About the song
The O’Jays, renowned for their soulful harmonies and timeless R&B sound, delivered a poignant and emotionally charged performance with their 1972 hit “Cry Together.” This track stands as a quintessential example of the group’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with lush, orchestral arrangements, underscoring their significant impact on the genre.
The O’Jays, formed in the early 1950s in Canton, Ohio, initially gained attention as a gospel group before transitioning to rhythm and blues. By the early 1970s, they had become a leading force in the soul music scene, thanks in part to their collaborations with producer Kenneth Gamble and songwriter Leon Huff. Their work with Gamble and Huff, who were at the helm of the Philadelphia International Records label, marked a significant turning point in their career, culminating in a series of critically acclaimed albums and hit singles.
“Cry Together” is a standout track from the album “Back Stabbers,” released in 1972. The album itself was a major success, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification. The song exemplifies the O’Jays’ ability to capture the essence of emotional vulnerability and shared experiences in their music. With its evocative lyrics and soulful delivery, “Cry Together” explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the shared pain of a troubled relationship.
The track’s success on the charts, including its impressive positioning on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidified The O’Jays’ reputation as leading figures in soul music. The emotional depth and social commentary embedded in “Cry Together” reflect the broader narrative of the O’Jays’ work during this period, addressing personal and communal struggles with a blend of empathy and resilience.
The O’Jays’ ability to connect with their audience through sincere and relatable themes, coupled with their distinctive sound, has earned them a lasting place in the pantheon of great R&B artists. “Cry Together” remains a testament to their skill in conveying complex emotions through music, resonating with listeners across generations. For those who appreciate the soulful depth and nuanced storytelling of classic R&B, this track is a compelling reminder of The O’Jays’ significant contribution to the genre.
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Lyrics
You know, me and my woman
We’ve been goin’ through a lot of changes for about six months or so
It’s been real hard to talk to one another
You know a relationship ain’t nothin’ without communication
How we were lying in bed, the both of us lookin’ at the ceiling overhead
Eyes wide open about three O’clock in the mornin’
I said, “Baby, we can’t go on this way”
She said, “You’re right”
I said, “I know you love me and I love you”
Then we start holding each other
And I felt a tear roll down my face
Last night me and my woman
We cried, cried together
Said we cry, cry, cry
We cry together, oh, oh
Ain’t nothin’ wrong with you, no
There ain’t nothin’ wrong with me, uh uh
We’re not the only people in the world
Who go through ups and downs
All we have to do is talk
We can work it out
Oh, oh, let me kiss your eyes
Let me wipe your tears away
Let me hold you tight
Tomorrow we’ll feel better ‘cause it’s a brand new day
Oh, last night me and my woman
We cried together
Said we cry, cry, cry, cry
We cry together, oh, oh
Now we had times when we’d laughed hearty
We’d even go out on the town and we’d party, party, party
Every day the sun doesn’t shine
Sometimes it has to rain
Just like we enjoy the pleasure
We have to stand the pain
Oh, let me kiss your eyes
Let me wipe the tears away
Oh, let me hold you close
Let’s talk to each other, I wanna hear what you gotta say
Oh, last night, sweet last night, me and my woman
We cried together
Said we cry, cry, cry
We cry together, together
And then we, and then we, and then we
And then we made love, love, love, ooh
Love like we never made love before
You know we stopped huggin’ each other and kiss
And I wiped the tears from my face
And I’m love all over the place
[Incomprehensible]
Said we cry
There’s nothin’ wrong with you
And there ain’t nothin’ wrong with me
We’re not the only people in the world who go through ups and downs
And changes and turn arounds