☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a failed relationship in which the artist was cheated on by his ex-partner.
- The expression 'Cry me a river' shows that he has no sympathy for his ex-partner and rejects her apologies.
- The lyrics include elements of anger and revenge, and show that the artist has taken control of the situation.
- The song addresses themes of betrayal, heartache, and the ability to move on after a painful experience.
Interpretation
The song 'Cry Me a River' by
Justin Timberlake is about a failed relationship, where the artist expresses his pain and disappointment. In the song, he sings that his ex-partner cheated on him and he found out about it from someone else ('You don't have to say, what you did. I already know, I found out from him'). He emphasizes that there is now no chance of getting back together ('Now there's just no chance, with you and me').
The chorus 'Cry me a river' is an English expression that means 'Don't tell me sad stories'. Timberlake uses this expression to make it clear that he has no pity for his ex-partner and does not accept her apologies.
The song lyrics also contain elements of anger and revenge. He says that she must have mistaken him for 'some other guy' and that her 'bridges were burned'. He adds that now 'it's your turn to cry'. This part of the song shows that he has taken control of the situation and is ready to move on.
Overall, 'Cry Me a River' is about betrayal, heartache, and the ability to move on after a painful experience.