The spelling of "cries blues" can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Cries" is pronounced as /kraɪz/, with a long "i" sound and a voiced "z" at the end. "Blues" is pronounced as /bluːz/, with a long "u" sound and a voiced "z" at the end. When these two words are combined, the ending "s" in "cries" and the beginning "b" in "blues" blend together, resulting in the correct pronunciation of /kraɪz bluːz/.
The phrase "cries blues" is an idiomatic expression that originates from African American culture and has become widely used in contemporary English. When someone is said to "cries blues," it means they are expressing their melancholy, sorrow, or dissatisfaction through music, singing, or verbally sharing their emotions.
The term "blues" refers to a genre of music rooted in African American traditions, characterized by its emotional depth and often exploring themes of sadness, pain, and loss. It has its origins in African work songs, spirituals, and field hollers, and eventually evolved into a distinct form of music in the early 20th century. "Crying blues" can refer to the act of singing or performing blues music in a way that vividly portrays one's sorrows and personal struggles to evoke empathy and understanding from the listener.
In a broader sense, "cries blues" can also be used figuratively to describe anyone who openly expresses their sadness, discontent, or dissatisfaction. It denotes someone who articulates their emotional turmoil, seeking to garner sympathy or simply share their feelings. The phrase brings to attention the traditional association of the blues with cathartic expression and emotional release. Thus, whether through a musical performance or a vocal outpouring, "cries blues" signifies the act of openly and honestly sharing one's emotional state to communicate and connect with others.