Godfather of Harlem is an American crime drama television series which prem… Read Full Bio ↴Godfather of Harlem is an American crime drama television series which premiered on September 29, 2019, on Epix. The series is written by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, and stars Forest Whitaker as 1960s New York City gangster Bumpy Johnson. Whitaker is also executive producer alongside Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, John Ridley and Markuann Smith. Chris Brancato acts as showrunner. On February 12, 2020, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 18, 2021.

Please Forgive Me
Godfather of Harlem Lyrics

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Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins (for all my sins)
Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins (say what?)
What a man gotta do? What a man gotta do? (Woo)

I ain't even ask to be good like this
So crazy (yeah, yeah)
Shit so crazy (shit so crazy)
I ain't even ask to be dangerous like this (yeah, yeah)
But I gotta survive

Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins (yeah, yeah, damn)
Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins
What a man gotta do? What a man gotta do?

You know the game get tricky, but real gs find a way
Sleep with my eyes open, pray the streets don't take me
I've been calculating daily
Niggas telling dudes you selling, shit crazy
Shit changing
But this lifestyle made me
But this pain really made me who I am
I've been going so hard, I cannot stop now
'Cause a man gotta do what a man gotta do
Stand for something, my nigga, don't just fall for the foolery
Girls in the jewelry
Even made men get hit
Nights like this, I sit back and reminisce
I am not perfect, I've been living life sinning
Putting in work ever day and never quitting

Please forgive me (never) (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins (all my sins, woo)
Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins (say what?)
What a man gotta do? What a man gotta do? (Woo)

I ain't even ask to be good like this
So crazy (yeah, yeah)
Shit so crazy (shit so crazy)
I ain't even ask to be dangerous like this (yeah, yeah)
But I gotta survive

Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)
For all my sins (yeah, yeah, damn)
Please forgive me (please forgive me)
Lord, forgive me (Lord, forgive me)

For all my sins
What a man gotta do? What a man gotta do? (Woo)

Overall Meaning

In the song "Please Forgive Me" by Godfather of Harlem, the lyrics express a deep sense of remorse and repentance, as the singer repeatedly asks for forgiveness from God for their sins. The repeated plea for forgiveness highlights a sense of guilt and awareness of wrongdoings, seeking redemption and absolution. The use of "Lord, forgive me" emphasizes a plea for divine mercy and forgiveness for all the transgressions committed.

The lyric "What a man gotta do? What a man gotta do?" reflects a sense of questioning and contemplation about the actions and responsibilities one must take to navigate a challenging and dangerous environment. This inner conflict is further emphasized by the lines that follow, where the singer expresses feeling thrust into a lifestyle of danger and survival without actively seeking it. The use of repetition in the chorus underscores the desperation and sincerity of the plea for forgiveness.

The verses delve into the complexities of the singer's life, acknowledging the challenging and risky nature of their circumstances. References to the streets, survival instincts, and the influence of a tough environment underscore the struggle to navigate a world filled with deceit, danger, and constant threats. The line "But this pain really made me who I am" reflects a deeper introspection into the impact of past experiences and hardships on shaping one's character and choices.

Overall, "Please Forgive Me" captures a raw and introspective narrative of a person grappling with their past actions, seeking forgiveness for their sins, and reflecting on the difficult choices they have had to make to survive. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life marked by hardship, mistakes, and a constant battle between right and wrong, ultimately calling for forgiveness and understanding in the face of a tumultuous existence.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Avery Jerome William Chambliss, Kasseem Daoud Dean, Larry Eugene Hendrick, Tyrone Pyrle Johnson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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