Crying To Me
Murray McLauchlan Lyrics


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I found these chords on the piano
And they searched me to my very soul
I've got a friend, a divorcee'
Now he's always cryin' to me

Cryin' to me, cryin' to me
Yes he's always cryin' to me
Oh all the lovers are
In the dark spaces of the pilot bar
Always lookin' for company
Drinkin' up and cryin' to me

Cryin' to me, cryin' to me
Yes he's always cryin' to me

Well I don't fight it, why should I try
So easy to love, so hard to lie
They say the truth, makes you so free
Must you always be cryin' to me?





Cryin' to me, cryin' to me
Yes he's always cryin' to me

Overall Meaning

In Murray McLauchlan's song "Crying to Me," the singer reflects on the emotional burden he bears as others come to him seeking comfort and catharsis. The first stanza finds him confronting his own vulnerabilities as he plays a melody on the piano that moves him at his core. The chords show him the depths of his own emotional range, which prepares him to be a compassionate sounding board for others in pain. In the second stanza, he reflects on the nature of romantic entanglements and the way people seek solace in the familiarity of alcohol-fueled flirtation. Yet despite the grandeur of his appearances as the constant presence, he acknowledges that he is the one on the periphery, relegated to the supportive role of listening to the tears and gripes of a friend who has recently gone through a divorce. The final stanza resigns him to his fate, a willing companion to those in pain and those seeking comfort.


Overall, McLauchlan's song is a reflection on the roles we perform in our relationships, whether as a sounding board, a companion or a spectator. It explores the tension between our own needs and the needs of others, as well as our capacity to listen, care and provide support. The singer recognizes that while he may not be able to offer a solution, he is still a valuable source of comfort in a world that can often feel isolating and cold.


Line by Line Meaning

I found these chords on the piano
I discovered a musical arrangement while playing the piano


And they searched me to my very soul
The music deeply affected me emotionally


I've got a friend, a divorcee'
I have a friend who is divorced


Now he's always cryin' to me
He frequently confides in me and expresses his emotions in a vulnerable way


Oh all the lovers are
I observe that all the couples in the bar are


In the dark spaces of the pilot bar
In the dimly lit areas of the bar frequented by pilots


Always lookin' for company
They seem to be seeking companionship and connection


Drinkin' up and cryin' to me
They consume alcohol and turn to me for emotional support and understanding


Well I don't fight it, why should I try
I do not resist being there for my friend


So easy to love, so hard to lie
It is simple to show affection, but much harder to be dishonest


They say the truth, makes you so free
Being truthful with oneself can bring liberation


Must you always be cryin' to me?
Might there be other people or ways you can process your emotions besides continually confiding in me?


Cryin' to me, cryin' to me
Repeating the refrain of how often my friend comes to me for support and solace


Yes he's always cryin' to me
Confirming that my friend consistently turns to me for emotional assistance




Contributed by Bella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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brianrjoseph@post.harvard.edu


on Out Past The Timberline

A really insightful and soulful piece on the rural heart - make that soul - of the Canadian character.

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