"Cry To Me" by John Hiatt is a heartfelt and emotional song that explores themes of pain, betrayal, and finding solace in a supportive relationship. The lyrics depict a situation where the speaker feels overwhelmed by their troubles. The darkness is closing in, and it feels like trouble is on the horizon. The sharp tongues of others can burst any hopeful bubble the speaker may have. However, nobody wants to acknowledge or discuss the pain they are experiencing. Others seem to take pleasure in playing with the speaker's emotions, causing them to feel helpless and heartbroken. Underhanded dealings and double crosses only add to their distress. All they ever wanted was a chance to start anew, but it seems to be out of their reach. In the chorus, the speaker offers a sympathetic ear, telling the person in distress to cry to them and even lie if needed. They admit that they may let the person down at times, but they promise not to keep them down for long. The speaker wants to provide support and understanding, even though they may not be able to solve all their problems. The song also references the memories of Highway 19, which haunt the speaker. The presence of broken windows and crushing blows symbolize the difficulties and adversity they have faced. Love, for the speaker, seems to always be searching for its own ghost, possibly implying that they have encountered pain and trauma in previous relationships. Despite this, they still desire the love and acceptance of others and are willing to overlook the past hurts. The bridge of the song suggests that something good can sometimes come from lying because it offers temporary relief. However, the alternative of constantly crying and feeling downtrodden can be even worse. It emphasizes the importance of finding support and comfort in others during difficult times. Overall, "Cry To Me" conveys a message of perseverance through pain and the importance of finding someone who will be there to offer comfort and understanding. It acknowledges the struggles of life while asserting that there is always hope for brighter days ahead.
