The lyrics describe someone trying to hold back their emotions and not cry, but ultimately shedding tears uncontrollably despite their efforts.

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Meaning of "Tears Fall" by David Knopfler


The lyrics of "Tears Fall" by David Knopfler reflect the internal struggle of trying to suppress emotions and put on a brave face when faced with pain or heartbreak. The repetition of trying not to cry or sigh emphasizes the effort to avoid showing vulnerability, yet the tears keep falling uncontrollably. This could be interpreted as the inevitable nature of emotions, no matter how hard one tries to conceal them. The lines "And you try not to cry, And you try not to sigh, To deny what you feel, Is to deny what is real" suggest that denying one's emotions is denying one's true self, reinforcing the idea that it is okay to feel and express emotions. The mention of having will, hope, and everything one needs, yet still shedding tears, highlights that even when outwardly appearing put together, emotions can still overpower. The final lines about keeping moving on and people leaving sometime further express the transient nature of emotions and relationships. Overall, the lyrics capture the universal experience of grappling with emotions and embracing vulnerability despite attempts to hold back.