“Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie, portrays the internal conflict that Fergie struggles with. While in a relationship with her lover, she finds that she needs to be free and figure out what she wants in her life. Through the breakup, Fergie finds herself as alone and frightened. Although she is older, there are moments where she still feels like a child. Having to make the decisions to end things with her partner was a lot harder than she anticipated. “You know, sometimes walking away from situations or old habits is a hard thing to do… but that’s because it’s the right thing to do,” Fergie said. While writing the song, she puts the message of independence into her lyrics and how she must find who she is before getting involved with anyone.

Fergie didn’t write this song alone, songwriter and producer Toby Gad helped Fergie create this song into her fourth single for her 2006 debut solo album. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” became very popular across the globe, becoming the 2007 most streamed song on the radio. In 2007, Fergie performed her popular breakup song at Live Earth in London, England. In the song, she repeatedly includes the lyrics “And i’m gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket, but I’ve got to get a move on with my life, It’s time to be a big girl now… and big girls don’t cry.” These expressive lyrics are what makes the connection with her fans and her music. Fergie knows that she is not the only one who is going through a difficult breakup, so writing this song allowed many of her fans to create that connection and express their feelings through her music. 

Growing apart from someone you love, becomes difficult to accept. It can often make some feel lonely and unworthy, but what the powerful message illustrates in her song, is to put yourself first. One shouldn’t have to rely on their partner to be happy or stable, but putting yourself first will lead you to a path of independence and strength within.