Gleason could not read or write music in a conventional sense; he was said to have conceived melodies in his head and described them vocally to staff help. He did likewise with the well-remembered themes of both The Jackie Gleason Show ("Melancholy Serenade") and The Honeymooners ("You're My Greatest Love"). There has been some controversy over the years as to how much credit Gleason should have received for the finished products; it has been written that beyond the possible conceptualizing of many of the songs, Gleason had no direct involvement such as conducting in the making of these recordings. However, his main musical companion, cornetist and trumpeter Bobby Hackett once said: "Jackie knows a lot more about music than people give him credit for. I have seen him conduct a sixty-piece orchestra and detect one discordant note in the brass section. He would immediately stop the music and locate the wrong note. It always amazed the professional musicians how a guy who technically did not know one note from another could do that. And he was never wrong."
Born February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He died on June 24, 1987
What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
I hope you'll forgive and forget
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
You made me glad, I made you sad
I made you lonesome and blue
And who ever knew
Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
The lyrics of Jackie Gleason’s song “What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry?” speak to the remorse and desperation one feels after hurting someone they love. The singer begins by acknowledging their wrongdoing, admitting they don’t know why they made their partner cry. They apologize, but note that forgiveness may not come easily. Despite this, they hope their partner will eventually forgive and forget.
The singer then pleads with their partner, questioning what they can do to prove their remorse. They emphasize the depth of their love by suggesting that if they didn’t care, they wouldn’t feel so regretful. They take full responsibility for their actions, noting that while they were in the wrong, they don’t blame their partner for reacting the way they did. They express a deep appreciation for their partner, questioning why they would ever want to shame someone as wonderful as they are.
As the song comes to a close, the singer reflects on the irony of their situation. They had made their partner sad and lonesome, yet they find themselves crying to them for forgiveness. The song ends with the singer repeating their plea for forgiveness, once again acknowledging their wrongdoing and expressing their regret.
Overall, the song captures the tension that can arise in a relationship when one person has hurt the other. The singer’s desperate plea for forgiveness speaks to the vulnerability and fear that can come with making mistakes in love.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know why, I made you cry
I am unaware of the reason that caused you to cry.
I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
I apologize, my dear, but at the same time, I feel regret and remorse.
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
You should not go easy on me or forget what I have done.
I hope you'll forgive and forget
I hope you can forgive me and move on.
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
I am at a loss for words to express my feelings after apologizing.
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
What actions can I take to show you how sorry I truly am?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
It was never my intention to hurt you in any way.
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
My emotions reveal how much I truly care for you.
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
I was in the wrong, but I do not hold you responsible for my mistakes.
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I should not have put someone as wonderful as you through shame and disappointment.
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
I am aware that I caused you to cry, and I am deeply apologetic.
You made me glad, I made you sad
You once brought me happiness, but now I have caused you sadness.
I made you lonesome and blue
My actions left you feeling alone and unhappy.
And who ever knew
I never would have expected
Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you
That I would be the one coming to you in tears.
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
After apologizing, I cannot find the appropriate words to say to make things right.
Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Walter Donaldson, Abe Lyman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind