John Morgan’s ‘Cry Baby’ Turns Personal Hurt Into a Potential Hit: ‘Just a Part of Life’
This week's Makin' Tracks highlights the writing and recording behind John Morgan's "Cry Baby."
When songwriter Tully Kennedy was reflecting on his 20th wedding anniversary, he realized he needed to take responsibility for the mistakes he had made in his relationship. He approached his wife and said, "I'm sorry I made you cry, baby." This led to the creation of his song "Cry Baby." Kennedy first discussed the song with producer Kurt Allison and lyricist Lydia Vaughan at a writing appointment at BMG Music in Nashville.
Allison composed a moody musical track, and they all agreed on the title and its personal touch. Kennedy's songwriting skills grew as he looked back on past mistakes, allowing him to write "Cry Baby" with a vulnerability that resonated with listeners. The chorus emphasized the importance of not making one's significant other cry, while the verses and bridge explored the natural process of arguing with a loved one and how it can ultimately strengthen the relationship.
When Morgan joined the project, he made some tweaks, and the song was eventually sent to country music star Jason Aldean, who believed it had the potential to become a hit.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
