In December 2007, David Byrne announced on the BBC Radio music show, The Weekender, that he was working Brian Eno on a brand new album of "proper songs", describing it as a "completely different thing" from My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, which was mostly experimental. Eno had invited Byrne to finish some songs that he had written but that did not have lyrics, some of which were eight years old. The resulting album, Everything That Happens will Happen Today, was self-released on August 18, 2008 through the official album's website. No record label was involved, and it available for stream or download at EverythingThatHappens.com.
Mea Culpa
Brian Eno & David Byrne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Committed a sin, I made a mistake. I asked ?
To forgive me, please forgive me." He said
"Mea Culpa," can you put it better?
"I'm saying I'm sorry, I made a mistake, I
Made, I committed a sin, I made a mistake.
And I'm never gonna do it again,
And I'm never gonna do it again."
The lyrics to Brian Eno and David Byrne's song "Mea Culpa" are a reflection on the human desire for forgiveness and redemption. The singer in the first stanza is recounting a conversation they had with someone who had committed a sin and was asking for forgiveness. The person admits their wrongdoing by saying "I made a mistake" and asks for forgiveness by saying "please forgive me." In the second stanza, the singer reflects on the phrase "Mea Culpa," which is Latin for "my fault" or "I am to blame." The singer questions whether there is a better way to convey the same message of apology and remorse. The repetition of the phrase "I'm sorry, I made a mistake" emphasizes the weight of the guilt and the desire for forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
What're you saying? He said "I'm sorry, I
The singer is questioning the meaning of the words spoken by another person who expressed remorse for committing a wrongdoing.
Committed a sin, I made a mistake. I asked ?
The other person is admitting to committing a sinful act and asking for forgiveness as a result of their wrongdoing. The missing word implies that the singer did not hear or understand what was said.
To forgive me, please forgive me." He said
The other person is verbally requesting forgiveness from someone else. The singer reiterates that the person asked for forgiveness in the first person.
"Mea Culpa," can you put it better?
The artist questions whether the phrase 'Mea Culpa' (Latin for 'my fault') fully captures the gravity and sincerity of the other person's apology.
"I'm saying I'm sorry, I made a mistake, I
The other person explicitly repeats their apology, acknowledging their wrongdoing and expressing remorse for committing the sin. The artist then repeats the words for emphasis.
Made, I committed a sin, I made a mistake.
The other person repeats again that they committed a sin and made a mistake, emphasizing their wrongdoing.
And I'm never gonna do it again,
The other person promises to never commit the same sin or mistake again, demonstrating their commitment to making things right.
I never did it before
The other person emphasizes that they did not commit this particular sin or mistake in the past, indicating that it was an isolated incident.
And I'm never gonna do it again."
The other person repeats their promise to never commit the same sin or mistake again, underscoring their remorse and intent to make amends.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE, BRIAN ENO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@boernest8930
I am so happy others ...younger are finding this...I grew up in the 70s...GENIUS
@edshred1657
This album was SO far ahead of it's time and is a still to this day a masterpiece
@robertlenhart7753
Bought the lip when released âcause I was heavily into David Byrne. Original mix easily the best. Spent many a night in early 80âs under the influence being influenced by the sheer brilliance of the totality that is this lp. Still have it. Still influenced.
@crispyrobot77
This album was WAY ahead of its time and has helped shape the music I make today. in 2018 it is STILL ahead of its time. Many of the songs, like this one, use non-melodic vocal sources as an instrument/rhythm source. A technique not too common at the time and still not very common today. But then again Brian Eno and David Byrne are uncommon musicians.
@agz7269
This song sure has the beat n groove
Melodic Regiment nails it 4 me
@phx4closureman
WALL STREET (1987) BROUGHT ME HERE!!! Spying on Sir Larry, tailing him all around town!!! đđđđ
@cjjude0666
This record was such genius almost 35 years ago that I still listen to it on a regular basis and technically it was brave since digital sampling didn't exist yet
@freebow.goosecreature3547
seems like the other day.
@2RuoteLibere
me too
@Slsy11
christopher Fucci Agree! I loved it then and I love it now.