Crying Lightning

The overall theme revolves around the complexity of relationships, especially when one person feels misunderstood. The narrator seems fascinated by someone who has a quirky and dark side, but at the same time, there's a sense of frustration. This mix of admiration and annoyance creates a rich emotional landscape that makes the song relatable. The playful title "Crying Lightning" hints at the unpredictability of love and the emotional storms that can brew in relationships.

Verse 1

Outside the café by the cracker factory, you were practicing a magic trick
And my thoughts got rude as you talked and chewed
On the last of your pick'n'mix
Said, "You're mistaken if you're thinking that I haven't been called 'cold' before"

In this first verse, we get a snapshot of a moment that feels both casual and intimate. The setting is quirky, with a café by a cracker factory, giving it an offbeat vibe. The narrator is intrigued but also distracted, reacting to the other person's actions, like practicing a magic trick. The mention of being called "cold" hints at a deeper emotional struggle, suggesting that this person has a complex personality that doesn't fit neatly into expectations.

Chorus

Your past times consisted of the strange
And twisted and deranged
And I loved that little game you had called "Crying Lightning"
And how you like to aggravate the ice-cream man on rainy afternoons

The chorus emphasizes the eccentric nature of the person being sung about. The use of "strange" and "twisted" suggests that there's something dark or out of the ordinary about their behavior. The game "Crying Lightning" symbolizes the unpredictable emotional ups and downs in the relationship. The imagery of aggravating the ice-cream man on a rainy day adds a playful yet rebellious tone, showing how this person finds joy in pushing boundaries.

Verse 2

The next time that I caught my own reflection
It was on its way to meet you
Thinking of excuses to postpone
You never looked like yourself from the side

This verse reveals the narrator's self-awareness and perhaps insecurity. Catching a reflection suggests introspection, and the idea of delaying meeting someone shows a struggle with anticipation. The line about not looking like themselves from the side hints at a disconnect, as if the narrator is trying to reconcile how they feel with how the other person appears. It highlights the confusion and uncertainty that often accompany close relationships.

Chorus

But your profile could not hide
The fact you knew I was approaching your throne
With folded arms you occupied the bench like toothache
Stood and puffed your chest out like you'd never lost a war

In this chorus, the tension is palpable. The imagery of "approaching your throne" indicates that the other person holds some power in the relationship. The folded arms and toothache comparison suggest defensiveness and discomfort, while puffing out the chest like a warrior hints at bravado. This creates a dynamic where the narrator feels drawn in but also intimidated, revealing the push-pull nature of their connection.

Bridge

And though I tried so not to suffer the indignity of a reaction
There was no cracks to grasp or gaps to claw
And your past times consisted of the strange
And twisted and deranged

The bridge deepens the emotional struggle. The narrator’s desire to avoid showing their feelings speaks to vulnerability. The mention of “no cracks” or “gaps” implies that the other person is hard to reach or understand. This reinforces the theme of miscommunication in the relationship, emphasizing how the strange and twisted nature of the other person's habits leaves the narrator feeling stuck and frustrated.

Outro

Uninviting
But not half as impossible as everyone assumes, you are crying lightning
Your past times consisted of the strange
Twisted and deranged
And I hate that little game you had called "Crying..."

In the outro, the narrator sums up the essence of the relationship. The feeling of being "uninviting" captures a sense of distance, yet the line about being not "half as impossible" suggests there's more depth than meets the eye. The repetition of “Crying Lightning” reinforces the emotional turmoil, hinting that while the relationship is challenging, it’s also compelling. The narrator’s feelings are mixed, showing a blend of frustration and attraction.

Closing Thoughts

"Crying Lightning" beautifully captures the chaos of a complicated relationship. The quirky imagery and playful language create a vivid story that reflects real emotions. It resonates with anyone who's ever felt drawn to someone who's both fascinating and frustrating. The song leaves you thinking about how love can be a wild ride, full of unexpected turns.