Meaning of "I Cry at Night" by Elton John

The lyrics of "I Cry at Night" paint a poignant picture of a person grappling with inner turmoil and the passage of time. The house lacking purpose serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own sense of aimlessness and emotional emptiness. The imagery of the tire swing being shot through and the ivy clinging sadly symbolize the decay and destruction that can touch even the most beautiful aspects of life. The narrator's feelings of loneliness and vulnerability are expressed through their tears at night, when darkness intensifies their sense of isolation. The reference to a man holding a trembling hand and bearing his faults suggests an acceptance of imperfection and vulnerability. The comparison between the yellow grass on the lawn and lost love speaks to the idea of enduring yet changing nature of relationships. Overall, the lyrics convey a deep sense of melancholy, resilience, and the struggle for survival in the face of life's challenges.