7 Shocking Secrets Behind Sabrina Carpenter's "Tears" Music Video: The Rocky Horror Twist And Alternate Endings

Sabrina Carpenter's "Tears" music video is not just a visual spectacle; it is a masterclass in pop culture homage and interactive storytelling, solidifying her status as a provocative and intelligent artist in 2025. The video, which dropped on August 29, 2025, alongside her highly anticipated seventh studio album, *Man's Best Friend*, immediately sparked a massive conversation online, thanks to its bold concept, satirical themes, and a visual style that pays direct tribute to a legendary cult classic. This deep dive unpacks everything you need to know, from the lyrical meaning to the shocking alternate endings and the high-profile celebrity cameo that ties the whole twisted narrative together.

Sabrina Carpenter's "Tears" Music Video: The Essential Breakdown

The "Tears" music video is the second major visual release from Sabrina Carpenter's 2025 album, *Man's Best Friend*, following the lead single "Manchild." The video's immediate impact came from its unmistakable visual direction, which transformed the playful, innuendo-laden track into a full-scale, gender-bending cinematic event. It's a key piece of the album's overall narrative, which explores themes of emotional vulnerability, mature relationships, and moving past the "manchild" trope she introduced in the previous single.

• Song Title: Tears
• Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
• Album: Man's Best Friend (2025)
• Release Date (Music Video): August 29, 2025
• Writers/Producers: Sabrina Carpenter and John Ryan
• Key Collaborator: Colman Domingo
• Genre: Pop, Pop-Rock
• Live Debut: MTV Video Music Awards 2025

1. The Unmistakable Rocky Horror Picture Show Homage

The core concept of the "Tears" music video is a brilliant, satirical nod to the 1975 cult classic, *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. Carpenter and the creative team meticulously replicated the film's plot beats, aesthetic, and overall B-movie horror vibe. The video is a visually stunning mix of dark, gothic settings and sparkly, sultry pop-rock energy, serving as a modern, pop-infused reimagining of the original movie’s themes of sexual liberation and identity.

2. Colman Domingo's Scene-Stealing Role

One of the video’s biggest surprises was the appearance of critically acclaimed actor Colman Domingo, who co-stars in a key role. Domingo plays a character clearly inspired by the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter from *Rocky Horror*, appearing as a drag queen who hosts the chaotic, mysterious gathering. His performance adds a layer of theatricality and high-camp drama, underscoring the video's satirical take on classic horror and gender roles.

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3. The Deep Meaning of the "Tears" Lyrics

While the video is all spectacle, the song itself is a surprisingly sweet and mature declaration of a healthy relationship. The lyrics of "Tears" are about finding a partner who is genuinely good to her—someone who doesn't cause her emotional pain or drama. The chorus is a direct contrast to the themes of her previous work:

"You're the only one who makes me cry, but only tears of joy."

This simple sentiment is layered with Sabrina's signature playful innuendo and a theme of emotional and literal vulnerability, celebrating the appeal of a man who is the opposite of a "manchild." It's a celebration of finding genuine emotional depth after experiencing superficial relationships.

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4. The Interactive YouTube Adventure: Alternate Endings

In a move that delighted fans and boosted engagement, Sabrina Carpenter turned the "Tears" music video into an interactive fan adventure. Throughout the week following the premiere, she rolled out a series of alternate endings for the video exclusively on YouTube. This unique strategy allowed fans to discuss and speculate on different narrative outcomes, adding a layer of mystery and rewatchability to the already complex visual. This approach highlighted the power of modern digital platforms to enhance the music video experience.

5. A Satirical Celebration of Womanhood and LGBTQ+ Culture

Beyond the horror homage, the video serves as a visually stunning, satirical, and sultry celebration of womanhood and LGBTQ+ culture. By drawing heavily on the queer-coded elements of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, Carpenter uses the visual narrative to explore themes of self-discovery and breaking free from conventional expectations. The video’s over-the-top, theatrical aesthetic—complete with elaborate costumes and dramatic set pieces—empowers the central message of the song: finding joy and acceptance on your own terms.

6. The Production Powerhouse: John Ryan's Influence

The sonic landscape of "Tears" is as important as its visuals. The track was co-written and produced by veteran hitmaker John Ryan, who has a history of crafting infectious pop anthems. Ryan's production gives the song a polished, punchy pop-rock feel that perfectly complements Sabrina’s vocal performance. The collaboration between Carpenter and Ryan on this track solidified the album’s shift towards a more mature, rock-influenced pop sound, moving away from some of her earlier, lighter material.

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7. The High-Profile VMA Performance

The song's cultural moment was cemented when Sabrina Carpenter performed "Tears" at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2025. The VMA performance is often a litmus test for a song's success, and her high-energy, theatrical rendition of "Tears" proved its staying power. The performance, which likely incorporated elements of the controversial and captivating music video, was a major highlight of the awards show and further drove streaming and sales for the *Man's Best Friend* album.

"Tears" Music Video Reception and Legacy

The release of the "Tears" music video was met with overwhelmingly positive critical and fan reception. Critics praised Carpenter for her fearless visual choices and for successfully integrating a classic cinematic reference into a contemporary pop song. The video is seen as a bold artistic statement, confirming her willingness to take risks and engage with complex, mature themes. The combination of the playful lyrics, the high-concept visual, and the interactive element has made "Tears" one of the most talked-about music videos of 2025, ensuring its place as a significant moment in Sabrina Carpenter's evolving career.