EveryTime I Cry

EveryTime I Cry is an anthem of resilience that reframes the act of crying from a sign of weakness to a source of strength. Lyrically, it explores the concept that emotional release is necessary for personal growth, much like rain is essential for a garden to bloom. The song suggests that confronting difficult emotions—rather than suppressing them—allows an individual to emerge tougher and more self-assured.

Implicit Meanings: implicit in the lyrics is a critique of the stigma surrounding vulnerability. By pairing lyrics about crying with an upbeat, danceable production, Ava Max creates a "sad banger" that physically manifests the song's message: dancing through the pain. The line "Angel used to be the Devil on my shoulder" implies that past traumas or negative inner voices have been integrated and transformed into wisdom.

Narrative Arc: The narrator moves from a state of feeling "overwhelmed" and "sinking" to a place of agency where she is "catching" her tears. This shift represents regaining control over one's life narrative, deciding that every hardship is merely fuel for the future.

The narrative begins with a surreal, dreamlike sensation of sinking in slow motion, where the protagonist feels consumed by superficial moments and messy emotions that were previously unnoticed. This opening sets a scene of emotional overwhelm, where the weight of the world feels heavy and suffocating.

As the song progresses, a realization dawns: vulnerability is not a weakness but a catalyst for growth. The lyrics shift to a declaration that with every tear shed, the narrator gains resilience. There is a recognition of internal conflict, described through the metaphor of an angel that used to be a devil on the shoulder, signifying a change in perspective or the silencing of negative self-talk.

The pre-chorus introduces a proactive response to these internal struggles. When intrusive voices or doubts become loud, the narrator actively chooses to turn them down, finding comfort and permanence in their own body. The act of crying is no longer passive; catching the tears becomes a symbol of owning one's emotions. There is a firm belief that the future holds better days because these moments of release are forging a stronger version of the self.

In the second verse, the story reflects on past behaviors—nights spent overthinking and days lost to fear and escapism. However, this retrospection serves to highlight how far the narrator has come. The fear that once paralyzed them is now acknowledged as a stepping stone. The recurring mantra throughout the song emphasizes that the cycle of pain and release is a mechanism for building strength, ultimately celebrating the transformative power of embracing one's sadness to fuel personal evolution.

Released on June 8, 2021, EveryTime I Cry was written during the COVID-19 pandemic, a context that heavily influenced its themes of isolation and the need for hope. Ava Max collaborated with songwriters Caroline Pennell, Lauren Aquilina, and producers Cirkut and Sean Myer.

In interviews, Ava Max described the song as a "continuation" of her debut album Heaven & Hell, bridging the gap between that era and her next project. She stated, "I feel like we grew a lot as individuals because of [the pandemic]." The song was created to provide a light at the end of the tunnel, emphasizing that the collective struggle of the world was a shared experience of strengthening. The track was recorded while Max was feeling "zen" during quarantine, contrasting with the chaotic emotions described in the verses.

Rhyme Scheme: The verses follow a loose AABB or ABAB structure with imperfect rhymes (e.g., "motion" and "emotion", "shoulder" and "stronger"). The chorus relies heavily on repetition rather than complex rhyming, anchoring the listener with the repeated word "stronger."

Rhythm and Tempo: The song is set in a 4/4 time signature with a fast-paced tempo typical of electro-pop and house music (approx. 120-126 BPM). The rhythmic pacing is crucial; the verses have a slightly more halted, syncopated delivery that mimics the hesitation of uncertainty, while the chorus flows with a driving, relentless beat that propels the listener forward, sonically representing the act of moving on.

Musical Techniques:

• House Influence: The track features a distinct 1990s house-inspired piano riff and a driving, groovy bassline that kicks in during the chorus, creating a high-energy dance atmosphere despite the melancholic lyrical theme.
• Synthesizers: Resonating synths open the track, building tension that is released in the beat drop, mirroring the lyrical theme of releasing emotions.
• Vocal Delivery: Ava Max employs a powerful, belted vocal style in the chorus to emphasize strength, contrasting with slightly softer, more introspective verses.

Literary Techniques:

• Paradox: The core concept is a paradox—gaining strength through the act of breaking down (crying).
• Juxtaposition: The lyrics juxtapose "messy emotions" with the assurance that "the future is better," highlighting the transient nature of pain.

EveryTime I Cry cemented Ava Max's status as a purveyor of empowering dance-pop anthems. It peaked at number 99 on the UK Singles Chart and found significant success in Poland, reaching number 7. The song was widely praised by critics for its "pure electropop perfection" and was noted for continuing the high-energy sound of her debut album.

Culturally, it resonated as a post-pandemic anthem, released when many were emerging from lockdowns and processing the collective trauma of the previous year. The music video, directed by Max and Charlotte Rutherford, was noted for its visual similarities to videos by TLC and Shakira, further grounding it in the lineage of iconic pop visuals.

The song relies heavily on elemental and spiritual imagery to convey its message of growth.

• Tears as Water/Nourishment: The central metaphor posits tears not as waste, but as water for a garden. As Max explained in the press release, "Every tear you shed is not wasted, but becomes your river of hope." This aligns with the music video, where her tears literally transform a dry desert into a lush landscape.
• Sinking vs. Rising: The first verse describes "sinking, slow motion," symbolizing depression or overwhelm. This is contrasted with the chorus's energetic lift, symbolizing the rise that follows the fall.
• Angel and Devil: The line "Angel used to be the Devil on my shoulder" uses the classic cartoon trope of moral duality. Here, it symbolizes the transformation of a tormenting inner critic (Devil) into a guiding force (Angel), suggesting that overcoming internal battles turns one's demons into allies.

"A little bit stronger": This phrase is the hook and central motif of the song. Its repetition serves as a mantra or affirmation. By quantifying strength as "a little bit," the song sets a realistic goal—growth happens incrementally, not all at once.

"Every time I cry": Repeated as a condition for the strength. It reinforces the causal link between vulnerability and power.

"Can't stop the tears from falling" (implied): The pre-chorus imagery of "catching them all" recurs, turning the passive act of crying into an active collection of one's experiences.