You're Ugly When You Cry
Laura Sauvage Lyrics

The lyrics of Laura Sauvage's song "You're Ugly When You Cry" touch on themes of self-image, societal expectations, and the imperfections of the world we live in. In the first verse, the line "Can you stop now? You're ugly when you cry" suggests that the person addressed in the song is unattractive or unpleasant to witness when they are emotional. This might be a metaphorical representation of how society often dismisses or shames those who show vulnerability or struggle to cope.

The mention of two eyes and the line "You couldn't if you tried" implies that even if this person were to attempt to hide their emotions, it would still be evident. It speaks to the difficulty of suppressing one's true feelings and the impossibility of completely concealing them from others.

The lyrics go on to describe the person's state as a mess, both internally and externally. It suggests that they have found themselves in a difficult situation that they are responsible for. The mention of a pillow keeping them up at night and losing their rights in daymares (daytime nightmares) could be interpreted as their own internal turmoil preventing them from finding peace or stability.

The following lines "They fought for without you, when you were young" suggest that the person feels left behind or forgotten. It could be about a generation gap, where the person feels disconnected from the progress or advancements made by others. This could create a sense of isolation and make them question their place in the world.

The chorus mentions a perfect world where everyone could live authentically and without distractions. The reference to the witch of the West going back home likely alludes to the story of "The Wizard of Oz," where the witch represents an external force causing turmoil. In this perfect world, these outside influences would disappear, and people could exist without judgment or interference.

The second verse shifts the focus to the person harming themselves, both physically and emotionally. The line "Stop hitting yourself never gets old" suggests a struggle with self-destructive behavior. This could be interpreted metaphorically as a pattern of self-sabotage or self-blame.

The lyrics also touch on the corrosiveness of rivalry and the irony that allows us to feel better about our own shortcomings. It suggests that society often engages in harmful or toxic behaviors to alleviate their own insecurities.

The song then takes a self-reflective turn, with the singer acknowledging their own hypocrisy. They admit to not wanting to make the person feel bad but also acknowledge that there are limits to tolerating ignorance or stupidity. The repetition of "The dream, oh the dream" emphasizes the person's aspirations or goals, which are portrayed as becoming clearer and more unattractive as they unfold.

In conclusion, "You're Ugly When You Cry" explores themes of vulnerability, conformity, and the imperfections of societal expectations. It shines a light on the struggles individuals face to be authentic in a world that often dismisses or criticizes vulnerability or emotional expression. The lyrics also highlight the complexity of self-image and the potentially destructive behaviors that can arise from societal pressures.