Theory of a Deadman's fourth studio album, The Truth Is.. was released on July 12, 2011. The Truth Is... (I Lied About Everything) Songfacts reports it was inspired by the divorce that Tyler Connolly went through in 2010.
Current bandmembers:
Tyler Connolly – lead vocals, lead guitar (2001–present)
Dave Brenner – rhythm guitar (2001–present)
Dean Back – bass (2001–present)
Joey Dandeneau – drums (2009–present)
Former members
Tim Hart – drums (2001–2004)
Brent Fitz – drums (2004–2007)
Robin Diaz – drums (2007–2009)
Discography
Theory of a Deadman (2002)
Gasoline (2005)
Scars & Souvenirs (2008)
The Truth Is.. (2011)
Savages (2014)
Wake Up Call (2017)
Say Nothing (2020)
Say I'm Sorry
Theory of a Deadman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Halfway through your note, I had to stop
Right near the end, the letter read
Maybe when I leave I'll lead a life less empty
Maybe we were waiting way too long to end this soap opera story
You'll accept just half of all these consequences
Maybe then that's when I'll finally say I'm sorry
Why didn't you, why didn't I, why couldn't we, I wonder why
She called me up the other day
And thank god I knew exactly what to say
You left me with this note and I quote from this note you wrote
Maybe when I leave I'll lead a life less empty
Maybe we were waiting way too long to end this soap opera story
You'll accept just half of all these consequences
Maybe then that's when I'll finally say I'm sorry
Why didn't you, why didn't I, why couldn't we, I wonder why
Why didn't you, why didn't I, why couldn't we, I wonder why
Why didn't you, why didn't I
Maybe when I leave I'll lead a life less empty
Maybe we were waiting way too long to end this soap opera story
You'll accept just half of all these consequences
Maybe then that's when I'll finally say I'm sorry
Whyd idn't you, why didn't I, why couldn't we, I wonder why
Maybe then that's when I'll finally say I'm sorry
Whyd didn't you, why didn't I
The lyrics of "Say I'm Sorry" by Theory of a Deadman portray the regret and ambivalence of a failed romantic relationship. The singer is sitting in a cafe, reading a note from their ex-partner, in which they express a desire to move on from their relationship, while the singer begins to acknowledge their share of the blame. The chorus expresses a longing for reconciliation, with the hope that by owning up to their mistakes, they can finally apologize and attain closure.
The first verse implies that the singer may have ignored their partner's attempts to communicate their dissatisfaction with the relationship, allowing things to deteriorate to the point of breakup. However, the second verse suggests that the singer has had time to reflect on the relationship, and is ready to respond to their ex's note with a willingness to accept responsibility for their part in the relationship's failure.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Maybe when I leave I'll lead a life less empty," which implies that the singer is ready to start anew, but only after they have come to terms with the consequences of their actions. The final line, "Why didn't you, why didn't I," suggests that the singer and their partner were equally responsible for the relationship's demise but are now struggling to reconcile their feelings and move on.
Overall, the lyrics of "Say I'm Sorry" convey a sense of regret and longing for closure while acknowledging the complexity of romantic relationships and the role of both partners in their success or failure.
Line by Line Meaning
As I sit in this coffee shop
The singer is reflecting on their current setting.
Halfway through your note, I had to stop
The singer received a note from someone and started reading it but had to stop before finishing.
Right near the end, the letter read
The note contained something significant towards the end.
Maybe when I leave I'll lead a life less empty
The artist is considering making changes to their life.
Maybe we were waiting way too long to end this soap opera story
The situation between the artist and the person who wrote the note has been going on for too long and is like a dramatic TV show.
You'll accept just half of all these consequences
The singer believes that the other person should take responsibility for part of what has happened.
Maybe then that's when I'll finally say I'm sorry
The singer will apologize if the other person takes responsibility for their actions.
Why didn't you, why didn't I, why couldn't we, I wonder why
The artist is reflecting on the various factors that prevented the situation from being resolved.
She called me up the other day
The artist received a phone call from someone.
And thank god I knew exactly what to say
The artist was able to respond appropriately to the person who called.
You left me with this note and I quote from this note you wrote
The singer is quoting from the note that they received.
Whyd didn't you, why didn't I
The artist is still wondering why the situation couldn't be resolved.
Maybe then that's when I'll finally say I'm sorry
The singer will only apologize if the other person takes responsibility for their actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TYLER PATRICK CONNOLLY, DEAN HENNING BACK, DAVID J. BRENNER, TIMOTHY R. HART, CHAD ROBERT KROEGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind