About the song
John Denver, the beloved troubadour of the 1970s, crafted a timeless melody that resonated with millions in “I’m Sorry.” Released in 1975, this heartfelt ballad became his final number-one pop hit, a testament to his enduring appeal.
With its simple yet poignant lyrics and Denver’s signature folksy charm, “I’m Sorry” captured the essence of a heartfelt apology for lost love. The song’s arrangement, orchestrated by Lee Holdridge, perfectly complemented Denver’s emotive vocals, creating a truly memorable listening experience.
“I’m Sorry” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1975. Its success extended beyond the pop charts, as it also claimed the number-one position on the Easy Listening and Billboard Hot Country Singles charts. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable themes and Denver’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Beyond its chart-topping success, “I’m Sorry” also garnered significant radio airplay, with its B-side, “Calypso,” also receiving considerable attention. This dual success solidified Denver’s status as a beloved and versatile artist, whose music continued to resonate with listeners long after his peak popularity.
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Lyrics
It’s cold here in the cityIt always seems that wayAnd I’ve been thinking about you almost everydayThinking about the good timesThinking about the rainThinking about how bad it feels alone againI’m sorry for the way things are in ChinaI’m sorry things ain’t what they used to beBut more than anything elseI’m sorry for myself‘Cause you’re not here with meOur friends all ask about youAnd I say you’re doing fineAnd I expect to hear from you almost anytimeBut they all know I’m cryingAnd I can’t sleep at nightThey all know I’m dying down deep insideI’m sorry for all the lies I told youI’m sorry for the things I didn’t sayBut more than anything elseI’m sorry for myselfI can’t believe you went awayI’m sorry if I took some things for grantedI’m sorry for the chains I put on youBut more than anything elseI’m sorry for myselfFor living without you