By Tam Music
About the song
“Here Come Those Tears Again” – Jackson Browne’s Quiet Cry of Loss and Healing
When Jackson Browne released Here Come Those Tears Again in 1977, he wasn’t just sharing another beautifully written song. He was offering listeners a deeply personal reflection on grief, emotional survival, and the fragile process of healing. Appearing on his legendary album Running on Empty, the song stands as one of Browne’s most tender and emotionally resonant works.
Co-written with fellow singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, Here Come Those Tears Again captures the quiet, aching moments that follow personal loss. Unlike dramatic breakup songs or angry ballads, this track speaks softly. It doesn’t scream pain—it whispers it. The gentle melody and Browne’s calm vocal delivery create an atmosphere of intimacy, as if the listener is being invited into a private emotional space.
The song arrived at a significant moment in Browne’s life. Just a year earlier, in 1976, his first wife, Phyllis Major, had died by suicide at the age of 30. Although Browne rarely spoke publicly about the tragedy, many fans and critics believe that Here Come Those Tears Again reflects the lingering sadness he carried after her passing. The lyrics do not mention specific names or events, but the emotional weight is unmistakable.
Lines about tears returning when you least expect them speak to a universal human experience: grief never truly disappears. It hides, waits, and then resurfaces in quiet moments. Browne’s delivery feels restrained yet powerful, suggesting a man who has learned to live with sorrow rather than escape it.
Musically, the song is understated but elegant. Soft acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and warm harmonies support the emotional tone without overwhelming it. There are no flashy solos or dramatic changes—just a steady, comforting rhythm that mirrors the slow, steady nature of emotional recovery.
Warren Zevon’s involvement adds another layer of depth. Known for his dark humor and sharp lyricism, Zevon brought a poetic sensitivity to the collaboration. Together, Browne and Zevon created a song that feels both personal and universal, allowing listeners to find their own meaning within the words.
Running on Empty, the album that features the song, was recorded largely on the road, capturing the exhaustion and emotional strain of constant touring. While many tracks focus on life as a traveling musician, Here Come Those Tears Again feels like a pause—a moment of emotional stillness amid the chaos. It reminds listeners that even when life keeps moving, the heart still needs time to feel.
The song’s legacy has grown stronger over the years. Fans often describe it as a “comfort song”—a track they turn to during moments of sadness, reflection, or emotional vulnerability. It doesn’t promise instant healing, but it offers understanding, which can be just as powerful.
Jackson Browne has always been known for his honest songwriting. From These Days to The Pretender, his music explores the emotional complexities of life with quiet sincerity. Here Come Those Tears Again fits perfectly within that tradition. It’s not about dramatic heartbreak; it’s about the quiet return of pain and the courage it takes to face it.
The song also reflects Browne’s emotional maturity as an artist. Instead of hiding behind metaphor or anger, he embraces vulnerability. This openness helped shape his reputation as one of the most emotionally intelligent voices in American rock and folk music.
Decades after its release, Here Come Those Tears Again remains deeply relevant. Grief, loss, and emotional reflection are timeless experiences. New generations continue to discover the song and find comfort in its gentle honesty.
In a world filled with loud, fast, and flashy music, this track stands out for its simplicity. It proves that sometimes the quietest songs speak the loudest truths.
Here Come Those Tears Again is not just a song—it is an emotional companion. It sits beside you in moments of sadness, offering no grand solutions, only understanding. And in that quiet understanding, many listeners find the strength to keep going.