Bruno Mars is one of the most successful and versatile artists of our time. He has won 11 Grammy Awards, sold over 200 million records worldwide, and delivered countless hits across different genres.
But among his impressive discography, there is one song that stands out for its emotional depth and vulnerability: When I Was Your Man.
When I Was Your Man is a soulful piano ballad that expresses Bruno Mars’ regret and hopes for his ex-girlfriend, who has moved on with another man.
The song was released as the second official single from his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox, in 2013, and it became a global smash, reaching number one on several charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100.
But what is the story behind this heartbreaking song? How did Bruno Mars write and produce it? And what did the critics and fans think of it?
In this article, we will unpack the story behind Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man lyrics and explore their meaning, background, and impact.
The Meaning and Message of the Song
The lyrics of When I Was Your Man are simple yet powerful. They tell the story of a man who realises too late that he should have treated his former lover better, and now he has to live with the consequences of his mistakes.
He wishes he had bought her flowers, held her hand, given her all his hours, and taken her to every party. He hopes that her new man is doing the things he should have done when he was her man.
The song is a confession of guilt, remorse but also a gesture of respect and goodwill. Bruno Mars does not blame his ex-girlfriend for leaving him or resent her for finding happiness with someone else.
He acknowledges that he was wrong and that he deserves to lose her. He also wants her to know that he still cares about her and hopes she is well.
The song is also a reflection of Bruno Mars’ personal life and experiences. He has admitted that the song is based on facts from his past. He said in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres:
“I was just writing songs at home at this piano I have at home. It’s just so hard to write songs like that at a studio because you have people coming in like, ‘Hey! What’s up?’ And you’re like, ‘I’m trying to be sad right now.’ So I was at home, and I had a couple drinks by myself…and I wrote this song.“
He also said in another interview with MTV News:
“It’s something that I think everyone can relate to…Sometimes you’re so in love with somebody, and then you break up with them for whatever reason — because sh*t happens — and then you see them with someone else…And then you’re like ‘Man, she looks happier than she ever did with me.’ Or he looks happier than he ever did with me. That’s the hardest thing to see.“
The Writing and Production Process of the Song
When I Was Your Man was written by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, and Andrew Wyatt, while production by The Smeezingtons, which is the trio of Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Ari Levine.
The Smeezingtons were an American songwriting and record production team that worked with artists such as CeeLo Green, B.o.B., Travie McCoy, Adam Lambert, and more. They were established in Los Angeles in 2009 and disbanded in 2015.
The song was influenced by soul music and piano ballads from artists such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel. Bruno Mars said in an interview with Rolling Stone:
“I grew up listening to a lot of oldies music…I love those old songs where singers get to belt out their feelings – ‘I’m going through pain!’”
The song was recorded live, with Bruno Mars playing the piano and singing. He said in an interview with Billboard:
“That song came out of a sober conversation we had at our studio…We were just having a normal conversation about love – what we’ve been through – then we started playing chords…We recorded it live – me singing on a mic while playing piano.”
The Reception and Impact of the Song
The song has become one of Bruno Mars’ signature songs and one of the most relatable breakup songs ever.
It has resonated with millions of listeners who have gone through similar situations or who have felt remorse for their actions in a relationship.
It has also inspired many covers and parodies by other artists and fans.
A notable cover was by Sam Smith, who performed the song on SiriusXM Hits 1 in 2014. He also changed some lyrics to suit his perspective as a gay man singing to his ex-man. He sang:
“I hope he buys you roses / I hope he holds your hand / Give you all his hours / When he has the chance / Take you to every party / Cause I remember how much you loved to dance / Do every thing I should have done / When I was your man“
His cover received praise from Bruno Mars himself, who tweeted:
“@samsmithworld You sang nothin on you/when I was your man SO FREAKIN COOL! Thank U for covering my records. Your voice is insanity.”
The song has been featured on various media platforms, such as TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games. Some examples are:
- The song featured in an episode of Glee in 2013, sung by Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) to Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) as an apology for cheating on him.
- The song featured in an episode of The Voice UK in 2013, performed by Mike Ward as his audition song.
- The song featured in an episode of The Big Bang Theory in 2014, performed by Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) to Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch) as an apology for forgetting their anniversary.
- The song featured in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy in 2014, sung by Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) to Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) as an apology for being distant from her.
- The song featured in an episode of Scandal in 2014, sung by Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) as an apology for lying to her.
- The song featured in an episode of Modern Family, sung by Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) to Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) as an apology for forgetting their anniversary.
- The song featured in an episode of Jane the Virgin in 2015, sung by Rogelio De La Vega (Jaime Camil) to Xiomara Villanueva (Andrea Navedo) as an apology for being selfish with her.
- The song featured in an episode of Fuller House in 2016, sung by Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) to Jimmy Gibbler (Adam Hagenbuch) as an apology for breaking up with him.
- The song featured in an episode of The Simpsons in 2017, sung by Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta) to Marge Simpson (Julie Kavner) as an apology for forgetting their anniversary.
- The song featured in an episode of Riverdale in 2018, sung by Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) to Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) as an apology for lying to her.
- The song featured in an episode of The Masked Singer in 2019, sung by the Rottweiler (Chris Daughtry) as a clue to his identity.
- The song featured in an episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist in 2020, sung by Max Richman (Skylar Astin) to Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy) as a confession of his feelings for her.
Why is the song so popular?
The song has become one of the most popular and beloved songs by Bruno Mars and music fans. There are several reasons why the song has such a universal appeal and impact:
- The song is very relatable and honest. Many people have experienced or witnessed a similar situation of losing someone they love and regretting their actions or inactions. The song captures the raw emotions and thoughts when facing such a scenario. The song also shows that Mars is not afraid to admit his faults and vulnerabilities, which makes him more human and authentic.
- The song is simple and catchy. The song only features Mars’ voice and a piano accompaniment, which creates a minimalistic and intimate atmosphere. The melody is easy to follow and sing along to, and the chorus is memorable and impactful. The song has a classic and timeless feel, drawing inspiration from soul and R&B music from the 1960s and 1970s.
- The song is very versatile and adaptable. The song can also be used for different purposes, such as expressing love, apologising, confessing, or reminiscing.
Conclusion
When I Was Your Man is a song that showcases Bruno Mars’ talent and charisma as a singer-songwriter and performer.
It is a song that tells a personal and universal story of heartbreak, regret but also of hope and growth.
It is a song that has touched millions of hearts and souls and will continue to do so for years to come.
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