Why I Cry
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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All the summer days
Where we used to play
Walking hand in hand
Castles in the sand

So you said "Goodnight"
But you meant "Goodbye"
Now our love has died
This is why I cry, cry

From the madding crowd
Pointing up at clouds
Summer turned to fall
Pictures on the wall

So you said "Goodnight"
But you meant "Goodbye"
Now our love has died
This is why I cry, cry

So you said "Goodnight"
But you meant "Goodbye"




Now our love has died
This is why I cry, cry

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields' "Why I Cry" is a poignant portrayal of lost love and the pain that resounds in the aftermath. Throughout the song, the singer reflects on memories of summer days spent hand in hand, building castles in the sand, and admiring the clouds. However, the relationship ultimately falls apart, with the significant other saying goodnight but clearly meaning goodbye. The second verse sees the seasons change as summer turns to fall, but nostalgic pictures on the wall serve as painful reminders of what was. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the sadness and isolation that a breakup can bring.


While the lyrics of "Why I Cry" may seem straightforward, they are bolstered by the Magnetic Fields' signature blend of indie-folk instrumentation and lead singer Stephin Merritt's deep vocals. The melancholic tone is set by a slow, steady drumbeat, acoustic guitar chords, and airy synth notes. The song's structure is minimalistic but effective, with the majority of the song being comprised of two verses and a chorus. The repetition of the chorus drives home the main message of the song: that heartbreak can leave us feeling isolated and alone.


In essence, "Why I Cry" serves as a masterclass in songwriting that packs a wallop despite its modest length. The Magnetic Fields have crafted a song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss, and one that remains eminently relatable decades after its release.



Line by Line Meaning

All the summer days
Every time we spent together during summer


Where we used to play
The times we spent having fun together


Walking hand in hand
Holding each other's hand while taking a walk


Castles in the sand
Building sand castles on the beach


So you said "Goodnight"
When you told me goodnight


But you meant "Goodbye"
You were actually saying goodbye forever


Now our love has died
Our relationship is over and there's no chance of getting back together


This is why I cry, cry
This is the reason why I'm in tears


From the madding crowd
Away from the busy and noisy places


Pointing up at clouds
Looking at the sky and pointing at the clouds


Summer turned to fall
The season changed from summer to fall


Pictures on the wall
Memories captured by photos hanging on the wall


So you said "Goodnight"
When you told me goodnight


But you meant "Goodbye"
You were actually saying goodbye forever


Now our love has died
Our relationship is over and there's no chance of getting back together


This is why I cry, cry
This is the reason why I'm in tears


So you said "Goodnight"
When you told me goodnight


But you meant "Goodbye"
You were actually saying goodbye forever


Now our love has died
Our relationship is over and there's no chance of getting back together


This is why I cry, cry
This is the reason why I'm in tears




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephin Raymond Merritt

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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