The Meaning Behind The Song: Not Gon’ Cry by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige’s 1995 hit song, “Not Gon’ Cry,” is an emotionally charged ballad that resonates with anyone who has ever been through a tough relationship. The song, which was featured on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, tells the story of a woman who has decided to move on from a toxic relationship and find happiness on her own terms.
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In this article, we will dive deep into the lyrics and explore the meaning behind Mary J. Blige’s iconic song.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Not Gon’ Cry” paint a vivid picture of a woman who has been through the emotional wringer. The first verse sets the scene:
“I’m not gon’ cry, I’m not gon’ cry, I’m not gon’ shed no tears. No, I’m not gon’ cry, it’s not the time ’cause you’re not worth my tears.”
From the outset, Mary J. Blige is making it clear that she is done with the emotional rollercoaster of her past relationship. She is taking control of her emotions and refusing to let her ex-partner win by making her upset.
The second verse is where things really start to heat up:
“I was your lover and your secretary, working every day of the week. Was at the job when no one else was there, helping you get on your feet.”
Here, Mary J. Blige is pointing out that she gave her all to her partner. She was there for him through thick and thin, but he still managed to take her for granted. It’s a relatable sentiment for anyone who has been in a one-sided relationship.
The chorus brings it all home:
“And I’m not gon’ cry, I’m not gon’ cry, I’m not gon’ shed no tears. No, I’m not gon’ cry, it’s not the time ’cause you’re not worth my tears.”
Mary J. Blige is putting her foot down and asserting her worth. She knows that her ex-partner is not worth her tears, and she’s not going to waste any more time on him.
The Message
The message behind “Not Gon’ Cry” is a simple one: love yourself enough to walk away from toxic relationships. Mary J. Blige is advocating for self-care and self-love, even in the face of heartbreak.
In an interview with Essence, Mary J. Blige said, “The song is about leaving a bad relationship and knowing that it’s okay to move on. You don’t have to cry and feel sorry for yourself. You can be strong and take care of yourself. You deserve better, and you have to believe that.”
This message is just as powerful today as it was in 1995. “Not Gon’ Cry” has become an anthem for anyone who has ever been in a situation where they felt like they were sacrificing their own happiness for the sake of a relationship.
FAQs
1. Who wrote “Not Gon’ Cry”?
“Not Gon’ Cry” was written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who also produced the song.
2. Was the song a commercial success?
Yes, “Not Gon’ Cry” was a commercial success. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
3. Was Mary J. Blige the first choice to sing the song?
According to Babyface, Mary J. Blige was the only choice to sing “Not Gon’ Cry.” He wrote the song specifically with her in mind.
4. Did “Not Gon’ Cry” win any awards?
Yes, “Not Gon’ Cry” won the award for Best R&B Song at the 39th Grammy Awards in 1997.
5. Was “Not Gon’ Cry” inspired by Mary J. Blige’s personal life?
While Mary J. Blige has never explicitly stated that “Not Gon’ Cry” was inspired by her personal life, it’s clear that the song resonated with her on a deep level. In interviews, she has spoken about the importance of self-love and self-care, and those themes are at the heart of the song.
6. Has “Not Gon’ Cry” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Not Gon’ Cry” has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Leona Lewis and Kelly Price.
7. Why do you think “Not Gon’ Cry” has stood the test of time?
“Not Gon’ Cry” has stood the test of time because it speaks to universal themes of self-love and empowerment. It’s a song that people turn to when they need a reminder that they deserve better and that they’re strong enough to walk away from toxic relationships.
8. How did the song come to be included on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack?
Babyface was the executive producer of the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, and he wrote “Not Gon’ Cry” specifically for the film.
9. What impact did “Not Gon’ Cry” have on Mary J. Blige’s career?
“Not Gon’ Cry” was a major hit for Mary J. Blige and helped solidify her status as a superstar in the world of R&B. It also helped cement her reputation as a fierce advocate for self-love and empowerment.
10. Has Mary J. Blige spoken about the impact “Not Gon’ Cry” has had on her fans?
Yes, in interviews, Mary J. Blige has spoken about how humbled she is by the impact “Not Gon’ Cry” has had on her fans. She’s grateful that her music has been able to touch so many people in such a positive way.
11. What other songs from Mary J. Blige deal with themes of self-love and empowerment?
Mary J. Blige has a number of songs that deal with themes of self-love and empowerment, including “Just Fine,” “Work That,” and “Be Without You.”
12. Has Mary J. Blige ever performed “Not Gon’ Cry” live?
Yes, Mary J. Blige has performed “Not Gon’ Cry” live on several occasions, including at the Essence Music Festival in 2010 and on her Strength of a Woman Tour in 2017.
