The Meaning Behind The Song: The Crying Game by Dave Berry
Released in 1964 by English singer Dave Berry, “The Crying Game” is a popular ballad that has captured the hearts of many music enthusiasts around the world. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Boy George, who brought the song back to the charts in the 1992 hit film of the same name. Despite the song’s popularity, many people still wonder about its meaning and the story behind it. This article aims to explore the history and meaning of “The Crying Game.”
The History of “The Crying Game”
“The Crying Game” was written by Geoff Stephens, a British songwriter and record producer. The song was originally recorded by Dave Berry in 1964 and became a hit in the UK, reaching number five on the charts. In the United States, the song was not as successful, peaking at number 73. However, it received new attention in the 1992 film “The Crying Game,” directed by Neil Jordan. The film featured a cover version performed by Boy George, which became a hit in several countries around the world, reaching number one in the UK.
The Meaning of “The Crying Game”
The lyrics of “The Crying Game” tell the story of a man who falls in love with a woman who later reveals that she is a man. The song is a poignant exploration of deception and betrayal, as the narrator realizes that the person he loves is not who he thought they were.
The song’s opening lines set the tone for its emotional intensity:
“I know all there is to know about the crying game
I’ve had my share of the crying game
First, there are kisses, then there are sighs
And then, before you know where you are
You’re saying goodbye”
These lines describe the cycle of love and heartbreak that forms the core of the song’s story. The narrator has experienced the ups and downs of romantic relationships and is familiar with the pain of saying goodbye to someone he loves.
However, the song’s central twist is revealed in its chorus:
“The crying game, the crying game
When will it stop?
When will it all end?”
Here, the narrator reveals that the person he loves is not what he expected. The “crying game” is a metaphor for the deception he has endured, as he questions when and if the emotional pain will ever end.
FAQs
1. Did Dave Berry write “The Crying Game”?
No, “The Crying Game” was written by British songwriter and record producer Geoff Stephens.
2. What year was “The Crying Game” released?
The original version of “The Crying Game” by Dave Berry was released in 1964.
3. Who covered “The Crying Game” for the film of the same name?
Boy George covered “The Crying Game” for the 1992 film of the same name, directed by Neil Jordan.
4. What was the song’s peak position on the US charts?
“The Crying Game” peaked at number 73 on the US charts.
5. What is “The Crying Game” about?
“The Crying Game” is a song about deception and betrayal in romantic relationships. The song’s narrator falls in love with someone who later reveals they are not who they seem to be.
6. What does the “crying game” refer to?
The “crying game” is a metaphor for the emotional pain of betrayal and heartbreak.
7. What is the significance of the song’s opening lines?
The opening lines of “The Crying Game” establish the narrator’s experience with the ups and downs of romantic relationships.
8. What does the opening lines describe?
The opening lines describe the cycle of love and heartbreak that forms the core of the song’s story.
9. What is the central twist of “The Crying Game”?
The central twist of “The Crying Game” is that the person the narrator loves is not who he thought they were.
10. What is the significance of the chorus?
The chorus of “The Crying Game” expresses the narrator’s emotional pain and questions when and if it will ever end.
11. Who else has covered “The Crying Game”?
Other artists who have covered “The Crying Game” include Brenda Lee, Lulu, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
12. What is the enduring appeal of “The Crying Game”?
“The Crying Game” has enduring appeal because it explores the universal themes of love, betrayal, and heartbreak in a poignant and emotional way that resonates with listeners.
