Introduction
“I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You” is a heartfelt country ballad recorded by American singer Ricky Van Shelton and released in February 1990 as the lead single from his album RVS III, which debuted on January 16, 1990. Written by seasoned Nashville songwriters Chris Waters and Tony King, the song marked Shelton’s seventh number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart . Produced by Steve Buckingham under the Columbia Nashville label, the track exemplifies the neotraditional country sound that defined Shelton’s career in the late 1980s and early 1990s .
Rooted in themes of resilience and emotional closure, “I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You” delivers an unapologetically bittersweet message. The lyrics reflect a narrator’s decision to end the cycle of heartbreak, declaring that he can no longer be brought to tears by a past love. Shelton’s rich, emotive vocal performance enhances the lyrical punch, reinforced by polished instrumentation—steel guitar, fiddle, and understated percussion—that honors traditional country roots while maintaining a radio-friendly polish. This contrast between raw sentiment and professional sheen helped catapult the song to the top of country charts and solidified Shelton’s identity as a torchbearer of authentic, heartfelt country music .
The success of “I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You” helped propel RVS III to platinum certification by April 1991 . The album also featured other standout singles like “Statue of a Fool” and “I Meant Every Word He Said,” expanding Shelton’s repertoire and cementing a series of top-ten country hits . Positioned at the peak of Shelton’s career—spanning six number‑one country singles between 1987 and 1990— the song reflects the genre’s broader neotraditional movement, alongside icons like George Strait and Randy Travis.
Beyond its commercial triumph, the track endures as a fan favorite in Shelton’s discography. It captures a universal moment of emotional release and strength, which resonates with listeners then and now. In summary, “I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You” stands as a defining piece in Shelton’s catalog—emblematic of his vocal ability, narrative skill, and the heartfelt country storytelling of its era.
Video
Lyrics
When you left me lonely here
I thought that I would drown in tears
As one was wiped away
Another one would take it’s place
Drop by drop as time went by
I slowly ran that river dry
Until I finally realized today
That I’ve cried my last tear for you
Wasted my last year on you
There’s no trace of the heartache I knew
It’s been raining pain since you walked out
Baby that’s all over now
‘Cause I’ve cried my last tear for you
I use to lay alone in bed
With my pillow soaking wet
And all of those lonely nights
I thought there was no end in sight
I cried my heart out over you
Then I cried the hurt out too
It took awhile but now I’ll be alright
That I’ve cried my last tear for you
Wasted my last year on you
There’s no trace of the heartache I knew
It’s been raining pain since you walked out
Baby that’s all over now
‘Cause I’ve cried my last tear for you
Yeah, baby I’ve cried my last tear for you