About The Song

I’m Sorry emerged as a chart-topping hit in 1960 for American vocalist Brenda Lee. Crafted by Ronnie Self and Dub Allbritten, the song showcased Brenda’s vocal prowess when she was a mere 15 years old. Upon its debut, the track claimed the number one position on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in July 1960.

Brenda initiated her career at the tender age of six, shouldering the financial responsibilities for her low-income family in Georgia’s red-clay belt.

As detailed in Fred Bronson’s “Billboard Book of Number One Hits,” Brenda Lee recorded the song in early 1960, but her record label, Decca Records, delayed its release for several months. Concerns arose about Brenda’s age, questioning her maturity to convey a one-sided love narrative.

Furthermore, there were legal considerations regarding a teenager addressing such passionate matters of the heart. These challenges were inherent to Brenda’s status as a child star.

Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry” marked the inception of the “Nashville Sound,” characterized by a crooning lead vocalist, a section of stringed instruments, and supporting vocals. Regarded as a blend of country, pop, and doo-wop, this sound was pioneered in the mid-1950s by Columbia Records and RCA.

This iconic song transcended into popular culture, finding its place in various contexts. The Sweet Valley track “Hypomania” sampled the classic hit, and Beyonce incorporated it as an interlude during her 2016 tour, “The Formation World Tour.” Additionally, the song featured in episode 3 of The End of the F***ing World Netflix series and played during the end credits of Richard Linklater’s tape.

Despite the hurdles in its release due to concerns about Brenda’s age, “I’m Sorry” achieved monumental success, standing as one of Brenda Lee’s finest songs, deserving a listen at least once in a lifetime.

Video

Lyrics

I’m sorry, so sorry
That I was such a fool
I didn’t know
Love could be so cruel
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-yes

You tell me mistakes
Are part of being young
But that don’t right
The wrong that’s been done

(I’m sorry) I’m sorry
(So sorry) So sorry
Please accept my apology
But love is blind
And I was too blind to see

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-yes

You tell me mistakes
Are part of being young
But that don’t right
The wrong that’s been done
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-yes

I’m sorry, so sorry
Please accept my apology
But love was blind
And I was too blind to see