Julie London's rendition of 'Cry Me a River' is a smoky, jazz-blues classic that portrays a tale of heartbreak and retribution. The song narrates the emotional upheaval of a scorned lover speaking to a former partner who has come back asking for forgiveness. Despite the sentiments of betrayal and pain, Julie London elegantly captures the transformation from being hurt to finding strength in refusing to accept the futile contrition of her ex-lover.
When 'Cry Me a River' begins, we're immediately ushered into an atmosphere of desolate blues enveloping Julie London's deep, resonant voice. She sings of loneliness and the sorrowful tears she shed over her past lover, setting a somber and reflective mood. The emotional journey then shifts as Julie ironically invites her ex to shed his own tears since she has already been through the pain caused by his unfaithfulness.
In the bridge, Julie London's tone becomes more biting as she recounts the manner of her prior rejection: being deemed 'too plebeian'—an elitist slight that adds to the emotional weight of her suffering. Here, her reminiscence evokes a sense of injustice and agony over the emotional torment she experienced during their separation.
However, by the end of the song, there's a notable shift in the balance of power. Julie's scornful repetition of 'Cry Me a River' becomes an anthem of empowerment; she has moved past her grief to a place of defiance. This emotional transition is underscored by Julie's cool, haunting delivery, which is both a dismissal and a declaration of emotional independence from her past lover.
The outro leaves the listener with a lingering sense of catharsis. Despite themed around heartbreak, Julie London's performance channels her sorrow into a powerful assertion of self-worth and the strength of her character. This gives the emotional journey a circular feel—starting with the pain of heartbreak but returning to a restorative sense of self by its end.
"Cry me a river"
This phrase, which has entered common parlance, underscores the singer's apathy towards the lover's newfound remorse—a remorse she finds disingenuous given her own prior suffering.
"I cried a river over you"
By admitting her own past grief, she highlights a deep vulnerability but in the context of the song; it also serves to amplify the scorn for the insincerity she now faces.
"Told me love was too plebeian"
The use of the word 'plebeian' speaks to a certain snobbery, emphasizing the emotional and social gap that once existed in their relationship.
"Well, just to prove you do"
This line suggests skepticism, as the singer doesn't believe the ex-lover's declarations of love and requires proof, knowing well it's likely not forthcoming.