Ratnang Singh: “Boys Don’t Cry” – a carefully crafted songwriting style

Ratnang Singh is a singer-songwriter from New Delhi, India. “Writing is a passion and singing, a release,” says Singh. “Almost therapeutic, it takes me away into another world and that is what I’d like my audience to feel. To be transported elsewhere, away from the daily squabbles of life.” Ratnang Singh’s latest release is the single, “Boys Don’t Cry”.

The song captures all of Singh’s songwriting qualities, as well as mirroring the musical dynamics of his performances. It is clear that this song can stand on its own two feet without a band, but at the same time it is clearly written while being mindful of the potential for band input. The result is a perfect blend of songwriting integrity and subtle but powerful instrumentation.

“Boys Don’t Cry” opens with a voice and guitar, but steadily introduces percussion, bass and backing vocals to tremendous effect. What begins as somewhat of a laid-back ballad develops into a rousing anthem laced with longing and hope.

“Just like you mama, I am soft around the edges of this heart. And just like you daddy, I’m holding up strong for I fear the fall apart. How do I let it all out now if boys don’t cry?” Ratnang Singh sings, as slow and gentle, ever-building waves of musical sway give his words emotional backup.

Ratnang Singh’s heartfelt lyrics and richly textured singing voice are quite naturally the centerpieces of his intimate and carefully crafted songwriting style. On “Boys Don’t Cry”, Singh expresses the full range of emotional depth and shade in his performance.

The thoughtful and intricate detail of the song arrangement here only serves to enhance Singh’s well-established talent for penning a poignant tune. He is a singer-songwriter that seems to have shaken off the anxious intensity in his music, settling instead into a more comfortable and contemplative state of mind.

Yet he doesn’t shy away from heartache, suffering or pain, he sings about it with excruciating grace. But this record is also about introspection, encouragement, hope and healing—and it works. Because despite his at times melancholic musings, Ratnang Singh’s underlying and unyielding sense of positivity prevails.