Cry Baby

Melanie Martinez's 'Cry Baby' is a poignant exploration of vulnerability and emotional expression. The song delves into the experience of being overwhelmed by one's feelings and the subsequent judgment from others. Martinez uses the metaphor of a 'cry baby' to describe a person who feels deeply and is often seen crying. The lyrics suggest that this person replaces their rational thought ('brain') with their emotions ('heart'), leading to a display of tears that others can visibly see. The repeated imagery of a faucet in the eyes paints a vivid picture of uncontrollable crying, symbolizing an overflow of emotions that the body cannot contain.

The chorus of 'Cry Baby' is a defiant reclaiming of the term, as the protagonist declares that they don't care about the label. This defiance is coupled with a sense of solidarity, as the singer later reveals that they share the same emotional trait, suggesting a deep understanding and acceptance of their own sensitivity. The repetition of 'you just let them drown' implies a resignation to the tears, an acceptance of sorrow as a natural part of life that doesn't need to be hidden or fixed.

Melanie Martinez is known for her dark, theatrical approach to pop music, often incorporating themes of childhood and innocence with a twisted edge. 'Cry Baby' fits within this aesthetic, as it uses childlike language and concepts to discuss adult emotions and experiences. The song's message encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, even if it leads to being misunderstood or labeled by others. It's a call to be authentic and to find strength in what is often perceived as a weakness, turning the derogatory term 'cry baby' into a badge of honor.