Wasted Tears

Haley Reinhart · Listen Up! [2012]

Left all alone, I'm not ashamed to say I had to cry

Been lookin' back I lost my head but I don't know why

Turns out that every night, oh I cried was wasted tears yeah



I can't erase, can't get back another yesterday

If I knew then what I know now I would have walked away

It's so hard to breathe when love's buried alive, alive, alive



Boy you really made me look a fool

You stole my heart and left it black and blue

But I can see now that the clouds are clear

I've been crying wasted, wasted tears

So take your promises, get on your way

I'm burning memories up in flames

'Cause I can see now that the clouds are clear

I've been crying wasted, wasted tears



I swear the earth, the universe was falling from the sky

You built me up to let me down a broken lullaby

I kinda want you to feel what it's like to break, break, break



Boy you really made me look a fool

You stole my heart and left it black and blue

But I can see now that the clouds are clear

I've been crying wasted, wasted tears

So take your promises, get on your way

I'm burning memories up in flames

'Cause I can see now that the clouds are clear

I've been crying wasted, wasted tears



Had me crying,

You were lying

I was dying

That's not love, that's not love

Had me crying, crying

You were lying, lying

I was dying, dying

That's not love, that's not love



Boy you really made me look a fool

You stole my heart and left it black and blue

But I can see now that the clouds are clear

I've been crying wasted, wasted tears

So take your promises, get on your way

I'm burning memories up in flames

'Cause I can see now that the clouds are clear

I've been crying wasted, wasted tears



Turns out that every night, oh I cried was wasted tears

Wasted Tears

Haley Reinhart's "Wasted Tears" serves as a poignant centerpiece on her 2012 album *Listen Up!*, showcasing her signature blend of pop sensibilities and emotional vulnerability. Recorded during her early career, the track exemplifies the polished production style characteristic of her debut era, featuring layered harmonies and a melodic structure designed for radio appeal. As a key track on her debut album, the song reflects her ability to convey personal narrative through accessible pop arrangements, distinguishing her work within the contemporary pop landscape of the early 2010s. The recording stands as a testament to her development as a vocalist and songwriter, capturing the introspective mood often found in her discography.