The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You're way on top now since you left me
You're always laughing way down at me
But watch out now, I'm gonna get there
We'll be together for just a little while
And then I'm gonna put you way down here
And you'll start crying ninety-six tears
Cry, cry
And when the sun comes up, I'll be on top
You'll be right down there, looking up
And I might wave, come up here
But I don't see you waving now
I'm way down here, wondering how
I'm gonna get you but I know now
I'll just cry, cry, I'll just cry
Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You're gonna cry ninety-six tears
You're gonna cry ninety-six tears
You're gonna cry, cry, cry, cry now
You're gonna cry, cry, cry, cry
Ninety-six tears
Come on and let me hear you cry, now
Ninety-six tears, woo
I wanna hear you cry
Night and day, yeah, all night long
Uh, ninety-six tears, cry, cry, cry
Come on, baby, let me hear you cry now, all night long
Uh, ninety-six tears, yeah, come on now
Uh, ninety-six tears
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You're way on top now since you left me
You're always laughing way down at me
But watch out now, I'm gonna get there
We'll be together for just a little while
And then I'm gonna put you way down here
And you'll start crying ninety-six tears
Cry, cry
And when the sun comes up, I'll be on top
You'll be right down there, looking up
And I might wave, come up here
But I don't see you waving now
I'm way down here, wondering how
I'm gonna get you but I know now
I'll just cry, cry, I'll just cry
Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You're gonna cry ninety-six tears
You're gonna cry ninety-six tears
You're gonna cry, cry, cry, cry now
You're gonna cry, cry, cry, cry
Ninety-six tears
Come on and let me hear you cry, now
Ninety-six tears, woo
I wanna hear you cry
Night and day, yeah, all night long
Uh, ninety-six tears, cry, cry, cry
Come on, baby, let me hear you cry now, all night long
Uh, ninety-six tears, yeah, come on now
Uh, ninety-six tears
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This song was originally called "69 Tears" but was considered too explicit and was changed.
Hey, can you tell me how exactly the title was explicit?
It seems to be from the viewpoint of a guy who had his heart broken by some girl, and despite all the pain the thought of her hurting later on as much as he is now brings him comfort. At least that's how I see it, since I can relate heavily.
This song is said to be the first punk song. Even though it fits more into the "garage rock" genre, I agree that it is in a way the begining of punk music - a bunch of kis in a garage, simple but effective instrumentation. Oh, and the keyboard in the song is a Farfisa, a cheap crappy keybard with a distinct sound that got really popular back then because of the awesome sound.
@rudie_cant_fail Garage band all right. The garage band I play with is learning this tune and you can't beat G to C7 over and over (except the Em to C middle which is also easy and cool.)
This song has the most awesome haunting organ part in it, and I think its a song a lot of people can kinda relate to. Having that person you loved so much but that they broke you apart so bad you can't even take it.
I love the organ in this song. It's haunting yet beautiful
me2 me2... all people can relate to this 1 i think:) and that's great!
this is good, very good, as is the album of the same name, strangely sensitive for a garage band, very thoughtful "I'm gonna get you but I know now I'll just cry, cry"
^lol?
Heart-break :(
This the great song about breaking up with your ex and feelings switching from depression and payback for leaving you broken-hearted. The number "96" this significant symbolism for splitting up and going opposite directions face away from each other. (The antithesis to the position "69"?)