"Big Girls Don't Cry" (also known as "Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)") is a song recorded by American singer Fergie for her debut studio album, The Dutchess (2006). It was written by Fergie and Toby Gad while the production was helmed by will.i.am. The song was released as the fourth single from the album on May 22, 2007. "Big Girls Don't Cry" deviates from the hip-hop and urban music of Fergie's previous singles and opts for a more simplistic pop sound that incorporates acoustic and classical elements. It features credits from about thirty instrumentalists, many of which play the violins, violas and celli on the track. It is one of the few songs on the album that does not sample any other songs. Lyrically, the song talks about moving on from the pain of divorce.