Cruel Lyrics – James Arthur

Cruel Lyrics by James Arthur is a new english song by James Arthur, released on his official YouTube channel. Written by Daniel Bingham, James Arthur, and Steve Solomon, the song is produced by Steve Solomon and featured on the album PISCES. Available now via the James Arthur YouTube channel, this emotionally raw track offers listeners a heart-wrenching and introspective experience that blends nostalgic vulnerability with poetic storytelling.

“Cruel” dives deep into the aftermath of a lost relationship, capturing the anguish of unspoken goodbyes, unresolved feelings, and the lingering pain that follows. James Arthur paints a vivid portrait of heartbreak, using personal memories and evocative imagery to explore themes of regret, emotional dependency, and bitter longing. The lyrics juxtapose tenderness with pettiness, showcasing the complexity of grief and love in its most human form.

Cruel Details

Song	Cruel
Album	PISCES
Artists	James Arthur
Written By	Daniel Bingham, James Arthur & Steve Solomon
Produced By	Steve Solomon
Label	James Arthur
Language	English
Released Date	Apr 24, 2025

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
Do 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]
And 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?

Cruel Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, James Arthur introduces the emotional landscape with vivid imagery—a forgotten bottle of antidepressants left behind, symbolizing the unresolved mental strain and emotional weight of the relationship. He reflects on the coping mechanisms they shared, referencing stolen moments of joy amidst emotional numbness. The mention of holding on to letters and confessions signifies his unwillingness to let go, while questions like “Do you remember?” show his need for validation of their shared past, revealing a deep sense of loss and longing.

[Chorus]
The chorus highlights the contrast between how James saw his former partner and how she may have been perceived by others. Referring to her as “the dancing queen,” he acknowledges her vibrant, carefree persona, yet insists she meant much more to him. His emotional response—drinking and speaking bitterly about her—reveals the depth of his unresolved grief. The final line underscores the song’s central heartbreak: he never had the chance for proper closure.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, James Arthur’s tone turns sharper, marked by pettiness and pain. Hearing that his ex has moved on triggers a vindictive wish for her new relationship to fail, a raw reaction stemming from the hurt she left behind. He reminisces about simpler times when they shared music and authenticity, painting a picture of a love that once felt genuine. His vulnerability peaks as he admits how defenseless he was to her affection, underscoring how deeply the breakup has scarred him.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats with renewed emotion, reinforcing James’s ongoing struggle to move on. The return of the “dancing queen” metaphor reiterates the disconnect between appearance and deeper emotional truth. His continued attempts to suppress memories through drinking and criticism reveal an internal war between love and resentment, with the ache of never having a final goodbye remaining the most haunting part.

[Bridge]
The bridge distills the emotional core of the song into a simple yet poignant statement: all James wanted was to say goodbye. The repetition of “the dancing queen” in this section becomes more of a lament than a description, emphasizing the emotional distance that now exists between them and how it contrasts with what he once felt.

[Chorus]
In the final chorus, James returns to familiar lines, but with a more resigned, emotionally cracked delivery. The repetition of his coping mechanisms and unresolved pain closes the track on a note of bitter finality. The use of the word “cruel” underscores not just her actions, but the sheer emotional injustice of never getting the closure he so desperately needed.

Cruel Official Video

PISCES Songs

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