this says tears, not tears.
tearv. tore (tôr, tr), torn (tôrn, trn), tear·ing, tears
v.tr.
1. To pull apart or into pieces by force; rend.
2. To make (an opening) by ripping: tore a hole in my stocking.
3. To lacerate (the skin, for example).
4. To separate forcefully; wrench: tore the wrappings off the present.
5. To divide or disrupt: was torn between opposing choices; a country that was torn by strife.
its so your hair doesnt come apart. not so you dont cry when its in your eyes
this all makes sense now