The Meaning of Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry”

Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry” was the second single released from their debut studio album, Cracked Rear View. The album was released on July 5th, 1994 and subsequently became a massive success, bringing the band from University of South Carolina fraternity parties into the national spotlight.

Cracked Rear View was the top-selling album of 1995, and to date has sold over 21 million copies, making it one of the best-selling US releases of all time.

“Let Her Cry”, the song that tells the story of a relationship with a woman who struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. It finds meaning in trying to be patient, to remember the love that the two first shared, and stay by her side through these hard times.

Apparently, Rucker wrote the song about his own past behavior in relationships, drinking and partying too much like the woman depicted in “Let Her Cry”.

“Let Her Cry” reached number 2 on the Billboard Top 40 charts in the United States. The next single, “Only Wanna Be With You” was the biggest hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Top 40, launching Hootie & The Blowfish onto radio airwaves across the country.

Some may call it butt rock, but you can be the judge of that. Watch the music video for “Let Her Cry” below.