She sings about her public image as an emotionally sensitive celebrity, later embracing the reputation while listing several ways she can evolve into a better individual.
Many praised the lyrics' emotional impact and SZA's vocal performance; a few considered "Crybaby" an album highlight.
[14] Shortly before its release, SZA premiered a music video for the track "Drive", where a snippet of "Crybaby" plays at the end.
Variety's Jem Aswad called "Crybaby" an album highlight,[16] whereas Mackenzie Cummings-Grady of Billboard ranked it as Lana's best track.
[16] Focusing on the introspective lyrics' emotional impact, Cummings-Grady wrote: "Another raw and gut-wrenching look in the mirror [...] this song will turn anyone into a crybaby.
Gabriel Bras Nevares, for the same publication, said that the song showcased SZA's "best and most dynamic vocal performances and emotional narratives".