About the song
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, a name synonymous with the golden age of pop music, have left an indelible mark on the industry. Their harmonies, their energy, and their ability to capture the essence of youthful longing have made them enduring icons. Among their many hits, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” stands as a testament to their enduring appeal.
Released in 1962, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” was a departure from the upbeat doo-wop style that had characterized their early career. This song delved into a more mature theme, exploring the complexities of love and heartbreak. The lyrics, penned by Bob Gaudio, painted a vivid picture of a young man grappling with the pain of a lost love.
The song’s introspective nature was perfectly complemented by Valli’s emotive vocals. His voice, with its distinctive falsetto, conveyed a sense of vulnerability and longing that resonated with listeners. The Four Seasons’ harmonies, always a hallmark of their sound, added depth and richness to the arrangement.
The song’s bridge, with its iconic line “But I know, I know, I know you’re gonna cry,” is a moment of emotional catharsis. It captures the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to maintain composure in the face of overwhelming sadness.
“Big Girls Don’t Cry” was a commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a popular cover song, with versions recorded by artists as diverse as The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message. It speaks to the human experience of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The combination of Valli’s powerful vocals, the Four Seasons’ harmonies, and the song’s evocative lyrics has made “Big Girls Don’t Cry” a classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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Lyrics
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cryBig girls don’t cry
(They don’t cry)
Big girls don’t cry
(Who said they don’t cry?)My girl said goodbye
(My oh my)
My girl didn’t cry
(I wonder why?)(Silly boy) Told my girl we had to break up
(Silly boy) Hoped that she would call my bluff
(Silly boy) When she said to my surprise
“Big girls don’t cry”Big girls don’t cry
(They don’t cry)
Big girls don’t cry
(Who said they don’t cry?)(Maybe) I was cruel
(I was cruel)
Baby, I’m a fool
(I’m such a fool)(Silly girl) Shame on you, your mama said
(Silly girl) Shame on you, you’re cryin’ in bed
(Silly girl) Shame on you, you told a lie
Big girls do cryBig girls don’t cry
(They don’t cry)
Big girls don’t cry
(That’s just an alibi)Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry