Meaning of "Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night" by The Fratellis

"Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night" is a song filled with sarcasm and irony, highlighting the hypocritical way society judges and shames women for their sexual behavior. The lyrics depict a woman who is unapologetically promiscuous, seeking attention and validation from men. However, despite her seemingly confident and carefree demeanor, she is secretly vulnerable and cries after her encounters. The song uses playful language to mock her, calling her dumb and twee, suggesting that she is naive and foolish. It also implies that she would prefer a committed relationship, but her behavior prevents her from finding one.

The lyrics criticize societal double standards when it comes to women's sexuality. The woman is judged for her actions, while the men she encounters are portrayed as the ones to be celebrated. The lyrics suggest that the woman's reputation precedes her, and everyone knows about her behavior, fueling the ridicule and mockery she faces. The chorus reinforces this, stating that everybody knows she cried last night.

The song also touches on themes of identity and perception. The woman presents herself as confident and in control, but the truth is revealed that she is not as strong as she appears. The contrasting imagery of her saying her heart is black but her eyes are brown reflects the conflicting emotions she experiences. The lyrics suggest that she puts on a facade to hide her vulnerability. However, by exposing her secret, the song undermines her attempts to maintain a certain image.

Overall, "Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night" offers a critique of societal judgment towards women's sexuality and exposes the hypocrisy of those who shame them. It challenges the notion that women should be confined to traditional roles and expectations, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within individual behavior and societal norms.