Inspiration Behind Apologize:
Ryan Tedder looks back upon past failed relationships in high school and college. Ryan realizes that certain mistakes cannot be undone. Whenever a partner starts to flirt with another individual, the act of cheating is conceived within a human mind. When you stop trusting the person you are with, this usually is the beginning of the end. Perhaps, this is what Ryan had in mind when he wrote “it’s too late to apologize.”
Biblical Application:
“If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector, Matthew 18:15-17.
Exegesis of Apologize:
I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I’m hearing what you say
But I just can’t make a sound
This relationship is on thin ice, hanging by a thread of hope.
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you’re sorry
Didn’t think I’d turn around and say
The words spoken in this relationship don’t match the actions.
That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
Too late, oh
This is the context of its too late for an apology.
I’d take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it’s nothing new, yeah yeah
Sounds like he did accept this apology, thinking this pattern would change.
I loved you with a fire red, now it’s turning blue
And you say sorry like the angel
Heaven let me think it was you
But I’m afraid
He’s afraid of getting hurt again.
It’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late, whoa
He didn’t trust her to forgive her.
It’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, yeah, too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, yeah, too late
Ryan doesn’t think she is going to change.
I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
Yet he is holding out a lifeline.
Final Thoughts:
The old saying “fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me; ” applies to this song. If your partner is untrustworthy, it is like repeating the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result. There will be always relationships worth saving in life. However, in situations which are described in this song, sometimes you have to walk away when it’s too late to apologize.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 