Note:
On occasion I watch Dr. Phil on television: I’m ceaselessly dumb-struck by the inability of certain individuals appearing on the show to simply fess up and admit fault once their various aberrant behaviors, lousy attitudes, self-serving motivations, moral failures, and so forth, have been openly exposed to millions of television viewers. While watching these flagrant displays of unrepentant and unbridled narcissistic pride, (no, I’m not talking about Doctor Phil, wise guy!) I’m always thinking “Come on dude, you know you’re lying to us and to yourself. Let it go. The only way to get on track is to first admit you’re wrong and you’ve got a problem.” Of course, I really shouldn’t be surprised by this kind of audaciously self-righteous behavior since, to various degrees, we’re all guilty of the same kind of thing, and of course I include yours truly; It’s simply the nature of the beast called “human nature.” Pride, in the destructive sense of the word, can permeate our closest relationships, extending outwardly to impact how we see the world at large. Without sincere, heartfelt repentance, a key component of the Judeo-Christian ethos, we are doomed. It was C.S. Lewis who wrote “The door of hell is locked from the inside.”
There seems to be an inordinate amount of hate going around in the world at present, and it’s both heartbreaking and frightening. In “Contrition” I wanted to explore the damaging aspects of pride and anger, both in our personal relationships (spouses, family, friends) and, by extension, its manifestation on the world stage in which, as a consequence, catastrophic events may result. The listener might be tempted to read into the lyrics of “Contrition” a particular political position on my part; I claim no such intention. “Contrition” is simply saying that God despises the blinding pride in you, in me, in all of us, yet He loves us enough to sacrifice his Son to save us from its eternal consequences.
The “gun” mentioned in the song is a metaphor for our deadly anger, and the stuttering “s-s-s-s-sorry” in the lyric is meant to convey the reluctance to admit any wrongdoing on our part. We’re not talking about some glib, insincere apology here, one intended only as a kind of “tag, you’re it” ploy to elicit an equal response (we offer it without condition, even when no positive response is forthcoming); this is why the song is titled “Contrition.”
lyrics
He’s wrong
She’s right
He knows it, but stands his ground
Just so he can win the fight
He’s right
She’s wrong
She knows it, but doesn’t budge
Because this proves that she is strong
They knew the words
They never spoke
They got stuck inside
Their swollen throats
Pride is the meal
On which they choke
And who’s gonna say “I’m sssssorry”?
“Put the gun away, I’m sssssorry”
Who will be strong
By becoming weak?
Who will be left to
Turn the other cheek and say
“I’m sorry”?
He makes his point,
She disagrees
But she won’t stop until she
Has him crawlin’ round on hands and knees
Her good intent
Was redefined
He’s sure she’s dissed him, since he thinks that
He can easily read her mind
We’re diggin’ in,
Love be damned
Lines are drawn
In the sand
We’re fighting for
The upper hand
And who’s gonna say “I’m sssssorry”?
“Put the gun away,
I’m sssssorry”
Who will be strong
By becoming weak?
Who will be left to
Turn the other cheek and say
“I’m sorry”?
We’ve lit the fuse
We watch it burn
They’ve got it comin’ to ‘em, far as
Anybody here’s concerned
We’re heading for
“No turning back”
They'll be no peace until we finally, and
Completely, wipe them off the map
(He’s wrong) We’re diggin’ in
(She’s right) Love be damned
(He knows) Lines are drawn
(But stands) in the sand
(His ground) We’re fightin’ for
(So he) the upper hand
(Can win) and who’s gonna say
(The fight) “I’m sssssorry”?
“Put the gun away,
I’m sssssory”
Who will be strong (We’re diggin’ in)
By becoming weak? (Love be damned)
Who will be left (Lines are drawn)
To turn the other cheek, and say?
“I’m sorry?”
Sorry
Sorry
Forgive me,
I’m sorry
Forgive me,
I’m sorry
credits
from Bedroom Demos - Vol. 25,
released August 16, 2019
vocals and instruments: T.S. Taylor
Mastered by Bruce Neher
The London band's new album is a vibrant postcard from southern Italy, boosted by brass, strings, and pizzica percussion from local players. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 14, 2024
A hushed and low-lit EP from this Melbourne musician, where dreamlike melodies drift across a bed of tender guitar. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 19, 2023