The Meaning Behind The Song: Even the Man In The Moon is Crying by Mark Collie
Mark Collie is a talented country singer known for his ability to convey intense emotions through his music. One of his most iconic songs is “Even the Man in the Moon is Crying,” which portrays a heart-wrenching story of love and loss. In this article, we will look at the meaning behind the song and the inspiration that drove Collie to pen this masterpiece.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
“Even the Man in the Moon is Crying” was released in 1992 as a single from Collie’s second album, “Born and Raised in Black and White.” The song was a hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It tells the story of a man mourning the loss of the love of his life, who has left him for someone else.
Collie has said that the song was inspired by his own experiences. In an interview with the Tennessean, Collie said, “I wrote ‘Even the Man in the Moon is Crying’ about a girl that I was in love with who left me for somebody else. And I would write these letters to her, and I’d sit out on my porch and try to talk myself into believing that I could see her across the mountain, across the valley, in the moonlight. Just the ridiculousness of that fantasy.”
The inspiration for the song goes back even further. Collie’s father was a DJ and record promoter in southern Ohio, and he would often play country music on the radio. Collie grew up listening to the likes of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr., and George Jones. These influences would shape Collie’s music and the emotional depth that he brings to his songs.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
“Even the Man in the Moon is Crying” is a beautiful, melancholy ballad that captures the pain of lost love. The song begins with the protagonist sitting alone in his room, listening to the rain pouring down outside. He is heartbroken, knowing that the woman he loves has chosen someone else. Throughout the song, he describes the different ways that the world around him is expressing his sorrow.
The chorus repeats the line “Even the man in the moon is crying,” which serves as a powerful symbol of the depth of the protagonist’s pain. The image of the man in the moon, a universal symbol of hope and mystery, crying tears of empathy is a haunting one.
As the song progresses, the protagonist describes the natural world mirroring his emotions. The rain is “falling down like teardrops,” the wind is “whispering your name,” and lightning strikes “like it knew.” Even the stars seem to be mourning with him, “twinkling in the night.”
The song’s final lines are a heartbreaking admission of defeat. The protagonist knows that he will never be able to forget the woman he loves: “My heart is breaking, but there’s nothing I can do. You never looked back as you walked away. And I never knew that I could hurt this way.”
The Significance of the Song
“Even the Man in the Moon is Crying” is a landmark song in country music. It showcases Collie’s talents as both a musician and a storyteller, and it speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss. The song’s melancholy tone and poetic lyrics have made it a timeless classic, still resonating with audiences today.
The song’s success also brought Collie recognition as one of the most talented songwriters and performers in the country music industry. His unique blend of emotional depth and musical skill has earned him a loyal following of fans, as well as the respect of his peers in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote “Even the Man in the Moon is Crying?”
The song was written by Mark Collie, who is also the performer. Collie is known for his powerful vocals and emotive songwriting.
What inspired the song?
The song was inspired by Collie’s own experiences with heartbreak and loss. In an interview, he mentioned that he wrote the song about a girl he was in love with who had left him for someone else.
What is the significance of the title?
The title is a metaphor for the intensity of the protagonist’s sorrow. The man in the moon is a universal symbol of hope and wonder, so the image of him crying is a powerful one, representing the depth of the protagonist’s pain.
What is the song’s message?
The song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss. It conveys the intense emotions that come with losing someone you love and the difficulty of moving on.
Is the song autobiographical?
Yes, the song is autobiographical. Collie has said that he wrote the song about a girl he was in love with who left him for someone else.
When was the song released?
The song was released in 1992 as a single from Collie’s second album, “Born and Raised in Black and White.” It reached #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Has the song won any awards?
The song has not won any major awards, but it is widely regarded as a classic in the country music genre.
Who else has covered the song?
The song has been covered by several artists, including Lee Roy Parnell, Taylor Hicks, and Ingram Hill.
What other songs has Mark Collie written?
Collie has written several other popular songs, including “Hard Lovin’ Woman,” “Even the Pain,” and “Shame Shame Shame Shame.”
What is Mark Collie doing now?
Collie is still active in the music industry, continuing to write and perform. He also works as an actor, having appeared in several films and TV shows.
Is Mark Collie related to the country singer, Ed Bruce?
No, Mark Collie is not related to the country singer, Ed Bruce. They are two distinct individuals.
How has the song influenced country music?
The song has become a classic in the country music genre, showcasing Collie’s talents as both a songwriter and a performer. Its emotional depth and universal themes have made it a touchstone for many artists in the genre.
