Cry
The Waterfront Lyrics


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Please don't apologize
Just let me wipe the tears away
Don't mean to act surprised
If it's all right I'd like to stay, yeah

I know that you are not a child
But there's one thing that I love about you
Your style
Cry, please don't cry
Cry, please don't cry

I know you're just sixteen
But looking all of twenty-one
(Twenty-one, you'll be married with a gun)
Daddy would go to jail for you
If he thought you were having the wrong sort of fun

I know that you are not a child
But there's just one thing I love about you
Your style
Cry, please don't cry
Cry, please don't cry

The moment that you've gone
You know that they will talk
But they're wrong, and it makes me happy
Even when you've gone, you know I'll carry on
‘Cos I'm strong, and it makes me happy

I know that you are not a child
But there's one thing that I love about you
Your style




Don't cry, please don't cry
Cry, please don't cry

Overall Meaning

The Waterfront's song "Cry" is a heartfelt ballad about a young girl who is going through a difficult time. The song begins with the singer asking the girl not to apologize and letting him wipe away her tears. He doesn't want her to be surprised by his support and offers to stay with her through her struggles. The singer then acknowledges that although she is only sixteen, she looks older and more experienced than her age. He recognizes that her life may be difficult and that her father would do anything to keep her safe, but he still admires her style and independence.


Throughout the song, the singer encourages the girl not to cry, assuring her that she is strong and that he will carry on even after she is gone. He knows that people will talk about her, but he reminds her that their opinions are wrong and that he is happy to support her. In the end, the singer repeats that he loves her style and urges her not to cry.


The song's lyrics are extremely touching and convey a great deal of empathy and compassion for the girl's struggles. The singer recognizes the challenges she faces and offers her support and encouragement. Through his music, The Waterfront delivers a message of hope and strength, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their pain.


Line by Line Meaning

Please don't apologize
Don't feel the need to say sorry


Just let me wipe the tears away
Allow me to comfort you and dry your tears


Don't mean to act surprised
I'm not shocked by your tears


If it's all right I'd like to stay, yeah
I want to be here for you and offer my support


I know that you are not a child
I recognize that you are maturing


But there's one thing that I love about you
There is something special about you that I admire


Your style
The unique way you carry yourself and approach situations


Cry, please don't cry
I don't want to see you in pain or sadness


I know you're just sixteen
I understand that you are young and inexperienced


But looking all of twenty-one
You appear to be more mature than your actual age


(Twenty-one, you'll be married with a gun)
Society expects young women to quickly settle down and start a family, even if it means marrying for security


Daddy would go to jail for you
Your father would protect you at any cost


If he thought you were having the wrong sort of fun
He would intervene if he believed you were in danger or making poor choices


The moment that you've gone
Once you're no longer here


You know that they will talk
People will gossip and speculate about your situation


But they're wrong, and it makes me happy
Their assumptions and judgments are incorrect and it brings me joy to know the truth


Even when you've gone, you know I'll carry on
After you've left, I will continue to live my life


‘Cos I'm strong, and it makes me happy
I am resilient and it brings me happiness to overcome challenges


Don't cry, please don't cry
I care about you and I want to see you happy




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PHILIP CILIA, CHRISTOPHER DUFFY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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