The song "Crying Like A Man" by Joseph Arthur explores themes of destruction, deceit, surrender, and emotional vulnerability. The lyrics convey a sense of inner turmoil and confusion. The first verse suggests that in order to protect one's creations and inventions, one must destroy those who pose a threat. It emphasizes the need to work hard and ignore good intentions in order to achieve this. The song also questions the motives behind certain choices and voices, hinting at a feeling of uncertainty. The chorus expresses a desire to surrender and let go, to be quiet and not disturb others. It suggests that whining or complaining should be replaced with the act of drinking wine, metaphorically representing a way to cleanse oneself internally. The following lyrics mention pretending to be a conductor without music, a maestro without an orchestra, and a god without a man. These comparisons highlight a sense of emptiness or disconnection. The line "Me without you, holding your hand" suggests a sense of dependency and vulnerability. The second verse uses metaphorical language to describe a relationship or connection. The spider represents a manipulative or deceitful presence, while the fly symbolizes the vulnerable or unsuspecting individual. The lyrics suggest that when one is meek or submissive, they can still be suspicious and faithlessly religious. Overall, the song seems to explore feelings of inner conflict, longing for connection, and the struggle to reconcile one's emotions and actions. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and the need to confront and express one's true emotions.
