Meaning of "Cry Like a Baby" by The Box Tops

The lyrics of "Cry Like a Baby" explore the aftermath of a failed relationship and the immense emotional impact it has on the narrator. The repeated line "I cry like a baby" emphasizes the depth of their pain and vulnerability. The emotions conveyed in the song revolve around heartbreak, longing, and the inability to move on. The narrator recognizes the value and sincerity of the love they once shared with this person, acknowledging that they were not just a mere plaything or object to them. The lyrics suggest that encountering the person again in passing reopens the wounds and intensifies their grief, making them feel as if their heart has fallen to their feet. The line "you left the water running now" can be interpreted metaphorically, symbolizing how the person has left something unfinished or unresolved in the narrator's life, causing their tears to flow endlessly. Overall, the song captures the raw emotions and intense sorrow that can come from the absence of someone deeply loved.