Crying

Don McLean's song 'Crying' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who believed they had moved on from a past relationship, only to be overwhelmed by a wave of emotions upon encountering their former lover. The initial lines, 'I was all right for a while, I could smile for a while,' suggest a temporary sense of normalcy and healing. However, this facade quickly crumbles when the protagonist sees their ex-partner, leading to an uncontrollable outpouring of tears.

The song's chorus, 'crying over you, crying over you,' emphasizes the depth of the protagonist's sorrow. The repetition of the word 'crying' underscores the intensity and persistence of their pain. The encounter with the ex-lover, who casually says 'Hello' and 'So long,' highlights the stark contrast between the protagonist's lingering feelings and the ex-partner's apparent indifference. This disparity is further accentuated by the line, 'It's hard to understand that the touch of your hand can start me crying,' illustrating how even a simple gesture can trigger a flood of emotions.

McLean's poignant lyrics capture the essence of unrequited love and the heartache that accompanies it. The realization that 'I love you even more than I did before' despite knowing that 'you don't love me' is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love and the pain of unreciprocated feelings. The song's melancholic tone and evocative imagery resonate with anyone who has experienced the sting of unrequited love, making 'Crying' a timeless ballad of heartache and longing.