"Kept Me Crying" by HAIM expresses the pain and heartbreak of a one-sided love. The song depicts a person who is constantly yearning for someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings anymore. The lyrics reflect the narrator's struggle to move on and accept the reality that their love is no longer valued. The opening lines "When you sleep, are you dreaming of me?/ Hurts to say, but I'm always awake" reveal the narrator's longing for their love interest, even in their dreams. Despite the pain they feel, they are unable to let go, constantly hoping for a change. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the narrator will always be there for the person they love. They are willing to wait and pick up the phone if they call, even though they acknowledge that they shouldn't hold onto false hope. The repeated phrase "Kept me crying for so long, my tears have dried" reveals the emotional toll this unrequited love has taken on them. The lyrics also touch on the struggle of trying to forget the person who no longer loves them. Lines such as "When I hear your voice, those tears they come back to mind" emphasize the pain that resurfaces whenever they are reminded of the past. The narrator expresses how wrecked they still feel, even though the relationship is over. The bridge of the song delves into the realization that the narrator is now just an afterthought for their former lover. They were once the lover and friend, but now they are only contacted when the other person wants to forget their problems or fill a void. It is a bittersweet recognition of their diminished importance in the other person's life. The closing lines "After all these tears/ After all my years of trying/ I don't wanna hear/ That none of it meant anything" speak to the narrator's struggle to accept that their love wasn't valued. They have invested so much emotion, time, and effort into the relationship, only to find out it wasn't reciprocated. Overall, "Kept Me Crying" portrays the pain, longing, and frustration of unrequited love. It delves into the complex emotions experienced when someone realizes they are no longer loved or needed by the person they hold dear.
