stevem.9191
Agreed, on all points.
Sung by many, but JC's hauntingly beautiful version, has never been bettered, imho.
Goosebumps & moist eyes, every time I listen to this.
@steven-dark
Undoubtedly!
@JayJay-gl2df
@Steve M. have you heard Nicole Scherzinger his version of this I actually think it's better