Hootie & The Blowfish is a rock band formed in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1986. The group gained major popularity in the mid-1990s with a unique mixed of soft rock, pop, and southern influences.
Fronted by lead singer Darius Rucker, their soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics helped define a generation of 90s alternative rock. They’ve won multiple awards, including a Grammy in 1996.
Although they took a break, they reunited and continue to perform, demonstrating their lasting love for their music.
About the Song
Let Her Cry is about a man coping with his partner’s struggles with alcohol and addiction. The song expresses his patience, love, and helplessness as he watches her suffer.
It highlights themes of heartbreak, understanding, and letting someone face their pain in their own way. Despite the pain, he hopes for healing and peace for her.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 17, 1994 |
| Album | The Best of Hootie & the Blowfish: 1993–2003 (2004) |
| Writer | Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Mark Bryan |
| Producer | Don Gehman |
Read Full Lyrics of Let Her Cry
Verse 1
She sits alone by a lamp post
Trying to find a thought that’s escaped her mind
She says Dar’s the one I love the most
But Stipe’s not far behind
Verse 2
She never lets me in
Only tell me where’s she’s been
When she’s had too much to drink
I say that I don’t care
I just run my hands through her dark hair
Then I pray to God, you gotta help me fly away and just
Chorus
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, let her be
Verse 3
This morning I woke up alone
Found a note standin’ by the phone
Saying maybe, maybe I’ll be back some day
I wanted to look for you
You walked in, I didn’t know just what I should do
So I sat back down and had a beer and felt sorry for myself
Saying
Chorus
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, let her be
Instrumental Break
Chorus
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, oh
Bridge
Last night I tried to leave
Cried so much, I could not believe
She was the same girl I fell in love with long ago
She went in the back to get high
I sat down on my couch and cried
Yelling, “Oh mama, please help me”
Won’t you hold my hand and
Chorus
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be
Let her cry, if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing, if it eases all her pain
Let her go, let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be, oh, let her be
Similar Songs Like Let Her Cry
Here are some songs by Hootie & The Blowfish that share a similar emotional style, heartfelt lyrics, or soft rock sound, such as “Let Her Cry.”
- Only Wanna Be with You: This upbeat tune mixes fun lyrics with catchy melodies. It’s about love, frustration, and just wanting to be close to someone.
- Time: Slower and thoughtful, this song talks about how fast life changes. The lyrics show a deeper side of dealing with personal struggles.
- Hold My Hand: With an inspiring vibe and strong harmonies, this song is all about offering support and standing together through life’s hard moments.
Similar Artists Like Hootie & The Blowfish
If you enjoy Hootie’s touching lyrics and acoustic-driven sound, these artists are worth checking out for a similar listening experience.
- Matchbox Twenty
Genre: Alternative Rock / Pop Rock
Top albums: Yourself or Someone Like You (1996), Mad Season (2000), More Than You Think You Are (2002), North (2012) - Gin Blossoms
Genre: Jangle Pop / Alternative Rock
Top albums: New Miserable Experience (1992), Congratulations… I’m Sorry (1996), Major Lodge Victory (2006), Mixed Reality (2018) - Counting Crows
Genre: Rock / Folk Rock
Top albums: August and Everything After (1993), Recovering the Satellites (1996), Hard Candy (2002), Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings (2008) - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Genre: Alternative Rock / Folk Rock
Top albums: Fear (1991), Dulcinea (1994), Coil (1997), New Constellation (2013) - Dave Matthews Band
Genre: Rock / Jam Band
Top albums: Under the Table and Dreaming (1994), Crash (1996), Before These Crowded Streets (1998), Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King (2009)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired Let Her Cry?
Rucker was inspired after hearing “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes and listening to a Bonnie Raitt album, leading to a stream-of-consciousness writing session where he penned the lyrics.
When was the Single Released and How did Let Her Cry Perform?
Let Her Cry was released as the second single from Cracked Rear View in December 1994. It became a top-10 hit in several countries, reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Top 40 and number 9 on the Hot 100.
Did the Song Let Her Cry Win Any Awards?
Yes, Let Her Cry won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1996.
