Boys Don’t Cry (The Cure)

“Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure explores themes of emotional repression and the societal expectation for men to suppress their feelings, particularly sadness and vulnerability.

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The song’s lyrics reflect a narrative of a man struggling with the societal pressure to appear strong and unemotional.

The line “I would say I’m sorry” suggests a desire to express remorse or vulnerability but is immediately followed by “If I thought that you’d understand” which implies that such an expression would not be accepted or understood.

The chorus, “Boys don’t cry,” serves as a refrain that underscores the central theme of emotional repression.

This phrase is both a societal dictum and a personal mantra that the protagonist is trying to internalize.

The song’s melancholic tone and Robert Smith’s emotive vocals further emphasize the internal conflict and the pain of conforming to societal norms.

The repetition of “Boys don’t cry” throughout the song highlights the cyclical nature of this emotional suppression, suggesting that it is a deeply ingrained and pervasive issue.