"Make You Cry" by Walker Hayes is a heartfelt country song about a man who takes pride in being able to bring his partner to tears, not out of sadness or pain, but out of overwhelming love and emotion. The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about his early days of learning to play the guitar, specifically the six-string guitar. He admits that he struggled to express his love for his partner verbally, but found a way to connect with her through music. He recalls a specific moment where he serenaded her while nervously sweating, channeling the music of Keith Whitley. Surprisingly, his efforts worked, as his partner's tears conveyed her deep emotions and love for him. The chorus emphasizes the narrator's delight in making his partner cry. He believes that her tears are a testament to his ability to touch her heart and evoke strong emotions. He sees her tears as a indication that he has achieved the right emotional response and that he is doing something right in their relationship. In the second verse, the narrator reflects on a significant moment in their journey together. He references getting a ring before formally asking her parents for their blessing, showing his commitment to their relationship. He shares a memory of driving around Gulf Shores and talking to a little black box on the dashboard, likely referring to a voice recorder or a recording device capturing their memories. The second chorus expresses the narrator's understanding that he has hit the right emotional chord when his partner's eyes well up with tears, resembling vast oceans. He believes that making her cry, with mascara running down her face, is a sign that he has touched her deeply and that their love is profound. The bridge acknowledges that sometimes the intensity of her tears can be overwhelming for him as well. He admits that there are moments when he wants to run away from the room, but he can't help but join in when he sees her crying. He encourages her to freely release her emotions, assuring her that there is no shame in shedding tears. In the final chorus, the narrator reiterates his love for making his partner cry, acknowledging that he feels no need to lie about it. He appreciates the vulnerability and depth of their connection, expressing his joy in witnessing her tears. Overall, "Make You Cry" is a song that celebrates the power of emotional connection and the ability to evoke deep feelings in a relationship. It emphasizes the beauty of vulnerability and the profound impact that love can have on two people.
