Guide
Sabrina Carpenter is proving once again that she is not just a one-hit wonder with her impressive new pop single, “Tears”. The track sits in second place on her new album, “Man’s Best Friend”, perfectly positioned to lead on from “Manchild”. Released through Island Records, this track is one that ticks a lot of my boxes, and here I will take a deep dive.
Song Analysis (Tears Review)
“Tears” is a fresh step forward for Sabrina Carpenter and it dives headfirst into shimmering disco-pop with style and confidence. The track tips its hat to classic disco but never feels dated. Instead it balances nostalgia with a sharp, modern edge.
It is driven by a steady four-on-the-floor beat at 112 BPM, the song thrives on its mix of retro flair and contemporary gloss. Anchored in D minor, it occasionally shifts into F Dorian, adding unexpected brightness that lifts the choruses and instrumental breaks. Instead of following a straight pop formula, Carpenter and producer John Ryan lean into rich chord progressions and layered textures that recall disco’s golden years more than today’s streamlined Top 40.
Ryan takes on much of the instrumentation on this track. From bass and guitar to sparkling synths and percussion, while Bobby Hawk’s string arrangements inject drama and sweep. The result is a vivid sound where elastic basslines, crisp hi-hats, and glossy synth hooks collide in true nu-disco fashion. A standout moment for me comes with the mid-song dance break. It is here where the arrangement briefly strips back before exploding again, keeping the energy high and club-ready.
What makes “Tears” shine is its balance of slick digital production and warm, organic details. The live strings and inventive chord voicings nod to icons like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor, while Grammy-winning mixer Șerban Ghenea gives the track its modern punch. The outcome is sleek, funky, and irresistibly fun.
Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears” Lyrics (Tears Review)
Intro
Mm
Mm-hmm
Uh (Shikitah)
Chorus
I get wet at the thought of you (Uh-huh)
Being a responsible guy (Shikitah)
Treating me like you’re supposed to do (Uh-huh)
Tears run down my thighs
Verse 1
A little initiative can go a very long, long way
Baby, just do the dishes, I’ll give you what you (What you), what you want
A little communication, yes, that’s my ideal foreplay
Assemble a chair from IKEA, I’m like, “Uh” (Ah)
Chorus
I get wet at the thought of you (Uh-huh)
Being a responsible guy (So responsible)
(Shikitah)
Treating me like you’re supposed to do (Uh-huh)
Tears run down my thighs
Verse 2
A little respect for women can get you very, very far
Remembering how to use your phone gets me oh so, oh so, oh so hot
Considering I have feelings, I’m like, “Why are my clothes still on?” (Mm)
Offering to do anything, I’m like, “Oh my God”
Chorus
I get wet at the thought of you (Uh-huh)
Being a responsible guy (So responsible)
(Shikitah)
Treating me like you’re supposed to do (Uh-huh)
Tears run down my thighs
Post-Chorus
I get wet at the thought of you (I get)
Being a responsible guy (Responsible guy)
Treating me like you’re supposed to do (Supposed to do)
Tears run down my thighs (Dance break)
Bridge
No
So responsible
No
Chorus
I get wet at the thought of you (Uh-huh)
Being a responsible guy (Guy, so responsible)
(Shikitah)
Treating me like you’re supposed to do (Uh-huh)
Tears run down my thighs (Shikitah)
Meaning (My Opinion) (Tears Review)
Sabrina focuses on appreciating a partner who takes responsibility and shows care in everyday actions. This is very different to her earlier single “Manchild,” which highlighted frustration with immaturity and lack of accountability, this song celebrates someone who communicates well, helps out, and respects her needs. The repeated mentions of being “a responsible guy” and doing thoughtful things, like helping with chores or being emotionally aware, show that being treated correctly is deeply attractive. The sensual undertones combined with responsibility suggest that emotional connection and physical attraction go hand in hand when a partner truly cares.
The song also highlights the difference between frustration and fulfillment in a relationship. By mentioning small gestures like listening, showing initiative, and respecting her feelings, Carpenter makes it clear that maturity is not about grand romantic acts. Instead it is about consistent, thoughtful behavior. This track feels like a celebration of a partner who matches words with actions, creating both emotional closeness and intimacy. Overall, the lyrics show that real attraction comes from respect, consideration, and reliability as much as it does from chemistry.
Listen To “Tears” By Sabrina Carpenter (Tears Review)
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