These Tears

Nik Kershaw's song 'These Tears' delves into the complex emotions of loss and remembrance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is visibly distressed, with tears streaming down her face. Despite being in a 'happy place,' she is unable to find solace, as she grapples with the pain of letting go of someone significant. The tears she sheds are not just expressions of sorrow but are also a poignant reminder of the person she has lost. They serve as a tangible connection to her memories, encapsulating both the sweetness and the sorrow of her past relationship.

The chorus emphasizes the importance of these tears, describing them as 'all I have to remind me.' This repetition underscores the idea that the tears are a crucial part of her grieving process. They are not just a sign of her sadness but also a way for her to keep the memory of her loved one alive. The tears are described as 'sweet,' suggesting that there is a certain comfort in her sorrow, a bittersweet acknowledgment of the love she once had.

The song also touches on the idea of acceptance and the difficulty of moving on. The woman in the song would rather continue crying than forget her loved one, indicating that her tears are a form of tribute. They are his 'epitaph,' a way to honor his memory. The line 'if she didn't cry, she'd laugh' suggests that without her tears, she might resort to a hollow, forced happiness. The tears, therefore, are a more genuine expression of her feelings, allowing her to process her grief in a way that feels authentic to her.