"Don't Cry" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears, taken from her eighth full-length studio album, Britney Jean. It was released on November 29, 2013, appearing as the tenth track on every edition of the album.
Background[]
"Don't Cry" was written and produced by will.i.am, with additional writing from Richard Gonzalez, Joshua Lopez and Spears herself, and production from Zach Heiligman, DJ Keebz and LWAM.
The song is listed in the BMI repertoire, crediting Spears as both a co-writer and performer.[1]
Composition[]
"Don't Cry" is a pop ballad with elements of electronic, acoustic and R&B, running three minutes and fifteen seconds in length. It is composed in the key of B minor with 140 beats per minute, corresponding to 10A in the Camelot system.
Critical reception[]
"Don't Cry" received a mixed-to-positive reception, with critics praising Spears' vocals and lyrics while also complimenting will.i.am’s production. It would later be recognized as Spears' "best vocal performances on the album."
Lyrical theme[]
"Don't Cry" is about the mutual and necessary acceptance of a final breakup, focusing on both partners being strong and moving on without seeing the other cry.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
If they told me it's over, I wouldn't believe it
Because you know we both care
But we gotta get over, over the mountain
We can't keep standing, standing there
Let's move on and be stronger
Even though we can't go let go
Can't hold on, when love's broken
[Chorus]
This is going to be our last goodbye
Our love is gone, but I'll survive
Hide my tears and dry my eyes
You don't need to see me cry
Pack my bags, can't take no more
Adios, I'm out the door
Hide your tears and dry your eyes
'Cause I don't want to see you cry
[Post-Chorus]
Don't cry, don't cry, cry, cry
Don't cry, cry, don't cry
Don't cry, cry, cry
[Verse 2]
In the beginning, we were both crazy
We were crazy in love
Now that it's ending, we are just crazy
Because we love with no trust
Can't go on any longer
Babe, we gotta let it go
Move on, can't hold on, when love's broken
[Chorus]
This is going to be our last goodbye
Our love is gone, but I'll survive
Hide my tears and dry my eyes
You don't need to see me cry
Pack my bags, can't take no more
Adios, I'm out the door
Hide your tears and dry your eyes
'Cause I don't want to see you cry
This is going to be our last goodbye
Our love is gone, but I'll survive
Hide my tears and dry my eyes
You don't need to see me cry
Pack my bags, can't take no more
Adios, I'm out the door
Hide your tears and dry your eyes
'Cause I don't want to see you cry
[Post-Chorus]
Don't cry, don't cry, cry, cry
Don't cry, cry, don't cry
Don't cry, cry, cry
Credits and personnel[]
Credit list for "Don't Cry":
- Britney Spears - lead vocalist, songwriter
- will.i.am - songwriter, producer, executive producer, engineer, recording engineer
- Richard Gonzalez - songwriter
- Joshua Lopez - songwriter, acoustic guitarist
- Padraic Kerin - engineer, recording engineer
- Anthony Preston - associate executive producer
- Chico Bennett - co-producer
- Richard "Humpty" Vission - co-producer
- Zach Heiligman - producer
- DJ Keebz - producer
- LWAM - producer
- Joe Peluso - mixer
- Myah Marie - background vocalist
Recorded at The Future in Los Angeles, California, United States. Published by BMG Sapphire Songs, Britney Spears Music, i.am.composing llc and Universal Music–Z Songs
