In 1990 Usher joined an R&B local quintet called the NuBeginnings, which was organized by local music svengali, Darryl Wheeler and then he decided to pursue a career in music. Aside from recording, Usher has ventured into business. He has established his own record label, US Records, and is a part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. He has also dabbled in acting, with a recurring role on the teen sitcom Moesha, and roles in the films The Faculty (1998, with Josh Harnett) She's All That (1999, with Freddie Prinze, Jr.) and Texas Rangers (2001, with Ashton Kutcher).
His Mistakes
Usher Lyrics
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That he put you through, girl?
Is that the reason I'm to blame
Before I do it?
Is it because he, treated you badly
I always stand accused?
Protecting yourself, from somebody else
And it's killing me girl knowing you compare me to him
Always guilty before the sin
I can't win, I can't win no
I'll do anything to prove I love you
Baby girl but I refuse to
Pay for something I didn't do
I love you, girl
But I refuse to stay
Paying for his mistakes
He left a scar across your heart
I understand, girl
Don't let his wrongs tear us apart
'Cause girl, I'm your man
Just because he did
You swear I'm cheating
You think I just don't care
Why must I do time
For another man's crime
Girl, you know that ain't fair
And it's killing me girl knowing you compare me to him
Always guilty before the sin
I can't win, I can't win no
I'll do anything to prove I love you
Baby girl, but I refuse to
Pay for something I didn't do
I love you, girl
But I refuse to stay
Paying for his mistakes
I know he did you wrong
But tell me what does that have to do with me
Trying to show you something real
Figure out what is going on
Before you look up and I'll be gone
I'll do anything to prove I love you
Baby girl, but I refuse
To pay for something I didn't do, girl
I love you, and I love you I love you
I'll do anything to prove I love you
Baby girl, but I refuse
To pay for something I didn't do, no
I love you, girl
But I refuse to stay
Paying for his mistakes
The lyrics from Usher's song "His Mistakes" discuss the difficulties of courting someone who has been hurt before in a previous relationship. The first stanza has Usher questioning whether the woman he is pursuing is constantly being reminded of the pain her ex put her through. He wonders if he is being blamed for that pain even before he has done anything.
In the second stanza, Usher recognizes that the woman may be projecting the hurt she experienced before onto him. He recognizes that he is constantly being accused because of what her previous partner did to her. He pleads with her not to let her previous relationship ruin what they have. Usher is aware of the fact that he is not the one causing the pain, but he is the one being punished for it.
Usher is not only confessing his love for the woman but is also acknowledging that he cannot take the blame for someone else's mistakes. He refuses to pay for what he didn't do in a past relationship. He wants her to see him for who he is, and not compare him to someone else. Usher pleads with the woman in the chorus, repeating how much he loves her, but he refuses to stay and continue paying for another man's mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I remind you of the pain
Am I bringing back memories of the pain he caused you?
That he put you through, girl?
The pain that he caused you, my dear.
Is that the reason I'm to blame
Do you hold me responsible for what he did to you?
Before I do it?
Before I cause you any harm or suffering?
Is it because he, treated you badly
Is it because he was unkind and cruel to you?
I always stand accused?
I am always accused, even when I am not the one at fault?
Protecting yourself, from somebody else
You are guarding yourself from someone else's actions.
I'm not who's hurting you, girl
I am not the one causing you pain, my dear.
And it's killing me girl knowing you compare me to him
It is devastating to me that you are comparing me to him.
Always guilty before the sin
You assume I am guilty before I even have the chance to do anything wrong.
I can't win, I can't win no
I feel like I can never win in this situation.
I'll do anything to prove I love you
I am willing to do anything to show you my love.
Baby girl but I refuse to
But I cannot accept to
Pay for something I didn't do
I should not be held accountable for something someone else did.
I love you, girl
But I love you, my dear.
But I refuse to stay
But I cannot remain in this situation.
Paying for his mistakes
Taking the blame for someone else's mistakes.
He left a scar across your heart
He inflicted emotional wounds that are still affecting you.
I understand, girl
I empathize with you, my dear.
Don't let his wrongs tear us apart
Please do not let his actions come between us.
'Cause girl, I'm your man
Because I am the one you love and have chosen to be with.
Just because he did
Just because he acted a certain way
You swear I'm cheating
You accuse me of being unfaithful.
You think I just don't care
You believe I am indifferent and do not care.
Why must I do time
Why should I be punished?
For another man's crime
For something that someone else did.
Girl, you know that ain't fair
My dear, you know this is not just.
I know he did you wrong
I know he caused you harm.
But tell me what does that have to do with me
But how does that relate to me?
Trying to show you something real
I am attempting to demonstrate genuine love and affection.
Figure out what is going on
Please understand what is happening here.
Before you look up and I'll be gone
Before you know it, I will have left.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Usher Raymond, Shaffer Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind