Who's Cryin' Now

Journey's song "Who's Cryin' Now" delves into the complexities and paradoxes of romantic relationships. The lyrics explore the pain and confusion that often accompany love, even when it seems to be something inherently good. The opening lines, "It's been a mystery / Still they try to see / Why something good / Can hurt so bad," set the stage for a narrative that grapples with the duality of love—its ability to bring both joy and sorrow. This duality is further emphasized by the metaphor of a "one-way street" and the "taste of bittersweet," suggesting that love is a journey filled with both pleasure and pain.

The chorus highlights the intense emotions that fuel a relationship, with lines like "One love feeds the fire / One heart burns desire." This imagery of fire and desire underscores the passion that can both sustain and consume a relationship. The repeated question, "Wonder who's cryin' now," serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitable heartache that comes with love. It suggests that in the end, someone will always be left feeling lonely and hurt, despite the initial promise of mutual happiness.

The song also touches on the stubbornness and resilience of lovers who refuse to change their "headstrong ways," even if it means enduring "so many stormy nights" and "wrong or rights." This persistence is portrayed as both a strength and a weakness, as it leads to continuous conflict but also to the preservation of love. The final lines, "Only so many tears / You can cry / 'Til the heartache is over / And now you can say / Your love will never die," offer a glimmer of hope. They suggest that after enduring the trials and tribulations, love can emerge stronger and more enduring.