forgive me
Cowboy Junkies Lyrics


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They tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
They tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
Well, if that's the case, that's the case
I think I'm going to kill that man
Then drop down on my knees

Well, this morning, God knows, that man he comes a-waltzing in
Just waltzing in
Well, I got my shotgun, I broke down
I started to mow that man down

Yeah, they tell me God forgives you
If that's the case now, people
I'm gonna mow my baby down

You don't put yourself out, you don't put yourself out
You don't treat Margo right, you don't treat Margo right
Now darling, there come a time
You're gonna need my love again

They tell me God forgives me for almost anything you do

You don't seem to understand
I've got your life right in my hands

Yeah, they tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
Anything you do
Well, if that's the case, that's the case
I think I'm going to kill that man
Then drop down on my knees

This morning, God knows, that man he comes waltzing in
Just waltzing in
Well, I grabbed my shotgun, I broke down
I started to mow that man down

Yeah, they tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
If that's the case now, people
I'm gonna mow my baby down
I'm gonna mow my baby down
I'm gonna shoot that man

You don't put yourself out, you don't put yourself out
You don't treat Margo right, you don't treat your baby right
Now darling, there come a time
You're gonna need my love again





Yeah, they tell me God forgives you for almost anything
Anything you do

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cowboy Junkies' song "Forgive Me" touch on the complex and often conflicting themes of love, forgiveness, and violence. The singer expresses anger and a desire for revenge against a man who has wronged both himself and his lover, Margo. He contemplates killing the man, but also thinks about God's supposed forgiveness for all sins. He seems torn between his feelings of hatred and the possibility of redemption through faith.


The opening lines of the song immediately present a paradoxical idea: that God forgives almost anything, even acts of violence. This idea continues to be explored throughout the song as the singer becomes more and more consumed by his rage. He believes that the man he wants to kill deserves to die, but also considers the possibility that he could be forgiven if he repents. Ultimately, the singer seems unable to choose between these two impulses.


The chorus repeats the idea that God forgives almost anything, perhaps reflecting the singer's desperation for reassurance or justification. The final lines of the song, however, bring the focus back to Margo and her need for love and care. The singer acknowledges that she will need him again someday, perhaps hinting at the possibility of reconciliation or redemption in the context of their troubled relationship.


Overall, "Forgive Me" is a complex and emotionally charged song that grapples with difficult questions about love, forgiveness, and violence. It is a song that invites listeners to dig deeper than the surface-level meanings of its lyrics and ponder the complexities of human emotion and relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

They tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
I have heard that God can forgive you for any action regardless of how terrible it is


Well, if that's the case, that's the case
If it is true that God can forgive any sin, then that is just how it is


I think I'm going to kill that man
I am considering murdering a man for mistreating me or someone else


Then drop down on my knees
Afterward, I will ask for forgiveness from God


Well, this morning, God knows, that man he comes a-waltzing in
Today, that man showed up unexpectedly


Just waltzing in
Entering without anyone's permission, as if he belongs there


Well, I got my shotgun, I broke down
I immediately retrieved my shotgun from storage, and it was not difficult to find or use


I started to mow that man down
I aimed my weapon at the man and began shooting at him without hesitation


You don't put yourself out, you don't put yourself out
You neglect to do what is necessary or helpful, and it becomes burdensome to me


You don't treat Margo right, you don't treat Margo right
You mistreat or abuse someone named Margo, and it is unjustified


Now darling, there come a time
There will be a moment in the future


You're gonna need my love again
You will regret what you have done and ask for my forgiveness and affectional support once more


You don't seem to understand
You lack comprehension of what I am feeling or saying


I've got your life right in my hands
I have control over your existence and could end it if I chose to do so


Yeah, they tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
I have been informed that nearly all sins can be pardoned by God


Well, if that's the case, that's the case
If this statement is true, then there is little I can do about it


I think I'm going to kill that man
I am contemplating homicide


Then drop down on my knees
After the deed is done, I will pray for mercy


If that's the case now, people
If this notion of God's forgiveness is accurate, then it applies to all people


I'm gonna mow my baby down
I intend to execute my own child


You don't treat Margo right, you don't treat your baby right
You are mistreating both Margo and our child


I'm gonna shoot that man
I am going to shoot and kill the man who has wronged me or someone else


Yeah, they tell me God forgives you for almost anything you do
I have been informed that God can absolve you of most sins


If that's the case now, people
If this is true, then everyone can be forgiven by God


I'm gonna mow my baby down
I am going to murder my own child


I'm gonna shoot that man
I am going to commit homicide against someone who has shown me or others ill treatment


You don't put yourself out, you don't put yourself out
You do not expend energy or effort, and it creates a burden for me or someone else


You don't treat Margo right, you don't treat your baby right
You mistreat individuals named Margo and our child, and it is morally unjustified


Now darling, there come a time
There will be a time in the future when you will need my love and support again


You're gonna need my love again
You will require my love and care once again, as you require forgiveness for previous wrongdoings


Yeah, they tell me God forgives you for almost anything
It has been communicated to me that God can offer forgiveness for nearly all sinful acts


Anything you do
Whatever actions you take




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS JAMES JACKSON, C. CONLLEY, DE SHAUN D. HOLTON, B. JOHNSON, LARRY LOUIS, D. MOORE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Ellesee Georgiadis


on Mining For Gold

How beautiful! Thank you for your voice. Thank you for your heart.

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