AEROSMITH - CRYIN’

Released: June 29, 1993

Charts: US: #12   UK: #17 

"Cryin'" is a power ballad released as the second U.S. single from their 1993 album “Get a Grip”. Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Taylor Rhodes, the song became a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number 11 on the Cash Box Top 100. It was especially popular in Europe, topping the charts in Norway and achieving top-three positions in Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden. In the UK, the single peaked at number 17 and was one of the band's major international hits.

The song explores the themes of a tumultuous relationship that initially appears promising but ultimately deteriorates. It can also be interpreted as a metaphor for lead singer Steven Tyler's struggles with drug use. Tyler describes the song as reflecting a country influence, stating, "Listen to the lyrics. It was country - we just Aerosmith'd it."

"Cryin'" was created after Aerosmith's record label, Geffen Records, rejected most of the band's original songs for their “Get a Grip” album. Executive John Kalodner delivered the disappointing news, prioritizing the band's business interests over personal connections. After initial frustration, the band agreed to collaborate with outside writers Kalodner introduced. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry teamed up with Taylor Rhodes, known for co-writing Celine Dion's "Where Does My Heart Beat Now," to craft "Cryin'" in just one day. The song successfully balanced themes of passion and vulnerability, joining other hits from the album, including "Crazy" and "Livin' On The Edge."

The music video marked the first collaboration between the band and actress Alicia Silverstone, launching her career. She also starred in the band's subsequent videos, "Amazing" and "Crazy”. Silverstone and the band only met once, and their scenes were filmed separately. The video also features Josh Holloway, known for his role as Sawyer on “Lost”, who plays a pickpocket caught and beaten by Silverstone's character. To incorporate more scenes, an extra chorus was added to the video, which was filmed at the Central Congregational Church in Fall River, Massachusetts, a site historically linked to Lizzie Borden, who was acquitted of murdering her parents in 1892.