He performed with several bands, most notably Allies, before launching his solo career.
He is best known for his hit song "Butterfly Kisses", a favorite for father-daughter dances at weddings, which appeared on his third solo album. That album, originally titled Shades of Grace, was later re-released as Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) because of the success of the single. He co-wrote this song with former Allies partner Randy Thomas and for this they together won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Butterfly Kisses has also won a Dove Award for Song of the Year.
Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas also wrote the 1989 Dolly Parton #1 hit song "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That?
Bob Carlisle also played the french horn as part of the Octavarium Orchestra with the progressive metal group Dream Theater.
Forgiveness
Bob Carlisle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say I do, but then I don't
It happens every day
I hate the sinner, love the sin
It's a sorry state I'm in
I've got to get away
Every time I throw that stone
You know how much I need
Forgiveness, forgiveness
I can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
That's what love's about
Forgiveness
I say forgive and then forget
But I ain't learned to do it yet
You'd think I'd know by now
I know how to hurt someone
Been on both sides of that gun
Pulled the trigger anyhow
When I'm hurting someone else
I only hurt myself
I've got to let it go
Forgiveness, forgiveness
I can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
That's what love's about
Forgiveness
A thousand wrongs don't make a right
Just nobody wins
When the bridges start burning
Can't you hear my cry?
Forgiveness, forgiveness
I can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
That's what love's about
Forgiveness, forgiveness
I can't live without
Forgiveness, forgiveness
That's what love's about
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
The song Forgiveness by Bob Carlisle portrays a sincere plea for forgiveness from a person who realizes that he has been living in hypocrisy. The person confesses to the constant cycle of saying one thing and doing the opposite. He acknowledges that he is trapped in a sad state of "hating the sinner but loving the sin." He wants to break free from this cycle and reach a point of true forgiveness. He realizes that every time he judges or condemns someone else's wrongdoing, he inadvertently seals his own fate. The song then goes on to explain that the only way out is through forgiveness. He laments that he has been unable to forgive and forget despite his intentions. He has struggled with hurting others and being hurt by them, having been on both sides of that gun. In recognizing that the cycle of blaming and hurting others hurts him more, he desires to let it all go.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness to the person. He cannot live without it, and he recognizes that it's what love is all about. The song presents forgiveness as a necessary act that helps individuals find peace of mind and restores broken relationships. The singer then cries out for forgiveness, acknowledging his need to be forgiven and his desire to start afresh.
Overall, the song Forgiveness is a poignant and emotional plea for a better way of life through forgiveness. It highlights the negative impact of condemning and blaming others, while extolling the power of forgiveness as an essential element of love and a life free of animosity and bitterness.
Line by Line Meaning
I say I will, but then I won't
I make promises to change my ways, but end up not following through.
Say I do, but then I don't
I commit to a course of action, only to abandon it later.
It happens every day
These patterns of behavior are a regular occurrence.
I hate the sinner, love the sin
I judge others for their wrongdoing, yet excuse my own.
It's a sorry state I'm in
I am ashamed of my own shortcomings.
I've got to get away
I need to change my behavior and stop repeating my mistakes.
Every time I throw that stone
When I judge and condemn others for their actions,
The fate I'm sealing is my own
I am creating negative consequences for myself.
You know how much I need
I require forgiveness and compassion from others.
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Granting and receiving forgiveness is necessary for healing and growth.
I can't live without
Forgiveness is essential to my well-being.
That's what love's about
Forgiveness is an expression of love and compassion for oneself and others.
I say forgive and then forget
I tell myself and others that I am letting go of past harm, but struggle to do so.
But I ain't learned to do it yet
I have not yet developed the skills or willingness to truly forgive and move on.
You'd think I'd know by now
After so many experiences of hurt and forgiveness, it seems like I should have learned how to let go.
I know how to hurt someone
I am aware of my power to inflict harm on others.
Been on both sides of that gun
I have both hurt and been hurt by others.
Pulled the trigger anyhow
Despite knowing the pain it causes, I sometimes act harshly or unfairly towards others.
When I'm hurting someone else
When I am causing pain or harm to another person,
I only hurt myself
I am also damaging my own well-being and relationships.
I've got to let it go
I need to release my grudges and forgive others for their imperfections.
A thousand wrongs don't make a right
Just because someone has hurt me or others does not justify me doing the same.
Just nobody wins
When forgiveness and love are absent from relationships, everyone loses.
When the bridges start burning
When relationships become strained or broken,
Can't you hear my cry?
I am asking for mercy, compassion, and understanding from others.
Forgiveness, forgiveness
The act of forgiving is a powerful way to restore relationships and promote peace.
Forgiveness, forgiveness
It is a process that requires humility, courage, and compassion.
Forgiveness, forgiveness
By embracing forgiveness, I can learn to love myself and others more deeply.
Forgiveness, forgiveness
It is a gift that I can give to myself and to others.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHN WILLIAM FELDMANN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@steelepls
Such a powerful voice for the Lord singing about His love and forgiveness. Thanks for posting.
@annewebb8282
love this song, have played in Bible studies many times.
@stormcorrosion176
If Bob Carlisle isn't the "Christian Meatloaf", I don't know who is!! Talk about soul baby Bob Carlisle is right there
@ehrldawg
Great job,Stan !!
@trichellelaurel4215
Beautiful love this song 2019
@stormcorrosion176
Trichelle Laurel yes ma'am a great song indeed!!
@kipthecourtjester
Wonderful!
@sjveiga7947
Nice heart song on forgiveness=that's what love is about!
@denisethorbjornsen3331
Thank you for this song because we forget the Lords words that oh wicked servant I forgave your sins .Won't you forgive anothers???
@trichellelaurel4215
2023