I look the part
blend in with the rest of the church crowd
I know the routine
I could list all the bible studies in town
watch christian TV
I know all the preachers...their cliches
been born again, without a doubt I know I'm
saved
Chorus
But sometimes I hurt and sometimes I cry
sometimes I can't get it right
no matter how hard I seem to try
sometimes I fall down
stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong
as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry
I try to speak faith
never give the devil one inch to get in
I do worship and praise
let everybody know just where that I stand
on the back of my ride is a fish and a cross
for the world to see
I know God is good, all of the time
yes there's no doubt for me
Chorus
But sometimes I hurt and sometimes I cry
sometimes I can't get it right
no matter how hard I seem to try
sometimes I fall down
stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong
as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry
Bridge
Sometimes I fall down
stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry
Tag
I try to look strong as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry
Sometimes I Cry
Sometimes I Cry Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Jason Crabb's song "Sometimes I Cry" offers a poignant exploration of the often-unseen struggles faced by individuals who outwardly present a strong and faith-filled image. The lyrics vividly paint a picture of someone deeply involved in Christian life, familiar with religious routines, teachings, and symbols, and certain of their salvation. This portrayal captures the effort to "look the part" and blend in, demonstrating a thorough understanding of expected behaviors within a church community and a clear public declaration of faith through words and symbols like a fish and cross on a vehicle.
Beneath this carefully maintained exterior, however, the song reveals a profound human vulnerability. The chorus serves as the heart of the message, confessing the reality of inner pain, occasional failure, and the difficulty of always getting things right despite earnest effort. It acknowledges the experience of falling down and stumbling over one's own "disguise" – the facade of unwavering strength. This confession highlights the internal conflict between the desire to appear strong, especially under the perceived scrutiny of the world, and the private reality of hurting and crying when alone.
Released with a video on August 17, 2012, the song resonated with many by articulating a feeling often left unspoken in faith communities: that it is permissible and real to experience deep emotional pain and failure. The bridge and tag reiterate this central theme of stumbling over the disguise of strength and the solitary act of crying, emphasizing the weight of this internal battle. The song brings to light the pressure to maintain a perfect Christian image and the burden that comes with hiding one's true struggles.
This theme of human weakness and crying finds echoes in various biblical passages. Scripture acknowledges that believers face trials and tribulations, and figures of faith throughout the Bible expressed sorrow and pain. Psalm 34:18 assures that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit, suggesting that crying and hurting are experiences God understands and is close to. Psalm 56:8 speaks of God collecting our tears, indicating His attentiveness to our deepest sorrows. Even Jesus, the Son of God, wept (John 11:35), demonstrating that expressing grief is a part of the human experience. The Apostle Paul spoke openly about his struggles with weakness, finding that God's power is made perfect in such times (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The song's message aligns with the biblical truth that authenticity, even in weakness, is known and accepted by God, who understands our struggles completely (Hebrews 4:15). "Sometimes I Cry" ultimately offers a message of shared humanity and perhaps implicitly points towards the grace found in bringing our true, messy selves before God, who sees beyond the disguise and knows our pain.
