Have to Forgive
The Building Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell her what you did
Don′t try making this about something that it isn't
Go find your wife
Tell her you′re an idiot
Tell her that it's not her fault and it's time to admit it
You have to forgive
You have to forgive
Go call your mom
Tell her what she did
It′s starting to make sense to you now that you have kids
Go find your dad
Tell him you forgive him
You understand it′s not his fault for the life that he couldn't live
You have to forgive
You have to forgive
Go find your girl
Tell her you′re a kid
Tell her you're not capable of giving what she needs giving
Go find your friend
And tell him you′re a dick
I wanna know just what it is and not just the definition
You have to forgive
You have to forgive
You have to forgive
Go find your wife
Tell her what you did
Don't try making this about something that it isn′t
Go find your wife
Tell her you're an idiot
Tell her you're an idiot
Tell her you′re an idiot
You have to forgive
You have to forgive
The Building’s song "Have to Forgive" is an emotionally charged piece that speaks about coming to terms with personal difficulties and reconciling with others. The lyrics urge the listener to own up to their mistakes, face them head-on, and seek forgiveness from the ones they have wronged. The song’s opening lines instruct the listener to find their partner and admit to their mistakes, no matter how difficult it may be. The song then goes on to address the listener’s parents, first by confronting their mother, and then by asking them to forgive their father. The song concludes with the listener reaching out to their girl and friend, both of whom they have wronged in some way. The lyrics amplify the importance of seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt, regardless of how long it takes to arrive at the place of reconciliation.
The song’s chorus of “You have to forgive” is repeated twice and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. It suggests that it is not just about seeking it from others but also about giving it ourselves. The line "Tell her it's not her fault and it's time to admit it" speaks to the fact that many times, people tend to blame themselves for things that aren't their fault, leading to issues and permanent damage in relationships. However, this line urges the listener to apologize and reassure them that it is not their fault and it is time to move past it.
Overall, "Have to Forgive" is a poignant song that resonates with listeners across age groups and diverse backgrounds. It conveys the message of forgiveness - acknowledging personal responsibility, owning up to one's mistakes and seeking redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Go find your wife
Take the initiative to confront your wife.
Tell her what you did
Be honest about your mistakes, don't hide anything from your partner.
Don′t try making this about something that it isn't
Don't try to make excuses or shift blame, own up to your actions.
Tell her you′re an idiot
Acknowledge your own shortcomings without downplaying them.
Tell her that it's not her fault and it's time to admit it
Show empathy towards your partner and take responsibility for your part in the situation.
You have to forgive
Realize that forgiveness is necessary for growth and moving on.
Go call your mom
Take the initiative to communicate with your mother.
Tell her what she did
Address unresolved issues and speak honestly about your feelings towards your mother.
It's starting to make sense to you now that you have kids
Develop a deeper understanding of your parents' past and how it affects your present.
Go find your dad
Take the initiative to communicate with your father.
Tell him you forgive him
Release resentment towards your father and seek closure.
You understand it's not his fault for the life that he couldn't live
Develop empathy for your father and recognize the factors outside of his control that influenced his life.
Go find your girl
Take the initiative to confront your romantic partner.
Tell her you're a kid
Acknowledge your own immaturity and vulnerabilities in the relationship.
Tell her you're not capable of giving what she needs giving
Be honest with your partner about your shortcomings and limits as a partner.
Go find your friend
Take the initiative to communicate with your friend.
And tell him you're a dick
Acknowledge your own mistakes and recognize the negative impact they had on your friend.
I wanna know just what it is and not just the definition
Seek to understand the root of the problems in your friendship and work towards resolving them.
Tell her you're an idiot
Acknowledge your own shortcomings without downplaying them.
Tell her you have to forgive
Recognize that forgiveness is necessary for growth and moving on.
Contributed by Aaron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ChazWick4
Man this song makes me feel so many things. I don't even personally relate to the lyrics but the vibes just pull me in and make me feel like I'm a character in the plot, as any good song should. It also reminds me that you don't need overly complicated instrumentation to make a beautiful song, you just need a really good vibe and strong lyrics. Bravo
@HistorianRecordingCo
We love The Building and totally agree!
@northwindswi
Me too. This is one of those tunes that the lyrics are overshadowed by multiple instruments. Not that this version is bad; it's still quite good. The words are just so powerful.
@MichaelEstok
Amazing Song/Music, Amazing Videography, Amazing Studio - Wow!
@HistorianRecordingCo
This means a lot - thank you for saying so! Glad you enjoyed it!
@karinholloway8891
beautiful - and meaningful
@davidflorian8074
All Songs Considered brought me here. I think I prefer the version on their show better though.
@doigyredds
91.7 FM - Austin
None of the hits all of the time