Cry Over Boys

Alexander 23's 'Cry Over Boys' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the self-inflicted pain of romanticizing people who are not worth the tears. The song opens with a poignant observation about crying over boys who haven't even been met in real life, highlighting the disconnect between reality and the idealized versions of people we create in our minds. This theme is further emphasized by the line, 'you know he is the worst, but you tell all your friends he seems nice,' which underscores the tendency to overlook red flags in favor of a more comforting narrative.

The lyrics also touch on the repetitive cycle of heartbreak and the futility of certain actions, such as 'staining your pillow with makeup' and 'dressing up to be let down.' These lines paint a vivid picture of the emotional labor and physical effort that go into maintaining appearances, only to end up disappointed. The song questions the point of these efforts, asking, 'Aren't you tired of getting hurt? Aren't you sick of making it worse?' This rhetorical questioning serves as a wake-up call, urging the listener to break free from this destructive pattern.

The chorus, with its repetition of 'you cry over boys you know would never cry about you,' drives home the asymmetry in emotional investment. The imagery of a phone 'darker than a tattoo' symbolizes the void left by someone who once brought light into the protagonist's life. The song concludes with a series of questions, 'When you gonna learn?' which serves as both a critique and a plea for self-awareness. Alexander 23 masterfully captures the essence of youthful heartbreak and the often irrational nature of love, making 'Cry Over Boys' a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt the sting of unreciprocated affection.