The lyrics speak to a person who has been hurt and betrayed by a former lover, who now regrets their actions and pleads for forgiveness. The protagonist expresses their pain by saying they cried a river over the person's actions, and now wants them to experience the same feeling by crying a river themselves.

Meaning of "Cry Me a River" by Lisa Ekdahl

The lyrics of "Cry Me a River" by Lisa Ekdahl convey a sense of betrayal, hurt, and the desire for retribution. The protagonist recounts the pain caused by a former lover's actions, highlighting how they were driven nearly out of their mind by the betrayal. Despite the initial hurt, the protagonist seems to take a sense of satisfaction in the fact that the former lover now regrets their behavior and pleads for forgiveness, almost amused by the turn of events. The repetition of the phrase "Cry me a river" symbolizes the desire for the former lover to experience the same level of emotional pain that they caused. Ultimately, the lyrics capture a mix of resentment, hurt, and vindication, as the protagonist processes the aftermath of a painful relationship.