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 way And I’ve been thinking about you almost everyday Thinking about the good times Thinking about the rain Thinking 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 be But more than anything else I’m sorry for myself ‘Cause you’re not here with meOur friends all ask about youAnd I say you’re doing fine And I expect to hear from you almost anytime But they all know I’m crying And I can’t sleep at night They 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 say But more than anything else I’m sorry for myself I can’t believe you went awayI’m sorry if I took some things for grantedI’m sorry for the chains I put on you But more than anything else I’m sorry for myself For living without you