Hard to Say I'm Sorry
Various Artists Lyrics


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Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say from each other
Even lover's need a holiday
Far away from each other

Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay

After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just the part of me I can't let go

Couldn't stand to be kept away
Just for the day from your body
Wouldn't wanna be swept away
Far away from the one that I love

Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know

Hold me now
I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go

After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just the part of me I can't let go

After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to

You're gonna be the lucky one

When we get there gonna jump in the air
No one will see us 'cause there's nobody there




After all, you know we really don't care
Hold on, I'm gonna take you there

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Various Artists' song "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" convey the turmoil and ultimate resolution in a relationship that has undergone some trials. The opening lines, "Everybody needs a little time away / I heard her say from each other / Even lover's need a holiday / Far away from each other," indicate that the singer and their partner have come to the conclusion that some distance is necessary to keep their relationship going. This can be due to various reasons like trust issues, disagreements, or simply the need to have some space to work on individual goals. Despite this, the singer acknowledges that it is hard for them to say that they are sorry and that they want their partner to stay.


The lines, "After all that we've been through / I will make it up to you, I promise to / And after all that's been said and done / You're just the part of me I can't let go," further highlight the importance of this relationship to the singer. They promise to make the effort and make things work despite their past difficulties. Here, the singer comes to the realization that their partner is an integral part of their life, and they cannot envision their future without them.


The last few lines, "When we get there gonna jump in the air / No one will see us 'cause there's nobody there / After all, you know we really don't care / Hold on, I'm gonna take you there," convey the hope and excitement of starting anew. The singer fantasizes about a future where they and their partner can be carefree and happy, and no one can bring them down.


Overall, "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" is a poignant song that highlights the struggles and rewards of maintaining a relationship, and the importance of communication and effort to keep it going.


Line by Line Meaning

Everybody needs a little time away
Everyone needs some personal space sometimes


I heard her say from each other
She expressed the notion of needing space from others


Even lover's need a holiday
Even people in love need a break sometimes


Far away from each other
To spend time away from each other physically


Hold me now
Emotionally pull me close please


It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I'm having difficulty apologizing


I just want you to stay
I want you to remain with me


After all that we've been through
Considering our past experiences


I will make it up to you, I promise to
I'll make amends for my mistakes


And after all that's been said and done
Now that everything has happened


You're just the part of me I can't let go
You're a piece of my life that will always be significant


Couldn't stand to be kept away
Couldn't stand being apart from you


Just for the day from your body
Only being away for a short period of time


Wouldn't wanna be swept away
Wouldn't want to be taken from the one I love


Far away from the one that I love
Separation from the person I cherish


Hold me now
Again, emotionally pull me close please


It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
Still struggling to apologize


I just want you to know
I need you to be aware


I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I earnestly want to apologize


I could never let you go
I could never emotionally move on from you


You're gonna be the lucky one
You'll be the fortunate person in our relationship


When we get there gonna jump in the air
Celebrating our love when the time is right


No one will see us 'cause there's nobody there
Celebration will be private


After all, you know we really don't care
Who cares what others think?


Hold on, I'm gonna take you there
I'll show you a great time




Writer(s): David Walter Foster, Peter P. Cetera

Contributed by Lily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@kennethadam13

[Verse 1: Darryl & Kenny]
Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say, from each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away from each other

[Chorus 1: Marc]
Hold me now, it's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
And after all that you've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise you, baby
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go

[Verse 2: Shawn]
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Not for a day, from your body
Wouldn't want to be swept away
Far away from the one that I love

[Chorus: Kenny, Peter Cetera & Marc]
Hold me now, it's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know
Hold me now, I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
And after all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise you
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go

[Outro: Marc]
I can't let go



@donnasoan

Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say
From each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away from each other
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Just for the day
From your body
Wouldn't want to be swept away
Far away
From the one that I love
Hold me now
It is hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know
Hold me now
I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
After all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise you



All comments from YouTube:

@DesmondDennis

I'll probably be the first one to point out that they are using a microphone stand idea that was originated by The Temptations. The Temptations were known for their custom "Four Headed Microphone Stand". In this case they have a 5 person microphone stand.

@gcinaphakamilemakoba5047

so what is wrong with copying what is good ?

@sherryconnor1765

And your point being

@deannederhoff

Desmond Dennis I dont think he was meaning anything wrong or disrespect in anyway.i didn't take it that way.the title was misleading though because I didn't see or hear Peter Cetera at all.but they did an awesome cover job
Peter Cetera and Chicago would be proud.
They did am awesome job.they put their own twist on it but they didn't do a butcher hack job like some do.it was neat to see the Mic stand thing like he said but also their movements like the temptations, the chi lites and so many othe male bands from the late 60s and 70s.lol brought back memories of some good ole groups

@deannederhoff

gcina phakamile Makoba he sisnt mean anything bad by it.i took it as brought back memories of old male groups

@TomKeithRI

Who originated the puppy in the Hummer?

34 More Replies...

@AlbertoSuarezMusic

To date, no one brings vocals like this anymore. Man do I miss this type of music !

@larrypratchett2161

Man I forgot about this song and re discovered it in 2023. Its been on repeat non stop. Thank God I was raised in the 90s! Great movies and music!

@Glytching365

Woot woot me tooooo!!!!

@louisonbalangue1660

We don't have this type of song now I miss the '90s RnB music

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