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.
If I had just one tear running down your cheek
Maybe I could cope maybe I'd get some sleep
If I had just one moment at your expense
Maybe all my misery would be well spent
Could you cry a little? Lie just a little?
Pretend that you're feeling a little more pain?
I gave now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me
If your love could be caged, honey I would hold the key
And conceal it underneath the pile of lies you handed me
And you'd hunt and those lies - they'd be all you'd ever find
And that'd be all you'd have to know for me to be fine
And you'd cry a little
You'd die just a little
And baby I would feel just a little less pain
I gave now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me
Give it up baby
A whimper would be fine
Some kind of clue that
You're doing time
Some kind of heartache
Honey, give it a try
I don't want pity
I just want what is mine
Could you cry a little? Lie just a little?
Pretend that you're feeling a little more pain?
I gave now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me
(Could you cry?)
Could you cry a little for me?
Cry a little for me
Maybe I could cope maybe I'd get some sleep
If I had just one moment at your expense
Maybe all my misery would be well spent
Could you cry a little? Lie just a little?
Pretend that you're feeling a little more pain?
I gave now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me
If your love could be caged, honey I would hold the key
And conceal it underneath the pile of lies you handed me
And you'd hunt and those lies - they'd be all you'd ever find
And that'd be all you'd have to know for me to be fine
And you'd cry a little
You'd die just a little
And baby I would feel just a little less pain
I gave now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me
Give it up baby
A whimper would be fine
Some kind of clue that
You're doing time
Some kind of heartache
Honey, give it a try
I don't want pity
I just want what is mine
Could you cry a little? Lie just a little?
Pretend that you're feeling a little more pain?
I gave now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me
(Could you cry?)
Could you cry a little for me?
Cry a little for me
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