"Cry To Me" is a soulful and emotional song written by Bert Russell, also known as Bert Berns. It was originally released by Solomon Burke in 1961. However, Eric Burdon, an English singer, recorded a popular cover version of the song with his band, Eric Burdon & The Animals, in 1965. The song tells the story of someone feeling abandoned and lonely after their partner has left them. The protagonist is overwhelmed by the emptiness and isolation they experience when their baby (a term often used to refer to a loved one) leaves them alone. They long for the comfort of their partner's presence and yearn for someone to console them. The lyrics emphasize the sadness and longing felt in this situation, as indicated by lines like "Don't you feel like cryin'?" and "But I know / You don't ever have to walk alone." The protagonist encourages their partner to express their emotions, assuring them that they can rely on their support. They offer their shoulder to cry on and the understanding that they can share their pain. The lyrics mention being alone in a cold and lonely room, possibly symbolizing the desolation and heartache that come with being separated from a loved one. The presence of the partner's perfume scent serves as a painful reminder of their absence. The song also addresses the concept of loneliness and the emptiness it brings. It suggests that crying alone while drinking a glass of wine is a futile expression of this loneliness. It implies that sharing one's sorrows with someone can alleviate the pain and make it more bearable. In summary, "Cry To Me" is a heartfelt plea for emotional support and understanding in times of solitude and heartbreak. It highlights the importance of having someone to lean on during difficult moments and being there for each other.
