I’m lamenting the tabloid coverage of Amy Winehouse at the moment, and Tears Dry On Their Own is a fine example of why.Just listen to this song and watch its accompanying video – Winehouse has, as I said before – a rare vulnerability that she communicates whenever she sings. It’s like, despite that larger-than-life beehive and the sinewy body, there’s a scared and sensitive little girl hiding inside.

And while the melody in Tears Dry… has a major-key, upbeat 60’s soul style, the lyrics betray that vulnerability and sadness. Based on her delivery, I do believe the song’s autobiographical:

He walks away, the sun goes down
He takes the day, but I am grown
And your way, in this blue shade
My tears dry on their own…

Tears Dry… is yet another tune that proves Winehouse is a major British talent. One I’d be loathe to lose. I know Sloppy Dog agrees with me:

While she pushes herself more and more into the public consciousness as a coke-addled, skeletal pisshead, her music continues to underline her significance and inimitability as an artist. A summery Sixties masterpiece, and a decent enough swansong should she drown in the next few months (either in Regent?s Canal or neat vodka).

I just hope Amy can pull the public image back a bit – I’d hate to see her getting tarred with the Pete Doherty brush. Her public persona shouldn’t be overshadowing her talent.

Tears Dry On Their Own is the fourth single from Amy’s Back To Black album.