While Greg Kihn may have found a home for his music when he moved to Berkeley in 1974 and signed on with Beserkley Records, it would take almost a decade to find a successful formula for his music. Winding from Dylanesque folk to merseyesque rock, by the early '80s Kihn and his band found they shared elements of new wave music, and scored their first US hit, "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)." Kihn had a bigger hit the following year with "Jeopardy," which peaked in the States at number 2. "Jeopardy" brought Kihn two of the highest honors an early eighties act could achieve: MTV put the video into heavy rotation, and Weird Al Yankovic recorded a parody. Kihn has been hard at work over the years, hosting a radio show, writing books and coming up with clever album titles (Kihnspiracy, Unkihntrollable). He has kinhtinued recording through it all, though it has proven difficult for Kihn to recapture the successes of 1982 and '83.
(http://www.80smusiclyrics.com/artists/gregkihnband.htm)
Sorry
Greg Kihn Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My hands are locked up, but my eyes can see
I can't go on like this endlessly
Nor can I laugh out loud at your misery
But don't go feeling sorry
For the broken pieces that you see
And don't go thinking twice about
And don't feel sorry for me
Don't feel sorry for me
Passion and pity for your writers, babe
I've heard your voice so what can I say
You've got a million things you can't say
But I'll be fine by next Saturday
So don't go feeling sorry
For the broken pieces that you see
Don't go thinking twice about
The man I used to be
And don't feel sorry for me
Don't feel sorry for me
It's okay, you're well on your way
I can your ship; it's sailing in a dream
If anyone should ask you
I just say "It's not quite what it seems"
And I will always need affection for
I can be helped by standing in your door
So many people have gone here before
They couldn't help it if they wanted more
So don't go feeling sorry
For the broken pieces that you see
Don't go thinking twice about
The way things used to be
And don't feel sorry for me
Don't feel sorry for me
Don't feel sorry for me
Sorry
So sorry
Sorry
So sorry
Sorry
So sorry
Sorry
So sorry
Sorry
Sorry
Sorry
So sorry
The lyrics to Greg Kihn's song Sorry express a level of detachment from a past relationship. The singer professes that they do not feel bad about the situation that they and their ex-partner find themselves in. The metaphor of "my hands are locked up, but my eyes can see" indicates that the singer is unable to physically intervene and change things but can still observe what is happening. They acknowledge that they cannot go on with the current state of things as it is, but they refuse to indulge in pity for themselves or their ex-partner. The chorus asks the listener not to feel sorry for either party involved, and the verses imply that the singer has moved on and is ready to let go.
The song's verses contain a hint of bitterness towards the ex-partner. The singer accuses them of having "a million things [they] can't say", and the line "nor can I laugh out loud at your misery" suggests that their former flame may be going through a rough patch. Despite this, the singer is unwavering in their resolve to move past the relationship. The metaphor of "sailing in a dream" implies the distance they have put between themselves and their old life. Despite all of this, the singer admits they still need affection and cannot resist the temptation to stand at their ex's door.
Overall, Sorry is a message of empowerment and self-love. The song acknowledges that relationships can be tough, but ultimately it is up to us to move on and let go of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't feel bad about you and me
I am not feeling guilty or remorseful about our relationship.
My hands are locked up, but my eyes can see
I am feeling stuck, but still aware of what's happening.
I can't go on like this endlessly
I can't continue in this way forever.
Nor can I laugh out loud at your misery
I can't find humor in your misfortune.
But don't go feeling sorry
Please don't have pity.
For the broken pieces that you see
Don't be sympathetic towards the parts that are damaged.
And don't go thinking twice about
Please don't be doubtful or reconsider.
The man I used to be
I am no longer the person I was before.
And don't feel sorry for me
Please don't pity me.
Passion and pity for your writers, babe
You feel strong emotions and compassion for the people who write your songs.
I've heard your voice so what can I say
I've listened to your opinions, so there isn't much more to say.
You've got a million things you can't say
There are many things that you can't express.
But I'll be fine by next Saturday
I'll be okay in a short while.
It's okay, you're well on your way
You're doing alright, you're on the right path.
I can your ship; it's sailing in a dream
I can imagine your ship sailing through a dream.
If anyone should ask you
If someone inquires about your well-being or something related
I just say 'It's not quite what it seems'
My response would be 'things are not exactly how they appear to be'.
And I will always need affection for
I will perpetually need love and attention
I can be helped by standing in your door
Just being near you can make me feel better.
So many people have gone here before
Other people have had similar experiences.
They couldn't help it if they wanted more
It was out of their control to want more.
Don't go feeling sorry
Again, please refrain from feeling pity.
For the broken pieces that you see
Once more, the pieces that are broken should not evoke sympathy.
Don't go thinking twice about
Don't think twice or hesitate about something.
The way things used to be
How things were before should not be reconsidered.
And don't feel sorry for me
Once again, please don't feel sorry for me.
Sorry
Apologies
So sorry
Very apologetic
Sorry
Apologies
So sorry
Very apologetic
Sorry
Apologies
So sorry
Very apologetic
Sorry
Apologies
So sorry
Very apologetic
Sorry
Apologies
Sorry
Apologies
Sorry
Apologies
Contributed by Callie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Peter Zaenker
Absolute classic power pop. Love it to this day..and fun to actually see this kind of filmed footage of the band from that era.
mkruup
What a Beautiful song. Love it back in the days and still do.
Ray Stor
Excellent! Thanks for posting
Luke Skywalker
Damn I love Greg.
Donald Kasten
Good show!
28if
So great, thanks