Big Girls Don't Cry
The 4 Seasons feat. Frankie Valli Lyrics


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Big girls don't cry
Big girls don't cry

Big girls don't cry (they don't cry)
Big girls don't cry (who said they don't cry?)
My girl said goodbye (my, oh, my)
My girl didn't cry (I wonder why)
(Silly boy) told my girl we had to break up
(Silly boy) hoped that she would call my bluff
(Silly boy) then she said to my surprise
"Big girls don't cry"

Big girls don't cry (they don't cry)
Big girls don't cry (who said they don't cry?)

(Maybe) I was cruel (I was cruel)
Baby I'm a fool (I'm such a fool)

(Silly girl) "Shame on you" your mama said
(Silly girl) "Shame on you, you're cryin' in bed"
(Silly girl) "Shame on you, you told me lies"
Big girls do cry

Big girls don't cry (they don't cry)
Big girls don't cry (that's just an alibi)

Big girls don't cry
Big girls don't cry
Big girls don't cry




Big girls don't cry
Big girls don't cry

Overall Meaning

The 4 Seasons' hit song "Big Girls Don't Cry" is an upbeat song that speaks about how big girls are strong and do not cry in difficult times. The first verse of the song starts with "Big girls don't cry, they don't cry." The song is an ode to the idea that it's okay to be independent and able to manage emotions independently. The chorus is a direct address to the singer's ex-girlfriend, with Frankie Valli singing, "My girl said goodbye, my oh my, my girl didn't cry, I wonder why" he goes on to claim that big girls cannot cry as it weakens their character. However, the verses show the vulnerability of both the singer and the love interest.


The song seems to be about a relationship that has gone sour, with the boy hoping that his girlfriend would call his bluff and return to him. However, the girlfriend surprises him by refusing to break down in front of him, saying "big girls don't cry." The boy does not understand why his girlfriend is suddenly so strong when he thought she was a 'little girl' and fragile. The second verse shows a reversal of roles with the singer admitting to his wrongdoing. The following line is sung by Frankie Valli, "Baby I'm a fool, I'm such a fool," alluding to his realization that he was wrong to treat his girlfriend so poorly. Overall, the song tells a story of heartbreak, regret and moving on, while highlighting the strength of women and how important it is for them to remain strong in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Big girls don't cry
A real woman would never breakdown and cry over a break up.


Big girls don't cry (they don't cry)
It's important for women to remain composed and not show weakness.


Big girls don't cry (who said they don't cry?)
Contrary to popular belief, women do have emotions and can feel sadness.


My girl said goodbye (my, oh, my)
My girlfriend ended our relationship and it was a shock to me.


My girl didn't cry (I wonder why)
I expected her to be emotional about the break up, but she didn't show any tears.


(Silly boy) told my girl we had to break up
I made the mistake of telling my girlfriend we needed to end things.


(Silly boy) hoped that she would call my bluff
I was hoping she wouldn't take me seriously when I said we should break up.


(Silly boy) then she said to my surprise
To my surprise, she didn't argue or beg to stay together.


"Big girls don't cry"
She responded to my suggestion to break up by reminding me that a woman should be strong and not cry over a man.


(Maybe) I was cruel (I was cruel)
Looking back, I realize I may have been harsh in suggesting we end things.


Baby I'm a fool (I'm such a fool)
I now understand that I made a mistake and regret letting her go.


(Silly girl) "Shame on you" your mama said
Her mother scolded her for being upset about the break up.


(Silly girl) "Shame on you, you're cryin' in bed"
Her mother didn't believe a strong woman should let a man bring her to tears.


(Silly girl) "Shame on you, you told me lies"
Her mother accused her of being dishonest and not truly being a strong, independent woman.


Big girls do cry
It's unrealistic to think that women can suppress their emotions and never cry.


Big girls don't cry (that's just an alibi)
The notion that women shouldn't cry is just a facade to maintain a tough exterior.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tobias Gad, Stacy Ferguson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Andy Sadongei

Obviously this isn’t a pre-recorded track, they’re preforming live....they are very talented and underrated. Frankie Valli has a great voice

Isaiah Simmons

so underrated that he got $80 million networth and being in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame brother if that's underrated than wow if all he's highly rated even though he have giant influence on the genre

Joe Clayton

an electric guitar with no cord and it's live? hmmmm

Emily Villeneuve

I remember listening to this as a teenager when the song first came out with my boyfriend who happens to be my husband today. Brings back so many happy memories and makes you appreciate them all. I put this song on now to remind my husband of how we used to dance to it and he got up and started dancing with me. Some things never change. Just live life to the fullest and don't worry about looks, money or any nonsense and just take time to stop and look around at life and have fun with family and friends because they won't be around forever.

Bob Beddingfield

This song hit #1 four days after I was born! I've heard it all my life but never knew that's what Mom and Dad were listening to when I arrived in this world.

Liam Smith

I saw Frankie Valli live last year in November for his farewell tour, and he's still got it!

Anime H.c

Excelente canción. La musica del ayer es lo máximo. Lo de ahora ya no. Frankie Valli eres grande.

robert john

Great Music never dies!!!

Juanita Lopez

Isabel Arguedas

the best time

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