I'm Guilty
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


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I'm guilty
I'm guilty
I'm guilty
I'm guilty
I'm guilty
I'm guilty




Overall Meaning

The repetition of the phrase "I'm guilty" in Mike Oldfield's song conveys a sense of self-admonition and acceptance of responsibility for whatever transgressions the singer has committed. It creates a mournful and regretful tone throughout the song, building up to the point where the singer finally acknowledges that they are completely responsible for their actions. The repetition also suggests a cycle of repetitious self-recrimination and self-punishment reflected in the song.


The use of the phrase "I'm guilty" might be interpreted literally as meaning the singer has committed some offense or sense of wrongdoing, or the phrase might be figurative, expressing a deep sense of shame or culpability, even for things that were beyond the singer's control. The repetition of the phrase as the only lyrics in the song with the same rhythmic pattern throughout, coupled with the haunting instrumental accompaniment, creates an atmosphere of intense remorse.


The song could be seen as a meditation on guilt, self-blame, and the impossibility of escaping from our past actions or the repercussions of our behavior. Ultimately, the lyrics are open to interpretation, although they suggest a deep, personal crisis of the singer, who is struggling to come to terms with their own responsibilities and the damage they have caused.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm guilty
I have done something wrong and am accepting responsibility for it.


I'm guilty
I feel remorse for what I have done and am willing to face the consequences.


I'm guilty
I understand that my actions have hurt someone else and I am sorry for that.


I'm guilty
I acknowledge that I have violated a moral or ethical code and am ready to make amends.


I'm guilty
I recognize that I have caused harm and am willing to take steps to prevent it from happening again.


I'm guilty
I am aware that my actions were wrong and accept any punishment that is coming to me.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MIKE OLDFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@tangerine825

Genius ! Poland LOve Mike Oldfield ;-)

@quinnpeter344

I was there in that crowd , awesome day which aso included Elkie Brooks, Santana and The Beach Boys, unforgettable !! XX ❤

@tamaralunt5039

It makes me cry every time I watch it . Most definatelyy FAVORITE live clip . The purple percussionist is divine with the the calm concentrated seems emotionless facial expression same as mike . There's only one place to feel like. In the midst of creating a masterpiece with confident assurance . You guys blow my mind

@waytosacramento3843

Guilty is definitely one of my favorites. From TB to OD2. May there be more for evermore!

@yogawithemil9739

Pierre moerlen was so fucking great! Such an awesome style❤️

@tamaralunt5039

I love him ❤️ face of an angel

@Sortiarius6

Great song! Mike Oldfield is a multi talented musician and an amazing guitarist!

@louiswhitfield7696

sheer total brilliance a guitar genius.

@fryderyk2462

Moerlen brothers are really great here...

@bull716

The music master love his work 👌

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