“Let Her Cry” by Hootie & the Blowfish is a poignant song from their debut album Cracked Rear View, released in 1994. The song tells the story of a relationship strained by the woman’s struggles with addiction, with the narrator torn between his love for her and the pain of watching her suffer.
The lyrics convey a sense of patience and acceptance, urging her to express her emotions and find solace, even if it means letting her go. The song became a top-10 hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1996.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Let Her Cry” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
She sits alone by a lamp post
Trying to find a thought that’s escaped her mind
She says Dar’s the one I love the most
But Stipe’s not far behind
The song begins with a woman sitting alone, trying to find a thought that has escaped her mind. She mentions loving “Dar” the most, but “Stipe” is not far behind. This verse sets the scene for a complex emotional state, possibly hinting at multiple influences or loves in her life. The reference to “Stipe” likely alludes to Michael Stipe, the lead singer of R.E.M., which could symbolize her admiration for artistic figures or a desire for something beyond her current reality.
[Verse 2]
She never lets me in
Only tell me where’s she’s been
When she’s had too much to drink
I say that I don’t care
I just run my hands through her dark hair
Then I pray to God, you gotta help me fly away and just
This verse delves into the relationship dynamics. The woman doesn’t let the narrator in emotionally; she only shares where she’s been. When she’s drunk, the narrator claims not to care but shows affection by running his hands through her hair. He then prays for help to escape the situation. This shows a mix of detachment and deep emotional involvement, highlighting the challenges of loving someone struggling with addiction.
[Chorus]
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, let her be
The chorus is a plea for patience and understanding. It suggests allowing her to express her emotions (“let her cry”) and find solace in her voice (“let her sing”), even if it means letting her go. The repetition of “let her be” emphasizes a desire to give her space and freedom, even if it means losing her.
[Verse 3]
This morning I woke up alone
Found a note standin’ by the phone
Saying maybe, maybe I’ll be back some day
I wanted to look for you
You walked in, I didn’t know just what I should do
So I sat back down and had a beer and felt sorry for myself
Saying
The narrator wakes up alone with a note suggesting the woman might return someday. When she walks in, he’s unsure how to react and resorts to drinking and feeling sorry for himself. This verse captures the uncertainty and emotional turmoil in the relationship.
[Chorus]
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, let her be
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the themes of acceptance and letting go. It’s a message of love and support, even in the face of potential loss.
[Bridge]
Last night I tried to leave
Cried so much, I could not believe
She was the same girl I fell in love with long ago
She went in the back to get high
I sat down on my couch and cried
Yelling, “Oh mama, please help me”
Won’t you hold my hand and
In the bridge, the narrator tries to leave but is overwhelmed by emotions. He recalls the woman he once fell in love with, now lost to substance abuse. He cries out for help, symbolizing his desperation and inability to cope with the situation alone.
[Chorus]
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, oh, let her be
The final repetition of the chorus drives home the message of acceptance and the need to let her find her own path, even if it means moving on without him.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Let Her Cry”
“Let Her Cry” by Hootie & the Blowfish is a song that delves into themes of love, patience, and the complexities of relationships, particularly those marred by substance abuse. The song tells the story of a woman struggling with drug and alcohol issues, and the narrator’s efforts to be patient and supportive despite the challenges this presents. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and concern, as the narrator tries to navigate the situation while maintaining his love for her.
The song’s origins are deeply personal, as Darius Rucker, the lead singer, has shared that he was inspired by his own experiences with heartbreak and substance use. Rucker has mentioned that he was influenced by other artists, such as the Black Crowes and Bonnie Raitt, when writing the song. He recalls being in a state of emotional turmoil and intoxication when he penned the lyrics, which flowed from a stream of consciousness. This personal connection adds depth to the song’s narrative, making it more relatable and authentic.
The song’s message can be interpreted as a reflection on the fragility of relationships and the importance of empathy. It suggests that sometimes, the best course of action is to let someone go, not out of abandonment, but out of respect for their journey and the understanding that one cannot fix another person’s problems. This theme resonates with listeners who have experienced similar situations, making “Let Her Cry” not just a hit single but a poignant reflection of human vulnerability.
Despite some criticisms that the song endorses passivity or romanticizes substance abuse, it is more accurately seen as a portrayal of the complexities and difficulties in relationships. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the emotional nuances of love and heartache, making it a timeless classic in the 1990s music scene. “Let Her Cry” remains a significant part of Hootie & the Blowfish’s legacy, symbolizing the band’s ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners on an emotional level.
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