Boys Don't Cry

Joseph Lawrence's song 'Boys Don't Cry' delves into the complex interplay of masculinity and emotional expression. The lyrics poignantly address the societal expectations placed on men to suppress their feelings, encapsulated in the repeated lines 'Son don't cry, If father don't cry, Brother won't cry, 'Cause boys don't cry.' This refrain serves as a stark reminder of the generational pressures that dictate how men are often expected to handle their emotions in a stoic manner.

The song begins with a personal struggle, describing an internal battle ('Fighting the wave, Moving with caution') and the concealment of pain ('Tears on my pillow, I'll throw it away'). Lawrence uses these images to illustrate the loneliness and isolation that can accompany the adherence to traditional masculine norms. The mention of hiding 'in the rain' and having a heart 'Surrounded by a cage' further symbolizes the confinement and restraint imposed by these societal expectations.

Towards the end of the song, there is a subtle shift in tone with the line 'Cry your eyes out, 'Cause boys don't cry.' This paradoxical statement may suggest a moment of catharsis or a call to challenge the norm, urging listeners to recognize the harm in suppressing emotions. By highlighting these contradictions, Lawrence encourages a conversation about the need for emotional honesty and the redefinition of strength beyond mere stoicism.