The narrator observes a young woman and her son walking down the street. The boy comments on how the narrator looks like he is about to cry and that his heart looks broken. They pass by a pet shop, and the boy expresses a desire for a puppy if he had a daddy. The narrator wants to reveal that he is the boy's father and that they have a beautiful mom, but he is unable to see them due to legal reasons. The song ends with a message to the boy, encouraging him to take care of his future partner so he will never see the big man cry.

Meaning of "See The Big Man Cry" by Charlie Louvin

"See The Big Man Cry" tells a poignant story of a father who is separated from his son due to his past actions and the consequences imposed on him by the justice system. The lyrics highlight the pain and longing felt by the narrator as he watches his child from a distance while the boy remains unaware of his true identity. The mention of the pet shop and the boy's desire for a puppy symbolize the innocence and longing for a complete family that the child harbors. Despite his longing, the narrator acknowledges that he cannot be a part of his son's life. The final verse offers sage advice to the boy, emphasizing the importance of caring for and sticking by the ones you love to avoid experiencing the same heartbreak the narrator is going through. The song also explores themes of regret, redemption, and the impact of one's actions on family relationships.