Black Tears

Album: Night Train (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Despite the song's references to drugs and strippers, Aldean told Billboard magazine that listeners shouldn't pass judgment on its risqué content. "I hope people actually listen to the song, listen to the lyrics, listen to what the song's saying," he said. "If they think, 'that song's about a stripper, I can't listen to this,' they're going to completely miss the idea of what the song's about. Honestly, I think it's one of the most well-written songs on the record. Like 'Dirt Road Anthem' and songs like that, it allows us to branch off in a different direction and try something new."
  • Nashville singer-songwriter Cannan Smith and Tyler Hubbard of Florida-Georgia Line penned the song, which was originally included on FGL's independently produced EP, 2010's Anything Like Me. According to Hubbard, Aldean found the song online himself, and he called his producer Michael Knox the same night wanting to cut it.

    When we spoke with Hubbard at the 2013 ACM Awards, he explained: "That was just one of those songs where you try to put yourself in somebody else's shoes and write from their perspective. It worked out nicely for us. That's been a song that we loved for a log time, and it's really cool that Aldean cut it and it did well for him so it's an honor, man."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.