The Four Seasons – Big Girls Don’t Cry

About the song

“Big Girls Don’t Cry” is a song written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and originally recorded by The Four Seasons. It was released in 1962 and became their second consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Background:

The song’s inspiration has two conflicting stories:

• Bob Gaudio’s version: He claims to have been inspired by a line in the movie Tennessee’s Partner where a character says, “Big girls don’t cry” after being slapped.
• Bob Crewe’s version: He remembers seeing a similar scene in the movie Slightly Scarlet where a character utters the same line.

Regardless of the true inspiration, the line resonated with Gaudio, who wrote the song based on this phrase.

Themes:

• Lost Love and Heartbreak: The song expresses the pain and sorrow of losing a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest a feeling of helplessness and resignation, as the narrator tries to hold back tears and maintain a brave facade.
• Masculinity and Vulnerability: While the title and chorus seem to promote the idea that “big girls” (or anyone, regardless of gender) shouldn’t cry, the verses reveal a deep emotional turmoil. This contrast highlights the conflict between societal expectations of masculinity and the natural human experience of vulnerability.
• Resilience and Moving On: Despite the heartbreak, the song suggests a sense of acceptance and the determination to move forward. The repetition of the phrase “big girls don’t cry” can be interpreted as a mantra for self-encouragement and emotional strength.

Legacy:

“Big Girls Don’t Cry” is considered one of The Four Seasons’ signature songs and a classic of the early rock and roll era. Its catchy melody, Frankie Valli’s distinctive falsetto vocals, and relatable themes have made it a timeless hit that continues to resonate with listeners today.

Video

Lyrics

Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry

Big girls don’t cry
(They don’t cry)
Big girls don’t cry
(Who said they don’t cry?)

My girl said goodbye
(My oh my)
My girl didn’t cry
(I wonder why?)

(Silly boy) Told my girl we had to break up
(Silly boy) Hoped that she would call my bluff
(Silly boy) When she said to my surprise
“Big girls don’t cry”

Big girls don’t cry
(They don’t cry)
Big girls don’t cry
(Who said they don’t cry?)

(Maybe) I was cruel
(I was cruel)
Baby, I’m a fool
(I’m such a fool)

(Silly girl) Shame on you, your mama said
(Silly girl) Shame on you, you’re cryin’ in bed
(Silly girl) Shame on you, you told a lie
Big girls do cry

Big girls don’t cry
(They don’t cry)
Big girls don’t cry
(That’s just an alibi)

Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cry