So Sorry
Hangnail Lyrics


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I can't defend every shameful mention of me
It takes a long time searching before you conceive
that every moment and each selection, seperate
your reputation from what you think others perceive

Who am I to decide the intent
and every motivation behind an event
I see through tainted vision
When I can't even read myself

So sorry I'm the one waving scarlet flags overhead
declaring this unstable ground
So sorry I'm the one unafraid of breaking the news
So sorry I'm the only one

When confrontation feels like posing a threat
and when you're miles from making a regiment
You're getting nowhere, you might consider moving on
cause perseverance doesn't always mean overcome

Why try to hide the obvious
You'll never reach success from solemness




I've set the standards lower
I've managed to restore my past

Overall Meaning

In Hangnail's song "So Sorry," the lyrics express a sense of remorse and vulnerability. The opening lines, "I can't defend every shameful mention of me," set the tone for the song, as the singer is admitting their faults and apologizing for their mistakes. The following lines, "It takes a long time searching before you conceive that every moment and each selection, separate your reputation from what you think others perceive" suggest that the singer has been reflective and introspective in understanding how their actions have affected their reputation and how others perceive them.


The chorus, "So sorry I'm the one waving scarlet flags overhead, declaring this unstable ground," further emphasizes the singer's vulnerability and admission of fault. They acknowledge that they are the one who has caused instability and unrest, and they apologize for it. The line, "So sorry I'm the only one," adds to this sense of isolation and loneliness, suggesting that others may not understand or relate to the burden of guilt and remorse that the singer feels.


The second verse shifts to a more introspective tone, as the singer questions their own ability to understand the motives and intentions of others. They admit that their own perspective may be "tainted," and that they struggle to even understand themselves. The final lines, "I've set the standards lower, I've managed to restore my past," suggest that the singer has intentionally lowered their expectations and worked to make amends for their past mistakes and regrets.


Overall, the lyrics of "So Sorry" convey a sense of emotional honesty and vulnerability. The singer is openly admitting their faults and expressing regret for the harm they have caused, while also acknowledging the complexity of human relationships and the difficulty of fully understanding oneself and others.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't defend every shameful mention of me
I am not capable of justifying every bad thing that is said about me


It takes a long time searching before you conceive
It takes a while to realize the truth


that every moment and each selection, separate
Every moment creates an impact in one's life


your reputation from what you think others perceive
Your reputation may differ from what others think of you


Who am I to decide the intent
I am not capable of deciding the motives of others


and every motivation behind an event
Nor am I capable of understanding the motives behind certain events


I see through tainted vision
I have a biased view of things


When I can't even read myself
When I am not even sure of my own feelings


So sorry I'm the one waving scarlet flags overhead
I apologize for being the one who raises concern about things


declaring this unstable ground
Labeling the situation as unstable


So sorry I'm the one unafraid of breaking the news
I apologize for being the one who is not afraid of revealing the truth


So sorry I'm the only one
I apologize for being alone in this


When confrontation feels like posing a threat
When confrontation seems like danger


and when you're miles from making a regiment
And when you are too far from making a plan


You're getting nowhere, you might consider moving on
If you keep going in the same direction, you will achieve nothing


cause perseverance doesn't always mean overcome
Working hard does not always guarantee success


Why try to hide the obvious
Why try to conceal what is clear


You'll never reach success from solemnness
Success cannot be achieved by being serious all the time


I've set the standards lower
I have lowered my expectations


I've managed to restore my past
I have fixed my past




Contributed by James R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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