Song meaning of Cry Me A River by Gretel Hänlyn

The lyrics of "Cry Me a River" by Gretel Hänlyn convey a sense of discontentment and longing for something different. The protagonist, who is on another continent, initially feels content and celebrates their new surroundings. However, this contentment is shattered when someone or something disrupts their happiness, symbolized by the line "You rear your ugly head and smite the smile."

The chorus expresses a desire for emotional release, symbolized by crying a river that can be swum inside. The protagonist desires to be kept around and not to be transient, contrasting with the line "I really never stay a while." The unusual statement "happier than a funeral" suggests that the protagonist is stuck in a melancholic state, yearning for something more fulfilling and vibrant. The longing for an event like a funeral, associated with vivid emotions, reflects a desire to feel alive and filled with life.

The post-chorus reflects the protagonist's dissatisfaction with their current situation and the wish to be in a more intimate and comforting place, metaphorically expressed as being in someone's bed. 

In the second verse, the discontentment intensifies as the protagonist realizes they cannot stand their current surroundings. The question "What are you gonna do?" suggests a frustration with their circumstances and a desire for change. The repetition of "Cry me a river" in the outro amplifies the longing for emotional release and the need for something more.

Overall, the lyrics of "Cry Me a River" convey a yearning for emotional fulfillment and a longing to escape the discontentment of one's current situation. It speaks to the universal desire for something more meaningful and vibrant in life.