Released: 2012
Bruno Mars’ song ‘When I Was Your Man’ is about regret and longing for a lost love. He reflects on the things he failed to do when he had the chance, realizing too late how his actions caused his relationship to end.
The song opens with Mars lamenting how the bed feels bigger and the song on the radio doesn’t sound the same. He’s haunted by memories and the pain of hearing his ex’s name. The line ‘it all just sounds like ooh, ooh’ captures the indescribable feeling of loss.
Mars admits he was ‘too young, too dumb’ to appreciate his partner, realizing he should have done simple, meaningful things like buying flowers and holding hands. He regrets not giving his time and taking her dancing, which she loved.
In the next verse, Mars blames his pride, ego, and selfish ways for losing a ‘good, strong woman.’ He’s haunted by his mistakes and the fact that he can never fix them. This is evident when he sings ‘Now I’ll never, never get to clean up the mess I made.’
Mars accepts his fault, admitting he’s probably too late to apologize. He wishes the new man in her life does all the things he failed to do, showing his self-awareness and growth. The repetition of ‘Do all the things I should’ve done when I was your man’ underscores his regret and desire for her happiness.
