In pursuit of the first guitar solo for “Cry,” the song underwent numerous iterations before the perfect match was found. I enlisted the talents of three different guitarists before finally stumbling upon the solo that seamlessly complemented the song. I had a specific request, “Be better than my favorite solo: Hotel California,” I told them. Dumi responded, “I know the solo from Hotel California by heart. So I guess I will take it as a reference.”

Parenthood and the Lack Thereof

The song begins with a memory that I feel I thought to life. My 5-year-old daughter once asked, “Dad, do you have a dad?” In that moment, I was paralyzed, and it felt like everything was moving in slow motion. This incident prompted me to reflect on my own childhood, where my parents were absent. For years, I had rationalized their absence, but as I became a parent myself, I began to see the full extent of its impact. I realized that I had underestimated the effects of their absence and, perhaps even more significantly, the impact of my silence on this matter.

Do You Know?

I cannot confirm or deny whether Arianna Grande is the one singing the chorus, which goes, “You don’t know why this cry. Don’t pretend this is a lie.” This chorus mirrors my feelings of frustration and being fed up, symbolizing the inner hell we often conceal. Our goal is to convey that it’s okay to address misunderstandings. Many of us wear a social mask, pretending that everything is fine, when beneath the surface, we are actually grappling with pain.

Rewriting the Narrative

In the second verse, I truly express maturity, rapping, “I’m not a middle-aged man criticizing my teenage parents. They were young when they had me,” acknowledging their own struggles as young parents. What I’m trying to do is rewrite my story, not just for me but for my children. I want to disrupt the cycles of generational pain and ignorance, offering a more solid foundation for my kids.

A Powerful Conclusion

The song wraps with a message emphasizing the significance of expressing love for your children. Some parents may attempt to undermine your parenting if they witness your struggles, which can be deeply hurtful. “They ain’t gon’ shit back and let some fatherless and/or motherless child out-do their kids, in their mind.” This could be even more traumatizing for the child than parental neglect, as I can attest, “Trust me. I know.” Nevertheless, we mustn’t allow others’ (or our own) unhealthy perspectives define us. Taking inspiration from the great Jay-Z, the line, “But you won’t see ’em coming down my eyes. I let the guitar cry,” signifies that I’ve channeled my tears into this song rather than shedding them onto a pillow or seeking solace from a sympathetic shoulder.

Finding Solace in Music

I can’t recall the last time I shed tears, but music, especially this song, serves as an excellent substitute. It’s about recognizing our past, comprehending it, and moving forward. We all carry our unique stories that shape us, yet they need not confine us. We can evolve, we can mend, and we can pave a brighter path for our children.

So, take a moment to listen to “Cry,” and I hope you discover it as therapeutic as I do. Let the music confront and gently remind you that it’s okay to forgive, to heal, and to cry.

Cry lyrics