Don't Cry For Me Argentina
O' Connor Sinead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll think it strange
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
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 too
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 are not the solutions
They promised to be
The answer was here all the time
I love you and hope you love me
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
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
The song "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" by Sinéad O'Connor is a cover of the famous song from the musical Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song addresses the people of Argentina and is sung by Eva Perón, the famous first lady of Argentina. O'Connor's version of the song has a haunting quality and is a bit more stripped back and raw compared to the original.
The opening lines of the song, "It won't be easy, You'll think it strange, When I try to explain how I feel" suggests that the singer will be misunderstood and that it will be difficult to articulate her emotions. The following lines, "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," refers to the fact that despite everything, the singer still feels a deep sense of longing and love for the people of Argentina. One interpretation is that it reflects the struggles that Evita had to face in maintaining her own sense of morality and decency, as she undertook immense pressure and criticism as the First Lady.
The second stanza shifts to the personal narrative of the singer trying to find meaning in her own life, "I had to let it happen, I had to change," reflects the singer's struggle with her own life choices and ambitions. She feels the need to clarify that all the ways in which she has lived her life were not just about acquiring fame and wealth, but were about seeking out new experiences and ways to grow. The chorus then repeats, "Don't cry for me Argentina," reminding listeners of the loyalty and affection the singer has for them, and that this isn't about her abandoning her people or identity.
Line by Line Meaning
It won't be easy
This situation is going to be challenging.
You'll think it strange
You may find my behavior hard to understand.
When I try to explain how I feel
I will make an effort to convey my emotions to you.
That I still need your love
I require your love and affection even after everything.
After all that I've done
Despite my actions and choices, my feelings remain unchanged.
You won't believe me
You might not trust my words.
All you will see is a girl
You will only envisage me for who I was.
You once knew
The person I used to be.
Although she's dressed up
Even though my appearance has changed.
To the nines
In an outfit that is fashionable and elaborate.
At sixes and sevens with you
Our relationship is in turmoil and confusion.
I had to let it happen
I had to let go and allow things to unfold.
I had to change
I underwent a transformation.
Couldn't stay all my life
I could not remain in the same state forever.
Down at heel
In a state of despair and defeat.
Looking out of the window
Daydreaming and gazing outside.
Staying out of the sun
Avoiding the reality of my situation.
So I chose freedom
I selected independence and liberation.
Running around trying
Experimenting and attempting new things.
Everything new
Novelty and innovation.
But nothing impressed me at all
None of it appealed to me.
I never expected it too
I did not anticipate being impressed by anything.
Don't cry for me argentina
Please do not weep for me Argentina.
The truth is I never left you
I never abandoned you in spirit.
All through my wild days
Throughout my turbulent and reckless times.
My mad existence
My chaotic and unstable lifestyle.
I kept my promise
I ensured that I fulfilled my commitment.
Don't keep your distance
Do not isolate yourself from me.
And as for fortune
Regarding the topic of wealth.
And as for fame
In terms of being well-known.
I never invited them in
I did not actively seek monetary riches or widespread recognition.
Though it seemed to the world
Even though it appeared to others.
They were all I desired
Such things were never my aspiration.
They are illusions
Material wealth and fame are not genuinely meaningful or valuable.
They are not the solutions
These things are not the answer to life's problems.
They promised to be
Society suggests that these elements will bring satisfaction.
The answer was here all the time
The solution was present all along.
I love you and hope you love me
I care for and love you, and I am optimistic that you reciprocate.
Have I said too much?
Did I delve too deeply into my thoughts and feelings?
There's nothing more
I have expressed everything there is to say.
I can think of to say to you
There are no other words that come to mind at this moment.
But all you have to do is
All that's necessary is for you to
Look at me
Pay attention to me.
To know that every word is true
You can trust that everything I express is sincere and genuine.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind