Meaning of "Big Girls Cry" by Sia

"Big Girls Cry" delves into the theme of vulnerability and the struggle to conceal one's emotions. The tough girl in the song appears to have built a strong exterior, with no time for love, hate, or games. She portrays herself as independent and self-reliant, not relying on others for support. However, beneath this tough exterior, her soul aches, indicating that she is battling with inner pain and sadness.

The lyrics reveal the girl's coping mechanisms, such as coming home alone, checking her phone for messages that never come, and keeping herself busy with activities like ordering in and watching pay TV. These actions reflect her attempts to distract herself from her loneliness and emotional turmoil. Despite her efforts to appear strong, she cannot escape the overwhelming feeling of heartbreak.

The repeated line "I may cry, ruining my make-up" emphasizes the conflict between maintaining a composed exterior and allowing oneself to express emotions. The girl acknowledges that crying may ruin her make-up, a symbol of her desire to maintain a polished appearance. However, she also recognizes that this pretense doesn't matter when her heart is truly breaking. The chorus reiterates the idea that big girls cry when their hearts are breaking, challenging the stereotype that strong and independent women don't cry.

The song also highlights the isolation that can come with success. Being "lonely at the top" and constantly surrounded by distractions like block outs and airplanes, the tough girl in the song still finds herself pouring a glass of champagne, a symbol of celebration, even in her pain. This suggests that despite her strength, she still holds on to hope and tries to find moments of happiness amidst her struggles.

Overall, "Big Girls Cry" presents a powerful message about the complexity of emotions and the need for self-care, even for those who exude strength. It encourages the understanding that it is okay to show vulnerability and that tears can be a natural response to heartbreak, regardless of society's expectations.