Not Gon' Cry
Mary J. Blige · Reflections - A Retrospective [2006]
You were busy loving yourself
I would stop breathing if you told me to
Now you're busy loving someone else
Eleven years out of my life
Besides the kids, I have nothing to show
Wasted my years, a fool of a wife
I should have left your ass long time ago
[chorus 2x]
Well I'm not gon' cry
I'm not gon' cry
I'm not gon' shed no tears
No I'm not gon' cry
It's not the time
Cause you're not worth my tears
I was your lover and your secretary
Working every day of the week
Was at the job when no one else was there
Helping you get on your feet
Eleven years of sacrifice
And you can leave me at the drop of a dime
Swallowed my fears - stood by your side
I should've left your ass a thousand times
[chorus 2x]
Well I'm not gon' cry
I'm not gon' cry
I'm not gon' shed no tears
No I'm not gon' cry
It's not the time
Cause you're not worth my tears
I know there are no guarantees
In love you take your chances
But somehow it seems unfair to me
Look at the circumstances
Through sickness and health
'Til death do us part
Those were the words that we said from our heart
So now when you say that you're leaving me
I don't get that part
I was your lover and your secretary
Working every day of the week
Was at the job when no one else was there
Helping you get on your feet
Eleven years of sacrifice
And you can leave me at the drop of a dime
Swallowed my fears - stood by your side
I should've left your ass a thousand times
[chorus 3x]
Well I'm not gon' cry
I'm not gon' cry
I'm not gon' shed no tears
No I'm not gon' cry
It's not the time
Cause you were never worth my tears
Not Gon' Cry
Mary J. Blige's 'Not Gon' Cry' stands as a defining track from her 2006 retrospective album, 'Reflections - A Retrospective.' Released during a pivotal era for the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, the song exemplifies her signature blend of R&B and hip-hop influences, characterized by raw vocal delivery and introspective lyricism. As part of her extensive discography, this recording reflects her evolution from the gritty 'New Jack Swing' sound of the late 1990s to a more mature, reflective style. The track has become a staple in her live performances and covers, cementing its place in her legacy as a vocalist who prioritized emotional authenticity over polished production. It remains a powerful testament to her ability to convey deep personal struggle and resilience through her music.