After working in post-production in Hollywood for a year, York moved to Nashville in 1999 to pursue a career as a recording engineer. She landed a job working on Music Row, but soon decided she liked writing songs better than recording them. Then a year of writing and co-writing for other local artists convinced her that she should try her hand as a singer-songwriter rather than exclusively penning songs for others.
After seeing York perform at 12th & Porter in Nashville, Neilson Hubbard approached her and offered to produce some songs. Together they recorded six songs in the fall of 2003 and six more in the summer of 2004.
Known for their presence on Nashville's live music scene, the musicians who contributed to the project include John Deaderick, Brian Bequette, Kenny Hutson, Jason Wilkins, Jeff Patterson, Clay Steakley and Craig Krampf. Mindy Smith, Matthew Ryan, Mack Starks and Hubbard provided guest vocals.
York played at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in 2003 in Hubbard's band and returned in 2004 for the BMI acoustic roundup. She has opened for Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Mindy Smith, Trent Dabbs, Jonatha Brooke, Matthew Ryan and Garrison Starr.
York's song "Glasgow (No Place Like Home)" (co-written with Mary Steenburgen and Caitlyn Smith) featured in the 2018 film "Wild Rose" and made the Oscar short- list.
Boys Don't Cry
Kate York Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I know that this time I have said too much, been too unkind
I try to laugh about it
Cover it all up with lies
I try to laugh about it
Hiding the tears in my eyes
Boys don't cry
Boys don't cry
I would break down at your feet and beg forgiveness, plead with you
But I know that it's too late and now there's nothing I can do
So I try to laugh about it
Cover it all up with lies
I try to laugh about it
Hiding the tears in my eyes
Because
Boys don't cry
Boys don't cry
I would tell you that I loved you if I thought that you would stay
But I know that it's no use, that you've already gone away
You're still ?
Pushed you too far
Took you for granted
I thought that you needed me more more more
I would do most anything to get you back by my side
But I just keep on laughing
Hiding the tears in my eyes
Because
Boys don't cry
Boys don't cry
Boys don't cry
The song "Boys Don't Cry" by Kate York is a sorrowful ballad about a man who has hurt his partner and knows that he has gone too far to be forgiven. The song speaks about how he would want to apologize and make amends, but it is too late, and he has lost his love. The lyrics are emotional and honest, showing the man's vulnerability as he tries to hide his pain behind a veil of lies and forced laughter.
The song starts with the singer acknowledging his mistake and apologizing for his actions. He knows that he has been unkind, and his apology comes from a place of heartfelt remorse. However, he also acknowledges that his apology may not be enough to change his partner's mind. His desperation to make things right is palpable as he contemplates breaking down and begging for forgiveness.
The chorus of the song reveals the societal pressure and stereotypes that men face regarding their display of emotions. The belief that "boys don't cry" is deeply ingrained in our culture and makes it harder for men to express their feelings. The singer tries to hide his tears and pain behind laughter because he doesn't want to be seen as weak or vulnerable. The repeated chorus emphasizes this idea of masculinity and how it has limited men's emotional expression.
Overall, the song "Boys Don't Cry" by Kate York is a poignant reminder that men's emotional struggles and pain are often overlooked and dismissed. It speaks about the societal pressure to present a certain image and the inability to express one's true feelings. The lyrics are relatable, honest, and touching, and York's melodious voice aptly delivers the emotions of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I would say I'm sorry if I thought that it would change your mind
I would apologize if I believed it would make a difference, but I know it won't.
But I know that this time I have said too much, been too unkind
I realize that my words and actions were hurtful and I went too far.
I try to laugh about it
I attempt to make light of the situation.
Cover it all up with lies
I conceal my feelings and emotions with falsehoods.
Hiding the tears in my eyes
I am keeping my sadness and pain from being seen by others.
Because
The following lines are the reason why I try to hide my emotions.
Boys don't cry
Society encourages men to suppress their emotions and not show vulnerability.
I would break down at your feet and beg forgiveness, plead with you
I would fall apart and implore you to forgive me.
But I know that it's too late and now there's nothing I can do
I'm aware that it's past the point of reconciliation and there's no solution.
I would tell you that I loved you if I thought that you would stay
I would confess my love for you in hopes that it would make you want to stay.
But I know that it's no use, that you've already gone away
I realize it's futile because you've already left me.
You're still ?
The lyrics are unclear as to the exact phrase here.
Pushed you too far
I went too far with my words or actions causing you to leave.
Took you for granted
I didn't appreciate or value you enough before you left.
I thought that you needed me more more more
I believed you depended on me and didn't realize your independence and ability to leave.
I would do most anything to get you back by my side
I would go to great lengths to have you return to me.
But I just keep on laughing
Despite my heartache, I continue to laugh to avoid showing my sadness.
Hiding the tears in my eyes
Again, I am concealing my sadness and emotions from others.
Boys don't cry
The phrase is repeated as a reminder of the societal expectation for men to not show sadness or cry.
Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.