The characters in “Cry Baby” are not strong from the start. They get hurt, they waver, and they cry. Yet that does not become a reason for them to leave each other. In this song, courage lies less in the ability to hide one’s weakness than in the willingness to stay by someone’s side even after being seen at their weakest.
Laughing together does not mean the pain is gone
There are times when, even after going through something difficult, one makes a flippant joke in front of a friend. It is not because everything is truly fine, but rather out of a desire not to let the other person crumble as well. The laughter in the song carries that same clumsy consideration. A bright expression and being okay are not always synonymous.
So the friendship in this song feels less like it is built on grand gestures and more on knowing each other's unglamorous sides. If a relationship only holds up when both people keep their best faces on, moments of weakness are bound to be frightening. On the other hand, if there is still a seat beside you even on days when you feel powerless, you might find yourself with just enough courage to try again.
From the one receiving comfort to the one standing by their side
The speaker does not simply want to remain in a position of being protected; they hope to stand by the other person's side as well. This shift is driven by a mix of affection for the other and frustration with themselves, which also explains why self-reproachful words appear.
Sometimes, what is needed is not the reassurance that everything will be fine, but a single remark that forces one to confront an issue previously avoided. That said, this does not mean that being harsh leads to better relationships. In this song, it comes across as encouragement made possible by mutual trust—a scene in which the speaker looks to the other person for a reason to move forward again.
The title 'Cry Baby' does not diminish the courage.
Listening with the title in mind leaves one with the sense that tears and resolve do not sit on opposite sides of a divide. It is not as if action becomes possible only after the crying stops; even while afraid and upset, it is still possible to choose what needs to be kept.
On a second listen, pay as much attention to the wavering lines as to the forceful passages. Even in moments that seem resolute, uncertainty lingers. What moves listeners about “Cry Baby” is not the triumph of someone already strong, but the sound of someone still fragile refusing to let go of their promise.
Listen along with the track details
Open the official video on YouTube
Cry Baby — Official Hige Dism
“Cry Baby” is a digital single by Official髭男dism released on May 7, 2021. It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Tokyo Revengers,” with lyrics and composition by Satoshi Fujiwara and arrangement by Official髭男dism.
The player above features the official music video for Official髭男dism's "Cry Baby." Listening to Umi Kun's cover alongside it offers a way to compare different interpretations of the same song.
It feels less rushed if you break it into short sections to learn and then connect them. If staying in the original key is difficult, drop the key instead, and try to keep some room for your voice and breath before reaching the chorus.
See more about the original text and the song's background
Pony Canyon — Official video and release information for “Cry Baby”
Uta-net — Japanese original text and production credits
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