"Crybaby" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). The lyrics center on SZA's mental health, insecurities, and self-destructive behavior. She sings about her public image as an emotionally sensitive celebrity, later embracing the reputation while listing several ways she can evolve into a better individual. Musically, "Crybaby" combines twinkly synthesizers with a groovy bass.
Critics wrote positively about the song. Many praised the lyrics' emotional impact and SZA's vocal performance; a few considered "Crybaby" an album highlight. Before the release of Lana, the song was previewed in the music video for a separate track, as well as at two concerts in 2024.
Background
SZA teased a deluxe edition of her second studio album, SOS (2022), immediately upon its release.[1] She shared more details about the deluxe edition in 2023. In a September concert, she revealed that it became a reissue titled Lana,[2] and she first teased its visuals via Instagram on May 31, 2024.[3] In a post on the platform, SZA shared a costume of herself as an insect.[4]
When SZA performed at BST Hyde Park concert in June, several insect props were present onstage.[5] During the set, she played a video that featured her in another bug costume.[3] Set to a song publications named "Storytime", the clip was shared again on social media after the show.[6] The same song was previewed at her Lollapalooza set on August 3, during which she announced its official name was "Crybaby".[7]
Music and lyrics
"Crybaby" is backed by twinkly synthesizers and groovy bass,[8][9] with a soundscape that DeAsia Page of Elle described as rosy.[10] SZA's various mistakes and insecurities are the focus of the lyrics; it has an additional theme of self-love.[10] In the first verse, she explores how the pressure from being a public figure has contributed to on her reputation as emotionally sensitive.[11] Other lines address her self-destructive tendencies, such as her habit of smoking.[8] Some feature her reflecting on how to become a more mature person. For instance, she tells herself to stop blaming others for her own mistakes and move her emotional instability "to the backseat".[11] Later in the song, SZA embraces her flaws,[11] singing: "I know you told stories about me. Most of them awful. All of them true."[12][13]
Release
"Crybaby" is the 10th track of Lana, released on December 20, 2024.[14] Shortly before its release, SZA premiered a music video for the track "Drive", where a snippet of "Crybaby" plays at the end. In the outro, the camera pans to SZA, wearing bug-eye prosthetics, as she moves around some grass by the roadside.[15]
The song has received praise from critics. Variety's Jem Aswad called "Crybaby" an album highlight,[16] whereas Mackenzie Cummings-Grady of Billboard ranked it as Lana's best track.[8] For Aswad, what made the song stand out was vocals in the chorus and final verse.[16] Focusing on the introspective lyrics' emotional impact, Cummings-Grady wrote: "Another raw and gut-wrenching look in the mirror[...] this song will turn anyone into a crybaby."[8] The vocals and lyrics were also points of praise for Zachary Horvath of HotNewHipHop. Gabriel Bras Nevares, for the same publication, said that the song showcased SZA's "best and most dynamic vocal performances and emotional narratives".[17]
Credits
Solána Rowe (SZA) – lead vocals, songwriting
Cody Fayne (ThankGod4Cody) – songwriting, production
