Introduction
While the Bee Gees are often celebrated for their infectious rhythms and soaring harmonies across various eras, at the core of their enduring appeal has always been a profound ability to capture and convey deep emotional truths through song. They possessed a particular gift for translating heartache into melody, and their early work, in particular, is rich with poignant ballads that speak to the universal experience of sorrow. Among these, their moving rendition of “Everyday I Have to Cry Some” stands out as a powerful expression of persistent, overwhelming grief.
Featured on their second international album, Horizontal, released in 1968 (though sometimes appearing on earlier compilations depending on the region), “Everyday I Have to Cry Some” is actually a cover song. It was originally written and performed by the soulful American singer Arthur Alexander. However, like many great artists who tackle existing material, the Bee Gees didn’t just perform the song; they inhabited it, infusing it with their unique harmonic blend and a raw emotional intensity that made it unmistakably their own. Their interpretation leans into the dramatic potential of the lyrics, creating a sense of profound and unceasing sadness.
The theme of “Bee Gees – Everyday I Have to Cry Some” is exactly as the title suggests: the daily, inescapable reality of grief following a loss. It’s a song about the sheer difficulty of moving forward when the pain is not just a fleeting moment, but a constant companion, a regular part of the day-to-day existence. The lyrics are simple and direct, focusing on the persistent nature of the sorrow. “Everyday I have to cry some,” the narrator states, not with a dramatic flourish, but with a weary resignation, acknowledging that tears are simply a part of their new normal since the loved one is gone. This resonates powerfully with anyone who has experienced the kind of deep loss where the world doesn’t stop, and the mundane tasks of life must continue, all while carrying an immense emotional burden.
Musically, the Bee Gees craft an atmosphere perfectly suited to the song’s theme. It’s a slow, deliberate ballad, allowing the weight of each word and note to settle. The instrumentation features prominent piano, which provides a somber foundation, alongside lush string arrangements that swell and recede, adding layers of mournful beauty. The harmonies of the Gibb brothers are crucial, adding a rich, almost spectral quality to the sound, their voices intertwining to create a sense of shared sorrow or an echo chamber for the pain. There might also be subtle touches like organ, enhancing the soulful, melancholic mood characteristic of their 60s ballads.
The lead vocal on “Everyday I Have to Cry Some” is typically delivered by Robin Gibb, whose distinctive vibrato and ability to convey vulnerability were particularly well-suited to songs of heartbreak. He sings with a raw, exposed emotion, making the simple declaration of daily crying feel profoundly moving. There’s a genuine sense of suffering in his voice, a lack of artifice that makes the listener believe completely in the unceasing nature of the pain being described.
For listeners who appreciate the Bee Gees’ depth beyond their upbeat hits, “Everyday I Have to Cry Some” is a powerful reminder of their mastery of the ballad form and their ability to express deep sadness with authentic feeling. It’s a testament to their skill in taking a song and making it their own, infusing it with their unique harmonic and emotional signature. It speaks to the universal truth that some heartaches are not easily overcome, becoming a daily reality that must be endured. It remains a poignant and beautiful track, capturing the enduring nature of sorrow when love is lost.