Song meaning of Don't Cry by Palaye Royale

The song "Don't Cry" by Palaye Royale delves into the emotional turmoil and the damaging effects of toxic masculinity. Through vivid and poignant lyrics, the song explores the protagonist's experiences with an abusive father figure and the societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles.

In the first verse, the singer describes the distressing scenes of their mother's screams and their father's violent behavior, symbolized by the line "Hearing the screams of my mother yell, Looking at dad grab his leather belt." This imagery highlights the cycle of abuse and the impact it has on the singer's emotional well-being. The line "Holding the tears back in my eyes, 'Cause he told me that men don't cry" reflects the pressure placed on the protagonist to suppress their emotions, as crying is often associated with weakness in traditional masculinity.

The chorus, with its repetition of "Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, Men don't cry, don't cry, don't cry," emphasizes the societal expectation for men to be stoic and unemotional. It serves as a reminder of the internal struggle faced by the protagonist, torn between their natural inclination to express their emotions and the societal pressure to conform to the stereotype of a strong, unfeeling man.

In the second verse, the singer reveals the impact of their father's controlling behavior, as they conform to his demands to avoid embarrassment. The line "I look like a girl so he’s cutting my hair, I got to make sure I don’t embarrass him here" highlights the damaging effects of rigid gender expectations and the pressure to conform to societal norms.

The third verse takes a darker turn, as the protagonist reaches a breaking point. They express their pent-up anger and frustration by purchasing a gun and ultimately killing their father. The line "Watching the tears roll from his eyes, Whispered to him that men don't cry" showcases the irony and tragedy of the situation. The protagonist, driven to the edge by the toxic masculinity imposed upon them, ironically reinforces the very notion that led to their suffering.

Overall, "Don't Cry" by Palaye Royale is a powerful and thought-provoking song that sheds light on the damaging effects of toxic masculinity. It explores the internal struggle faced by individuals who are forced to suppress their emotions and conform to societal expectations, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.