A demo by the group found its way into the hands of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds through his mother-in-law, Jacqueline McQuam, who held later various showcases to highlight their work. Impressed by their sound, Edmonds asked them to perform at a concert with After 7 and El Debarge and subsequently added Boyz II Men founding member Marc Nelson.
Az Yet released their self-titled debut in 1996 on LaFace Records. The album featured a who's who of musical heavyweights including David Foster, BabyFace, Sheila E.,and Brian McKnight. The first single, "Last Night" reached #1 on the R&B charts and #9 on the Hot 100, achieving platinum status. The group's second single, "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" (a cover of the Chicago hit), was nominated for a Grammy award (Best Performance by a Duo or Group) reached #8 on the Hot 100 and achieved platinum status. Driven by these two singles, the album reached RIAA platinum status in 2002.
Marc Nelson was removed from the group due to "personal differences" and pursued a solo career. Nelson was replaced by Tony Grant as lead singer who was subsequently replaced by Ledon Bishop.
During Tony Grant's brief tenure with Az Yet, the most significant recording he made with the group was an appearance on the popular remake of "You're The Inspiration" with Chicago's Peter Cetera in 1997. The group continued to tour for several more years, experiencing exceptional success in Europe, Australia and Japan.
Az Yet left LaFace for Dreamworks Records and later appeared on movie soundtracks for "Hav Plenty" (1998 Sony Music) and "Kingdom Come" (2001 GospoCentric Records) as well as the soundtrack for the short-lived television drama "Fame L.A." (1998 Polygram Records).
After the group's breakup in 2002 and parting from Dreamworks Records, Darryl Anthony composed a new group with LeDon Bishop, Kris Gilder and Dante Harper and released "That B U" in 2004. The EP experienced moderate success. This formation of Az Yet disbanded in late 2007.
In November 2007, the four remaining original members - Marc Nelson, Kenny Terry, Shawn Rivera and Dion Allen - reunited and began recording their sophomore album, set for release in September 2008. The group released their first single, "Share Life", on April 25, 2008.
Hard to Say I'm Sorry
Az Yet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard her say, "from each other
Even lovers need a holiday, oh yeah
Far away from each other"
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay with me, oh
And after all that you've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise you, baby
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Not for a day, from your body
(Baby, I can't live without you, not even day)
Wouldn't wanna be swept away (away)
Far away from the one that I love
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say, I'm sorry
I just want you to know (you to know)
Hold me now
I really want to tell you, I'm sorry
I could never let you go
And after all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise you
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go, I can't let go
Az Yet's song "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" is a ballad about a relationship that is going through a tough patch. The first verse expresses the idea that everybody, including lovers, needs some time away from each other. It seems the relationship is at a point where some distance might be needed to clear the air. However, the singer is confessing that being away from their partner is not an option- they cannot live without them.
The lyrics of the chorus begin with an apology. The singer says it's difficult for them to admit they're sorry. They then directly ask their partner to stay with them- they don't want to let them go. The second verse is about the singer acknowledging the pain and hurt that their partner has experienced. They promise to make it up to them and that their love is a part of them that they can't let go of.
Overall, the song is a message of reconciliation and a plea for forgiveness. While the relationship has been hurt, the singer promises to fix it and make it right again. The lyrics express a deep love and need for the other person that outweighs any short-term issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody needs a little time away
She said that everyone, including people who love each other, need some distance sometimes.
Even lovers need a holiday, oh yeah
Lovers need a break from each other every once in a while.
Hold me now
Please embrace me at this very moment.
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
Apologizing is difficult for me.
I just want you to stay with me, oh
I want you to remain with me indefinitely.
And after all that you've been through
After all of the challenges you've faced.
I will make it up to you, I promise you, baby
I'll compensate you for everything you've gone through, I swear.
And after all that's been said and done
Despite everything that's happened.
You're just a part of me I can't let go
You're an inseparable part of me.
Couldn't stand to be kept away
I could not bear to be separated.
Not for a day, from your body
Not for a single day, could I be away from you.
Wouldn't wanna be swept away (away)
I do not wish to be removed from the one I love.
Far away from the one that I love
Separated from the one I love, far away.
I just want you to know (you to know)
I want you to be aware.
I really want to tell you, I'm sorry
I want to apologize to you with genuine remorse.
I could never let you go
I could never allow you to leave me, ever.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Peter P. Cetera, David Walter Foster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kennethadam13
[Verse 1: Darryl & Kenny]
Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say, from each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away from each other
[Chorus 1: Marc]
Hold me now, it's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
And after all that you've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise you, baby
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
[Verse 2: Shawn]
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Not for a day, from your body
Wouldn't want to be swept away
Far away from the one that I love
[Chorus: Kenny, Peter Cetera & Marc]
Hold me now, it's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know
Hold me now, I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
And after all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise you
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
[Outro: Marc]
I can't let go
@donnasoan
Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say
From each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away from each other
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Just for the day
From your body
Wouldn't want to be swept away
Far away
From the one that I love
Hold me now
It is hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know
Hold me now
I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
After all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise you
@DesmondDennis
I'll probably be the first one to point out that they are using a microphone stand idea that was originated by The Temptations. The Temptations were known for their custom "Four Headed Microphone Stand". In this case they have a 5 person microphone stand.
@gcinaphakamilemakoba5047
so what is wrong with copying what is good ?
@sherryconnor1765
And your point being
@deannederhoff
Desmond Dennis I dont think he was meaning anything wrong or disrespect in anyway.i didn't take it that way.the title was misleading though because I didn't see or hear Peter Cetera at all.but they did an awesome cover job
Peter Cetera and Chicago would be proud.
They did am awesome job.they put their own twist on it but they didn't do a butcher hack job like some do.it was neat to see the Mic stand thing like he said but also their movements like the temptations, the chi lites and so many othe male bands from the late 60s and 70s.lol brought back memories of some good ole groups
@deannederhoff
gcina phakamile Makoba he sisnt mean anything bad by it.i took it as brought back memories of old male groups
@TomKeithRI
Who originated the puppy in the Hummer?
@AlbertoSuarezMusic
To date, no one brings vocals like this anymore. Man do I miss this type of music !
@larrypratchett2161
Man I forgot about this song and re discovered it in 2023. Its been on repeat non stop. Thank God I was raised in the 90s! Great movies and music!
@Glytching365
Woot woot me tooooo!!!!
@louisonbalangue1660
We don't have this type of song now I miss the '90s RnB music