Cruel Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You left your anti-depressants on the dresser
It’s a freezing cold reminder of all of the pressure
We stole serotonin from the moments between comas
By the way, by the way, I still have your letter
I still hold on to your confessions
I still lie about getting better
You still obsess about the meta
I think we were good together
Do you remember?
[Chorus]
I get it, you were the dancing queen, oh, I
But you were never just that to me, oh, I
I guess I thought you’d come back for me
Now I drink to drown you out
I talk shit about you, isn’t it cruel
That I never got to say goodbye to you?
[Verse 2]
They tell me you met somebody new, I hope you ruin it
I’m on some petty shit ’cause you never left me with anything
Do you remember
When we would throw on those ABBA records?
When you were anything but pretentious?
To your love, I was defenseless
Do you remember?
Do you remember?
[Chorus]
I get it, you were the dancing queen, oh, I
But you were never just that to me, oh, I
I guess I thought you’d come back for me
Now I drink to drown you out
I talk shit about you, isn’t it cruel
That I never got to say goodbye to you?
[Bridge]
All I wanted was to say goodbye
The dancing queen
Oh, yeah
[Chorus]
I get it, you were the dancing queen, oh, I
But you were never just that to me, oh, I
I guess I thought you’d come back for me
Now I drink to drown you out
I talk shit about you, isn’t it cruel (Cruel)
I never got to say goodbye to you?
Summary of this Song Lyrics
______________________________________
James Arthur’s “Cruel” song captures the emotional aftermath of a breakup, exploring themes of loss, longing, and unresolved feelings. The artist reflects on a past relationship that ended abruptly, leaving behind only painful memories and unanswered questions. The opening verse mentions forgotten antidepressants and a lingering letter, symbolizing emotional baggage and unspoken truths. There’s a deep sense of nostalgia as the artist recalls shared moments, like listening to ABBA records and feeling truly connected.
In the chorus, the ex is metaphorically called the “dancing queen,” a nod to ABBA, but the artist emphasizes she meant more than just that. There’s regret in assuming she might return, and now the artist copes through drinking and bitterness, even speaking badly about her in an attempt to ease the pain.
The second verse leans into bitterness and jealousy, revealing the artist’s struggle to move on while wishing the worst for her new relationship out of hurt. Despite everything, the core of the song revolves around the heartbreak of never getting proper closure—never getting to say goodbye.
Overall, the song paints a raw, honest portrait of post-breakup grief, blending vulnerability with bitterness and highlighting how unresolved endings can haunt someone long after the relationship ends.
Album – PISCES (2025) [Tracklist]
_________________________________________
1. Summer (2025)
2. Cruel
3. All My Love
4. ADHD
5. Gucci (Interlude)
6. Celebrate
7. F.R.I.E.N.D.S
8. Embers
9. KARAOKE
10. Yeah, No.
11. Water
12. Hallelujah
Cruel (MV)
Available Soon
Audio Credits & Details
Artist : James Arthur
Album : PISCES
Lyricist : James Arthur, Steve Solomon, Daniel Bingham
Musicians : Steve Solomon
Label : James Arthur
Genre: Pop
Date: April 25, 2025