Released: 2024
“Cry No More” by Headie One, featuring Stormzy and Tay Keith, is a deep dive into the struggles of street life, the quest for success, and the mental toll it takes. It deals with the harsh realities of the streets with the glamour and excesses of success, highlighting the paradoxes of their lives.
The track opens with “Nobody don’t wanna cry no more/ Nobody don’t wanna die no more” which sets the tone for the song. It reveals the yearning for a life free from the troubles and dangers of street life. The repetition of ‘no more’ signifies the artists’ collective desire for change and survival, a cry out against the violence they’ve endured.
“Sometimes you gotta lose the battle just so you can win the war” reveals the strategic mindset required to survive. This resonates on multiple levels, from the literal street battles and legal battles in court, to the broader metaphorical war for survival and success. It also hints at a larger socio-economic struggle, indicating the barriers that many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds face.
The line “15 with a sawn-off, long like a bottle of Belvedere” illustrates the harsh reality of youth being thrown into a world of violence at a young age. The reference to ‘Belvedere’, a premium vodka brand, indicates the intoxicating allure of street life for some, despite its evident risks.
Stormzy’s verse offers a reflective view on their meteoric rise to success, contrasting it with their past life. Lyrics like “I wasted a mill’ on drip, all I rock is gymwear/ Four bags on T-shirts, two bags on skincare” display the irony of overspending on superficial elements of success, while continuing to live in a more simple, humble manner.
He touches on the loneliness that comes with success in “At the top, it’s me/ It gets lonely sometimes” . This could be interpreted as a critique of the superficial relationships and isolation that can stem from fame. Stormzy’s line, “I’m a grown-arse man, I don’t do on sight, I do wait and see” signals maturity and patience, a departure from the impulsivity associated with street life.
The song ends as it began, with the refrain “Nobody don’t wanna cry no more/ Nobody don’t wanna die no more/ I’m sure nobody don’t wanna go hide no more/ You don’t wanna go to court, have to lie no more” reinforcing the desire for peace and an end to street violence.
“Cry No More” is a powerful commentary on the realities of street life and its impact on mental health, a profound testament to the growth and survival of both Headie One and Stormzy.
