Usher Releases “I Cry”: The R&B Legend’s New Single Show’s There is Strength in Vulnerability

“Like many men, I was raised to believe that we have to be tough and not show our vulnerability,” says Usher, in a post on social media about his latest single I CRY. Being shut in during the pandemic and witnessing the murders of Black men and women, which is currently leading to intense civil unrest, inspired the Confessions singer to return to the song and finish it, believing that it was “Intended for this time.” Usher says that he wants to teach his sons that it is okay for a man to feel emotions deeply and to cry, “Like many I grew increasingly frustrated by how slow things have been to change. I became very depressed, thinking about all of the sons who have lost their fathers to police brutality, social injustice and violence; the daughters and mothers too,” he explains in his Instagram post.

“I cry for the sons without fathers and the pain that their mothers hold deep inside,” Usher sings on the powerful R&B ballad. “And I’ll fight for the future we’re making / We can change if we face it / ‘Cause these tears won’t dry.” These lyrics, I am sure embodies the feelings so many are having during these troubled times. Proceeds from the single will be donated to the local initiatives Support Group, which helps under-served neighborhoods create economic opportunities as well as support for Black-led community organizations. Usher will also perform the song for the first time on Saturday, June 27th for Global Citizen’s Global Goal Unite concert, which will broadcast live on youtube at 2 pm ET and at 8 pm on NBC.

Listen to the track below.