The Sundays were an English alternative rock band in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for their dreamy, jangly guitar pop sound. One of their most beloved songs is “Cry,” which was released in 1990 on their album “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.” Despite its upbeat melody, the song tackles heavy subject matter, exploring the pain and confusion of unrequited love and the struggle to move on. Let’s dive deeper into the meaning behind the song.

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The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Cry” tell the story of someone who is hopelessly in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way. The singer pleads with their crush to “make [them] feel better,” and wonders why they can’t see the depth of their love. In the chorus, the singer admits, “I know it’s over, but I can’t let go” and asks, “Why won’t you cry? Why won’t you say goodbye?” The song ends on a sad note, with the singer resigned to their unrequited feelings: “I’ll always be here, knowing you don’t care.”

The Music

While the lyrics of “Cry” are melancholy, the music is bright and catchy, featuring jangly guitars and a bouncy rhythm. This juxtaposition of happy music and sad lyrics is a hallmark of The Sundays’ sound. The band’s lead singer, Harriet Wheeler, has a sweet, breathy voice that adds to the wistful feel of the song. The overall effect is a bittersweet nostalgia that’s hard to resist.

The Legacy

“Cry” is widely regarded as one of The Sundays’ best songs, and it remains a fan favorite over 30 years since its release. Its relatable lyrics and catchy melody have made it a go-to for mixtapes and romantic movie soundtracks alike. It’s also been covered by several other artists, including The Concretes and The Mavis’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired The Sundays to write “Cry”?

The band’s singer, Harriet Wheeler, has said that the song was inspired by personal experience. She wrote the lyrics after a breakup, when she was struggling to let go of her feelings for her ex.

Who plays the guitar solo on “Cry”?

The solo on “Cry” was played by David Gavurin, the band’s guitarist and Harriet Wheeler’s husband.

What was The Sundays’ biggest hit?

While “Cry” is a fan favorite, The Sundays’ biggest hit was actually “Here’s Where The Story Ends,” which also appeared on their album “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.”

What other songs should I listen to if I like “Cry”?

If you’re a fan of The Sundays’ jangly guitar pop sound, you might also enjoy their songs “Here’s Where The Story Ends,” “Can’t Be Sure,” and “Goodbye.”

Did The Sundays ever reunite?

No, The Sundays disbanded in 1997 and have not reunited since. However, Harriet Wheeler and David Gavurin have continued to make music together as a duo.

What other bands were The Sundays associated with?

The Sundays were often associated with other British indie bands of the time, such as The Smiths, Cocteau Twins, and The Cure.

What other albums did The Sundays release?

In addition to “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic,” The Sundays released two other albums: “Blind” in 1992 and “Static & Silence” in 1997.

What do critics think of The Sundays?

The band’s music has generally been well-received by critics, with many praising their jangly guitar pop sound and Harriet Wheeler’s distinctive vocals. However, some have criticized their lyrics as being overly simplistic or twee.

Did The Sundays ever tour?

Yes, The Sundays toured extensively throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, both in the UK and internationally.

What happened to The Sundays?

The band disbanded in 1997, citing creative differences and a desire to pursue other projects. Harriet Wheeler and David Gavurin have both remained active in music, but have not reunited as The Sundays.

What is the meaning behind the band’s name?

The band took their name from a line in the Velvet Underground song “Sunday Morning”: “Watch out, the world’s behind you/There’s always someone around you who will call.”