"I Cry at Night" is a song by Elton John

Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...

 with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin

Bernie Taupin

Bernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...

. It appeared as the B-side to his 1978 single, "Part-Time Love

Part-Time Love

"Part-Time Love" is a song written by Elton John with lyrics by Gary Osborne. It is the sixth track off his 1978 album, A Single Man. It is also the opening track of side two. It proved to be one of the most popular singles the couple wrote, along with 1982's "Blue Eyes". It was banned in the...

".

Musical structure

The song features a grand piano and a synthesizer. Included in the song are double tracked vocals. The simplicity of the song fits in with the sad lyrics.

Lyrical meaning

Taupin wrote this song during 1975-76 whilst he was navigating a divorce. It was not included on the Blue Moves

Blue Moves

Blue Moves is the eleventh studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1976. It was also his second double album , and his first album released by his own Rocket Records Ltd...

album but was written during the sessions. The lyrics stands as some of the most personal by Taupin, and is a gem for die hard fans.

Bernie writes of himself:

"This man holds a hand that shows a tremble

This man that I live in bares his faults.

He has a heart and a well worn soul

Ten years a slave to rock 'n' roll

But he has to tremble

Despite the song's popularity amongst die-hard fans, it has never been performed live.