About the song
In the early 1960s, a wave of youthful energy swept across the American music scene. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were capturing the hearts of teenagers with their energetic rock and roll anthems. But amidst this youthful fervor, there emerged a group that offered something different: The Four Seasons. With their distinctive harmonies and sophisticated arrangements, The Four Seasons carved out a niche for themselves, delivering songs that resonated with audiences of all ages. One such timeless classic is “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
Released in 1962, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” was a departure from the upbeat, danceable tunes that had propelled The Four Seasons to fame. The song’s introspective lyrics and poignant melody painted a picture of heartbreak and resilience. The title itself, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” suggested a facade of strength masking underlying vulnerability.
The song’s origins are as intriguing as its lyrics. According to Bob Gaudio, one of the song’s writers, the inspiration came from a scene in a movie where a woman was slapped by a man, only to respond with the words “Big girls don’t cry.” This simple phrase struck a chord with Gaudio, and he used it as the basis for a song that would become a timeless classic.
The Four Seasons’ rendition of “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is a masterclass in vocal harmony. The group’s lead singer, Frankie Valli, delivers a heartfelt performance, his voice soaring effortlessly through the melody. The backing vocals from the other members of the group provide a rich and textured accompaniment, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.
“Big Girls Don’t Cry” quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success solidified The Four Seasons’ status as one of the most popular groups of the era. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. Its message of resilience and the ability to overcome heartbreak continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a true classic of the pop music genre.
Video
Lyrics
Big girls don’t cry
Big girls don’t cryBig 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 cryBig 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