R.LUM.R is unapollogetically transparent about his emotions. After releasing “How This Feels” in July, the singer-songwriter gets even more vulnerable with his new raw track “Boys Should Never Cry.”
At first glance at the title, one may assume that R.LUM.R supports this statement — but that’s far from the truth. Over a sombre production, the Florida native shares his frustrations about toxic masculinty. In this case, he vents about the iniquitous ideology that crying is a sign of weakness in men.
In a monotonous voice R.LUM.R sings, “Boys should never cry / Keep it all inside / Never cross that line.” He sounds drained and emotionless, like anyone would if they spent their life trying to supress their feelings.
The single artwork shows a portrait sculpure of R.LUM.R. that is full of cracks. It could represent the burden he carries from not having a place to truly let go. His eyes are closed because he is trying to hold himself together. However, there’s only a matter of time before the built-up stress causes it shatter. The reality is: real men cry.
“Boys Should Never Cry” and “How This Feels” will appear on R.LUM.R’s upcoming album, which will release this fall via Island Records. In an Instagram post, he revealed that his project is done.
Listen to “Boys Should Never Cry” by R.LUM.R below.