"When the Children Cry" is a power ballad performed by Danish-American glam metal band White Lion. It is the third single and closing track on their 1987 album, Pride. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two in Canada, and number 88 in the United Kingdom.
Background
The song was written immediately after Live Aid, and was partly influenced by singer Mike Tramp's childhood. He said, "“I was around five or six when my father left us. My mom was left with three boys. So without a doubt my own story is in that song."
He also said,
Versions The song was re-recorded in 1999 on the album Remembering White Lion (also released as "Last Roar" in 2004) and a live version was released on the White Lion live album Rocking the USA. The re-recorded and live versions were both released as promo singles and later as iTunes singles. In 2004, an acoustic version of "When the Children Cry" was included on the VH1 Classic Metal Mania: Stripped compilation.
Track listing 7-inch single "When the Children Cry" – 4:04 "Lady of the Valley" – 6:38
Personnel Mike Tramp – lead vocals Vito Bratta – lead guitar James LoMenzo – bass guitar Greg D'Angelo – drums
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1988–1989)PeakpositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)2US Billboard Hot 1003US Album Rock Tracks (Billboard)7US Cash Box Top 1004
Year-end charts Chart (1989)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)53US Billboard Hot 10060
See also List of anti-war songs
References