"Two Tears" by Joan Armatrading is a powerful and emotionally charged song about a person who has endured heartbreak and mistreatment in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and personal growth, as the protagonist decides to no longer allow themselves to be hurt. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that they have cried many tears for their partner, implying that this is not the first time they have experienced pain in this relationship. They express their determination to not go through this kind of emotional turmoil again. Throughout the song, the singer refers to the cyclical nature of life, comparing it to the phases of nature such as rainstorms giving way to sunshine and night turning into day. This serves as a metaphor for the painful cycle they have experienced but also offers hope for a new beginning. Despite being treated poorly by their partner and feeling dragged down, the singer finds solace in the stars, symbolizing hope and the potential for a brighter future. They declare that their luck has changed and they will not take their partner back. The chorus emphasizes the transformation and liberation that the singer experiences. They describe it as a miracle, as time itself seems to halt so that they can witness this pivotal moment in their life. The revelation they encounter is life-changing, indicating a profound shift in their perspective and mindset. The bridge of the song reveals the extent of the mistreatment they have endured. The singer compares their own vulnerable state to that of a puppy dog crawling, highlighting the power dynamics in the relationship. Despite this, they had always rushed to respond when their partner called, indicating their strong emotional attachment. However, in the final verses, the singer takes control of their life, reclaiming their independence and agency. They acknowledge that they had given their partner control over them, but they are now reclaiming their possessions and no longer submitting to their influence. The singer refers to their partner as a hypnotist, suggesting that they had manipulated and controlled them. Overall, "Two Tears" is a song about overcoming heartbreak, finding inner strength, and breaking free from an unhealthy and toxic relationship. It showcases the singer's resilience and determination to no longer be mistreated, ultimately leading to personal growth and independence.
