“Tears Don’t Fall” is about the guilt, mixed emotions, and betrayal of infidelity. The lyrics focus on how the unfaithful narrator simultaneously hates hurting his main partner but feels unable to stop his immoral side activities. In addition, this song touches on the potential consequences of infidelity and how mutually painful it can be.
Matthew Tuck has said relatively little about the inspiration for the song, but his methods of production and performance in the studio give an indicator of the emotion he was going for. According to Tuck, the song’s creation was intensely draining (but worth it in the long run).
In this article, we’ll perform an analysis of these intense lyrics to discover their intended meaning. We’ll also take a look at the story behind the song and the human themes that make it understandable to anyone. Without further ado, let’s get started!
“Tears Don’t Fall” Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics begin by introducing us to the narrator and his situation. He watches his woman beside him at night with “bloodshot eyes,” which indicate sleeplessness. Her “warmth” is fading, which has multiple meanings. Firstly, he could be explaining that the spark has been dying down in the relationship. Alternatively, it could be that his partner is slowly becoming aware of his misdeeds.
As a result, he begins to wonder whether she would hear him if he “called her name.” He doesn’t mean this literally, but figuratively. Simply put, he doesn’t know if his “shame” is too great for their relationship to survive. If so, his partner may stop acknowledging his calls.
The pre-chorus continues this idea. In it, the narrator acknowledges that he’s walking in the “wrong direction” morally. However, he feels powerless to escape; the people he’s cheated with are always “hanging on” to him. Agonized, he begins to wonder whether anyone can help him “make things better.” His question goes unanswered, which may mean that the answer is no.
Interestingly, the song’s music video explores these same themes. In it, a man is shown seeing two women simultaneously (an original brunette and a second blonde). As a result of his actions, you begin to see the man’s distress growing. The video culminates in a shocking scene: The original woman attempts to burn herself, the man, and the other woman all at once in a murder-suicide!
In the chorus, the climax of the song is reached. The narrator experiences his partner’s tears as a “crash” rather than a “fall,” which means they’re seriously damaging to him. He acknowledges that her “conscience” exposes him as a “guilty” man, and he feels drawn to “come home” and accept his judgment.
Apparently, this is exactly what occurs. In verse two, it appears that the relationship has ended. In the midst of his companion’s rage, he can “hear no screaming.” His shock has produced numbness, and the “visions” of her in his memory begin to “slowly fade.” The fight is over, and he’s left longing for days past.
The last new section of lyrics is the bridge. In it, the narrator describes being in a “battered room.” He’s wounded, and his “broken bones… heal no more.” Basically, he’s lost his will to move forward in life due to his guilt and romantic loss.
The dramatic tone continues escalating – he describes taking his “last breath” and claims that his “world is ending.” In my opinion, these terms are meant to communicate the gravity of his emotions rather than a literal suicide. Even in the music video, the attempted murder-suicide is shown to be ineffective.
After this point, the lyrics are repetitive. In summary, “Tears Don’t Fall” is an exploration of what it’s like to bring suffering on yourself and someone you love at the same time. Even though we may not like to admit it, we’ve all done that in one way or another.
The Story Behind “Tears Don’t Fall”
Relatively little is known of the creative process or inspiration behind this track. The music video and lyrics give obvious clues, but beyond that, we’re left largely to speculation.
What can be known is the vision Matthew Tuck had for the song in the studio. On the record, Tuck has described the studio process for “Tears Don’t Fall” as immensely physically demanding. Nonetheless, he was more than willing to suffer for his craft – at one point, he even fainted!
This shows us the emotion Tuck wanted the song to capture. He wanted the strain to be so intense that we might faint, too! Given the song’s subject matter, his performance seems appropriate. Evidently, the fans agree.
“Tears Don’t Fall” reached Gold status in Germany and Silver in the United Kingdom. In addition, it won the Kerrang! award for best single after its release and received additional critical acclaim. By all metrics, this song can only be considered a comfortable success.
The next time you play this edgy tune, let these pieces of background information bring it to life for you!