What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry
Benny Goodman & His Trio Lyrics
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I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
I hope you'll forgive and forget
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
You made me glad, I made you sad
I made you lonesome and blue
And who ever knew
Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
The lyrics of Benny Goodman's "What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry" detail a man's regrets and apologies after causing his loved one pain. He acknowledges his wrongdoing and expresses remorse for making her cry. He recognizes that she deserves more than leniency for his mistake, but he hopes that she can forgive and forget. The song questions what more he can say or do to prove his sincerity after apologizing. He acknowledges that he was wrong and does not blame her for what he has done. He recognizes her worth and feels guilty for bringing her shame.
The song conveys a sense of vulnerability and desperation. The singer is remorseful and willing to do anything to make amends. The repetition of the titular question, "What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?" emphasizes his uncertainty and desire for forgiveness. The lyrics also explore the unexpected shift in their relationship dynamic, as the singer goes from making the woman sad and lonesome to seeking comfort from her.
Overall, "What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry" is a poignant and relatable reflection on the complexities of asking for forgiveness and making reparations in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know why, I made you cry
I apologize for making you upset, and although I don't know why I acted that way, I truly regret it.
I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
I offer my sincerest apology, but I understand if you are still upset with me.
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
I don't expect you to excuse my behavior, even though I am saying sorry.
I hope you'll forgive and forget
I understand the gravity of my actions, but I hope over time you can forgive me and we can move forward.
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
I am at a loss for words to convey how remorseful I am, even after apologizing.
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I want to make it right and demonstrate to you that I am truly sorry for what I did.
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
I never intended to hurt you, and my actions were thoughtless and unintentional.
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
My feelings of remorse demonstrate how much you mean to me and how I deeply value our relationship.
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
I take full responsibility for my mistake and I am not trying to shift blame onto you.
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
You do not deserve to be treated poorly by me and I deeply regret that I caused you shame.
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
I am aware of the pain and tears I caused you and I offer my apologies with sincerity.
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
Even though I already apologized, I am still seeking a way to express my sorrow and make it right.
Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Walter Donaldson, Abe Lyman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind