Tears To Shed

Danny Elfman's 'Tears To Shed' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the lingering emotions that persist even beyond death. The song is part of the soundtrack for Tim Burton's animated film 'Corpse Bride,' and it captures the sorrow and longing of Emily, the titular corpse bride, who is grappling with her unrequited love for Victor. The lyrics are a dialogue between Emily and her companions, the Black Widow and Maggot, who try to console her by pointing out her unique qualities compared to Victor's living fiancée, Victoria.

The song delves into the theme of self-worth and the pain of feeling inadequate. Emily's companions highlight her talents and personality, suggesting that these attributes make her more deserving of love than Victoria. However, Emily counters with the stark reality that she is dead, and thus, fundamentally different from the living Victoria. This contrast underscores the song's central metaphor: the physical and emotional chasm between life and death. Despite her lack of a heartbeat, Emily's emotional pain is palpable, symbolizing that love and heartache transcend physical existence.

Emily's lament, 'if I touch a burning candle I can feel no pain,' serves as a powerful metaphor for her numbness to physical sensations, yet her heartache remains acute. This juxtaposition of physical numbness and emotional agony highlights the depth of her sorrow. The repeated refrain, 'if he only knew the you that we know,' reflects a universal longing for recognition and acceptance. Emily's tears, despite her undead state, signify that some emotions are so profound that they defy even the boundaries of life and death. The song beautifully captures the essence of unfulfilled love and the enduring nature of true emotions, making it a hauntingly beautiful piece in Elfman's repertoire.