The song "How Cruel" by Joan Armatrading touches on themes of discrimination, judgment, and the cruelty that can be inflicted upon someone based on their identity or appearance. In the lyrics, Armatrading describes the different ways in which people display their desire to harm or belittle her. Some want to see her hurt physically, while others find satisfaction in seeing her emotionally vulnerable and crying. She also mentions encountering racial prejudice, with someone criticizing her for being "too black" or not being "black enough" for their standards. The line "I bite my tongue and it bites me back" suggests that Armatrading has to suppress her true feelings or opinions, but doing so has negative consequences for her. The line "I bought a house and the neighbors moved" implies that even her success or achievements are met with disapproval or rejection. The reference to her stolen dog may symbolize a loss of security or trust, further emphasizing the theme of cruelty and betrayal. Armatrading expresses a feeling of helplessness, as she feels that there are external forces conspiring against her. The phrase "It must be something I have no control of" suggests that she believes others hold power over her fate and can cause her harm without her ability to prevent it. The metaphor of slipping and falling on the skin of a fruit indicates that she may be constantly vulnerable to the traps and obstacles set by others, which she cannot avoid or escape. Throughout the song, Armatrading emphasizes the cruelty of making a girl cry, highlighting the emotional pain inflicted upon her. The repetition of the phrase "Oh how cruel to make a girl cry" emphasizes the depth of this hurt. Overall, "How Cruel" reflects on the injustices and mistreatment directed towards Armatrading, particularly based on her identity, and the frustration and vulnerability she feels as a result.
