Forgiveness
Andy Denton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I say I do and then I don't
It happens everyday
I hate the sinner, love the sin
It's a sorry state I'm in
Don't want to live this way
When I cast the killing stone
The fate I'm sealing is my own
Is forgiveness, forgiveness
We can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
And that's what life's about
Forgiveness
I say forgive and then forget
I haven't learned to do it yet
You'd think I'd know by now
Been on both sides of the gun
See that damage will be done
Pull the trigger anyhow, ah, yeah
When I'm hating someone else
All I'm hurting is myself
I've got to let it go
Forgiveness, forgiveness
We can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
And that's what life's about
A thousand wrongs don't make a right
No one really wins the fight
If the lesson isn't learned
Before your friend becomes your foe
Find another way to go
Before the bridge is burned, yeah!
Forgiveness, forgiveness
We can't live without
(Oh, you know that's right)
Forgiveness, forgiveness
And that's what life's about
Forgiveness, forgiveness
(Oh, yeah)
We can't live without
(Oh, yeah)
Forgiveness, forgiveness
(You know that's right)
And that's what life's about
Forgiveness, forgiveness
(I know you need, you know I need)
(Oh, we all need forgiveness)
We can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
And that's what life's about
(Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta)
(Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, yeah)
Forgiveness, forgiveness
We can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
And that's what life's about
You cannot live without it
The lyrics to Andy Denton’s song Forgiveness are deeply personal, and it is clear that Denton is grappling with the concept of forgiveness in a way that is both introspective and vulnerable. The song is built around the idea that forgiveness is a crucial element of human life, and that living without it is impossible. Throughout the verses, Denton explores the difficulties he faces with forgiving others – and himself – for the mistakes that they have made.
Denton acknowledges that he is far from perfect when it comes to practicing forgiveness. He states outright that he often says he will forgive someone, only to fail to follow through on that promise. He also laments the fact that he sometimes hates the sinner while loving the sin itself, which he admits is a terrible state to be in. Denton sings about the damage that can be done when he holds onto grudges, and how important it is to let go of those negative feelings.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the central message, which is simply that forgiveness is essential. Denton repeats this phrase several times throughout the song, touching on the idea that without forgiveness, life is lacking something important. Overall, the song conveys a sense of deep longing for the peace that can come from forgiving others and building strong, positive relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I say I will and then I won't
I am indecisive and often change my mind.
I say I do and then I don't
I make promises that I do not keep.
It happens everyday
These patterns of behavior are frequent and routine.
I hate the sinner, love the sin
I judge and condemn others for their actions instead of showing compassion.
It's a sorry state I'm in
I am not proud of my current behavior and wish to change.
Don't want to live this way
I am unhappy with my current behavior and wish to change.
When I cast the killing stone
When I judge and condemn someone else for their actions.
The fate I'm sealing is my own
I am responsible for my own actions and the consequences that come with them.
When I know that what we need
When I understand the importance of the concept I am discussing.
Is forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness is necessary for positive interactions and relationships.
We can't live without
Forgiveness is essential for our well-being and happiness.
And that's what life's about
Forgiveness is a crucial part of living a meaningful life.
I say forgive and then forget
I believe in the idea of forgiving and moving on from the past.
I haven't learned to do it yet
I am still struggling to practice forgiveness despite understanding its importance.
You'd think I'd know by now
I am aware of the concept of forgiveness but have not yet mastered it.
Been on both sides of the gun
I have both hurt others and been hurt by others.
See that damage will be done
I understand that my actions have consequences and can harm others.
Pull the trigger anyhow, ah, yeah
Despite knowing the consequences, I still engage in harmful behavior.
When I'm hating someone else
When I judge and condemn someone else for their actions.
All I'm hurting is myself
My negative feelings and behavior are harming my own well-being.
I've got to let it go
I need to release my negative emotions and move on from the past.
A thousand wrongs don't make a right
Harming someone else in retaliation for their actions is not justified.
No one really wins the fight
Engaging in conflict only leads to negative outcomes for everyone involved.
If the lesson isn't learned
If people do not learn from their actions and the actions of others, negative patterns will continue.
Before your friend becomes your foe
Before misunderstandings and conflict lead to a negative end to the relationship.
Find another way to go
Seek a peaceful resolution to conflict instead of engaging in harmful behavior.
Before the bridge is burned, yeah!
Before irreparable damage is done to the relationship.
You know that's right
The importance of forgiveness is clear.
I know you need, you know I need
All people need forgiveness to live a happy, peaceful life.
We all need forgiveness
Forgiveness is necessary for all people regardless of their actions.
Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
Forgiveness is essential, imperative, necessary, crucial.
Oh, yeah
Affirmation of the importance of forgiveness.
Contributed by Elliot S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.