The 7 Wildest Secrets And 'Rocky Horror' Easter Eggs In Sabrina Carpenter's 'Tears' Music Video

Sabrina Carpenter’s "Tears" music video, released on August 29, 2025, alongside her seventh studio album, *Man's Best Friend*, is far more than a standard pop visual. This nu-disco anthem's accompanying film is a satirical, visually stunning, and deliberately camp celebration of female liberation and LGBTQ+ culture, packed with hidden meanings and a controversial, show-stopping cameo. Directed by Bardia Zeinali, the video immediately sparked intense fan analysis for its cinematic references and clever lyrical interpretations, cementing its status as one of the most talked-about pop visuals of the current date. The video serves as the second single from the *Man's Best Friend* era, following "Manchild," and dramatically raises the stakes on Carpenter's evolving artistic persona. From its haunted house setting to its multiple alternate endings, "Tears" is designed to be over-analyzed, offering a playful yet powerful commentary on modern dating and the true meaning of a supportive partner.

Sabrina Carpenter: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Full Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter

Born: May 11, 1999

Birthplace: Quakertown, Pennsylvania, U.S.

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Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Actress

Early Career & Breakthrough:

• Began her career as an actress, gaining prominence for her role as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series *Girl Meets World* (2014–2017).
• Signed with Hollywood Records and released her debut single, "Can't Blame a Girl for Trying," in 2014.

Key Albums & Music Eras:

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• *Eyes Wide Open* (2015)
• *Evolution* (2016)
• *Singular: Act I* (2018)
• *Singular: Act II* (2019)
• *Emails I Can't Send* (2022)
• *Short n' Sweet* (2024) - Grammy-nominated.
• *Man's Best Friend* (2025) - Her seventh studio album, featuring the singles "Manchild" and "Tears."

Notable Filmography:

• *Horns* (2013)
• *The Hate U Give* (2018)
• *Tall Girl* (2019)
• *Emergency* (2022)

The 'Rocky Horror' Connection: An Outrageously Camp Concept

The core of the "Tears" music video's unique appeal lies in its heavy, unmistakable homage to *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. Director Bardia Zeinali crafted a visual that is part haunted house, part theatrical drag performance, and entirely camp. The concept sees Carpenter exploring a seemingly spooky, yet ultimately liberating, mansion where the rules of conventional romance are broken. The video's setting and visual style are deliberately over-the-top, using saturated colors, theatrical lighting, and a sense of playful danger. This aesthetic perfectly mirrors the song's satirical lyrics, which mock the low bar set for men in modern relationships—specifically, a partner who simply treats her right and isn't a "manchild."

The Shocking Colman Domingo Cameo and Its Meaning

The most talked-about entity in the "Tears" video is the appearance of Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo. Domingo, known for his dramatic roles in *Euphoria* and *Rustin*, appears in a full drag ensemble, complete with lingerie, channeling a character directly inspired by *Rocky Horror*'s Dr. Frank-N-Furter. His character acts as the mansion's host, a theatrical figure who guides Carpenter through the house. This casting is a powerful statement, aligning the video with LGBTQ+ culture and celebrating the freedom and theatricality of drag. It reinforces the video’s theme of breaking free from traditional, often restrictive, relationship norms and finding joy in unconventional, self-defined spaces. The collaboration with an actor of Domingo's caliber highlights the video's cinematic ambitions and its intent to be more than just a typical pop clip.

Deeper Dive: The Lyrical Subtext and Multiple Endings

The song "Tears," a standout track on the *Man's Best Friend* album, utilizes a clever nu-disco sound to deliver a surprisingly vulnerable message. The lyrics are a playful acknowledgment of finding a partner who is genuinely kind and respectful, a stark contrast to the "manchild" she references in the album's lead single. The chorus, in particular, is an emotionally layered statement: "I'm so in love, I could cry / I’m so happy, it makes me wanna cry." This is not a cry of sadness, but one of overwhelming joy and relief that she has finally found a relationship where she is truly valued. The video visualizes this liberation by having Carpenter, metaphorically, "kill men" (or the idea of bad partners) as she moves through the house, celebrating a new era of emotional maturity.

The Strategic Use of Multiple Video Endings

A key strategy that made the "Tears" music video a viral sensation was the release of multiple endings. This tactic, which immediately drove up views and encouraged repeat watches, was a brilliant marketing move by Island Records. The different endings provided fans with various conclusions to the narrative, fueling intense online speculation and analysis about which ending was the "true" one or which one contained the most significant easter eggs. This interactive element turned the music video into a participatory event, dramatically increasing its topical authority and ensuring it remained a trending topic across social media platforms.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords from the 'Man's Best Friend' Era

The "Tears" music video and its parent album, *Man's Best Friend*, are rich with relevant entities that define this phase of Sabrina Carpenter's career. These keywords and names are essential for understanding the cultural impact of the project:

• Album Title: *Man's Best Friend*
• Lead Single: "Manchild"
• Director: Bardia Zeinali
• Co-Star: Colman Domingo
• Inspiration: *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*
• Genre: Nu-Disco, Pop
• Themes: Satirical Relationships, Female Liberation, Emotional Vulnerability, LGBTQ+ Culture
• Video Elements: Haunted House, Drag Queen, Multiple Endings, Cinematic Visuals
• Album Tracks (LSI): "My Man on Willpower," "Sugar Talking," "We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night," "Nobody's Son," "Never Getting Laid"
• Record Label: Island Records
• Awards Context: Academy Award-nominated (referencing Colman Domingo)

In conclusion, the "Tears" music video is a masterful piece of pop culture, blending high-concept cinematography with deeply personal, satirical lyrics. By embracing a camp, *Rocky Horror*-inspired visual and featuring an iconic cameo from Colman Domingo, Sabrina Carpenter and Bardia Zeinali have created a fresh, unique, and endlessly rewatchable visual that perfectly captures the playful, liberated spirit of the *Man's Best Friend* era.