Only Human
Ida Jenshus Lyrics


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Why is it so hard for you to say I'm sorry
Why is it so hard for me to let you
We're only human

Why is it so hard for you to listen
You ask for answers you don't wanna know
So why go through the pain of showing interest
When you're the only one who needs to glow
It's only human

I look around and see the hate you're feeling
In everything that once got in your way
Still love is no excuse for walking backwards
That's your trip, and this just ain't my day

We look around for love and reassurance
For recognition in the daily things we do
You've been carrying a load that makes you lonely
That makes your dreams impossible for you

You've been carrying a load [x15]

I look away and deny what I can sense
The fear I feel when I see myself in you
Is only human
Is only human

Feel free to let me in
Feel the need to breathe again




Who were you when you were young?
Feel free to let me in

Overall Meaning

Ida Jenshus’s song “Only Human” explores the complexity of human relationships and the difficulties that arise within them. The song opens with a question of why saying sorry is so challenging. It highlights the struggle of apologizing and owning up to one's mistakes. The next few lines shift the focus to the difficulty of letting go of apologies and moving on from past mistakes. The phrase “We’re only human” emphasizes the fact that everyone makes mistakes, and forgiveness is an act of kindness that can bring people closer together.


The song then transitions to the struggle of listening and understanding one another. The frustration of asking for answers that aren’t wanted is highlighted in the line, “Why go through the pain of showing interest when you’re the only one who needs to glow?” This line seems to speak to the idea of wanting to be understood and reciprocated in a relationship. The idea of human emotions being a burden is conveyed through the line, “You’ve been carrying a load that makes you lonely. That makes your dreams impossible for you.”


The song ends with an invitation to open up and connect, “Feel free to let me in. Feel the need to breathe again. Who were you when you were young? Feel free to let me in.” The song acknowledges the complexity of the human experience and encourages listeners to be understanding and compassionate towards others.


Line by Line Meaning

Why is it so hard for you to say I'm sorry
What makes it difficult for you to apologize


Why is it so hard for me to let you
What makes it difficult for me to forgive you


We're only human
We're not perfect, we make mistakes


Why is it so hard for you to listen
What makes it difficult for you to hear me out


You ask for answers you don't wanna know
You want explanations but you're not willing to accept the truth


So why go through the pain of showing interest
Why bother pretending to care when you don't


When you're the only one who needs to glow
You're the only one who wants attention


It's only human
It's normal to act this way, we're only human


I look around and see the hate you're feeling
I notice the anger you're holding onto


In everything that once got in your way
In all the things that hindered you in the past


Still love is no excuse for walking backwards
Love can't justify regressing and not moving forward


That's your trip, and this just ain't my day
It's your issue to deal with, not mine, and I'm not in the mood for it


We look around for love and reassurance
We seek love and affirmation from others


For recognition in the daily things we do
To be acknowledged for the simple things we accomplish everyday


You've been carrying a load that makes you lonely
You have a burden that isolates you


That makes your dreams impossible for you
It hinders you from pursuing your goals


You've been carrying a load [x15]
You've been dealing with this weight for a long time


I look away and deny what I can sense
I ignore and reject what I know to be true


The fear I feel when I see myself in you
The anxiety I experience when I recognize myself in you


Is only human
It's normal to feel scared and vulnerable


Feel free to let me in
You can open up to me, trust me


Feel the need to breathe again
You need to release your emotions and feel alive again


Who were you when you were young?
What kind of person were you before life's struggles and hardships took effect


Feel free to let me in
You can share your experiences and pain with me, I'm here for you




Writer(s): Kare Vestrheim, Ida Jenshus, Martin Hagfors Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Scandinavia) Kb, Waterfall Music A/S

Contributed by Annabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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