Inferences in songs

Some things I tell my students before doing this activity:

Writers do not always give readers the way a character feels outright. Instead, writers will include small details and clues about how a character acts and readers must use these details/clues to make inferences about the character’s emotions. When you infer, you use observations, prior knowledge and experiences, and details and clues you have gathered from the text to make connections and come up with ideas.

We don’t make inference just in literature; we make inferences in our daily life. If your boyfriend or girlfriend suddenly starts avoiding you and stops answering your calls, you can infer you are about to break up. You almost don’t need them to tell you they are breaking up with you because you have starting making inferences based on the clues they are leaving you.

We also need to make inferences in songs. Song artists tend to leave some things to the imagination/inference. This is for several reasons: in order to fit an entire story into approximately 3 minutes, to be able to rhyme and insert figurative language, and so the listener can picture themselves in the song/situations.

Today we are going to listen to a few songs and make some inferences about what the artists are NOT saying, but are instead inferring.

I Knew you Were Trouble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0DfyAIkGw0 The Man Who Never Lied: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxTWC8Vp_WA Beneath Your Beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6R4yjgjMwI Cry Me a River: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNb84KNYlc0 Mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5F3PGd1WU One of Those Days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BPcq80pa5k When I was Your Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apSySRoMB3M Best thing (I never had): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BovRkO-VYuE ***Note: I am using the clean version of the Beyonce song because the original contains a few curse words

Make an inference about what this song is about Why would the artist choose to start her song based only on the title: with the line, “Once upon a time”? ______

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______“I Knew you Were Trouble” –Taylor Swift ______Once upon a time a few mistakes ago What do these lines mean? I was in your sights, you got me alone ______You found me, you found me, you found me ______I guess you didn't care, and I guess I liked that ______And when I fell hard you took a step back ______Without me, without me, without me ______And he's long gone when he's next to me What does this line mean? And I realize the blame is on me ______'Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in ______So shame on me now Flew me to places I'd never been ______'Til you put me down, oh ______I knew you were trouble when you walked in Explain the chorus of this song as if you were So shame on me now talking to your best friend. Flew me to places I'd never been ______Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground ______Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble ______Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble ______No apologies, he'll never see you cry ______Pretend he doesn't know that he's the reason why ______You're drowning, you're drowning, you're drowning ______Now I heard you moved on from whispers on the street ______A new notch in your belt is all I'll ever be ______And now I see, now I see, now I see ______

How did this relationship end? He was long gone when he met me And I realize the joke is on me, yeah! ______And the saddest fear comes creeping in ______That you never loved me or her, or anyone, or anything, ______yeah ______I knew you were trouble when you walked in ______So shame on me now How do you know this? Flew me to places I'd never been ______'Til you put me down, oh ______

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Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: How do the people in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard feel? ______"The Man Who Never Lied" – Maroon Five ______In the middle of Hollywood Boulevard ______Screaming at each other, screaming at each other What do you think the man lied about? Like oh oh oh, can't take it anymore oh oh oh ______Like a tragedy, like a dark comedy ______Laughing at each other, laughing at each other, like oh ______It isn't funny anymore, oh oh ______

I was the man who never lied ______Never lied until today ______But I just couldn't break your heart How did his heart get broken? Like you did mine yesterday ______I was the man who never lied, oh oh oh ______I was the man who never lied, oh oh oh, yeah ______Sometimes honesty is the worst policy ______Happy ever after, happy ever after Why is the man choosing to lie? Let it go, oh oh, you never need to know, oh oh ______I don't wanna be picking up all of these tiny little pieces, ______tiny little pieces ______Of your heart. Won't do it anymore. ______

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I was the... yeah, yeah, oh, oh ______In the middle of hollywood boulevard ______What am I doing in hollywood boulevard? ______In the middle of hollywood boulevard ______Screaming at each other, screaming ______How do you think this relationship will end? I was the man who never lied ______Never lied until today ______But I just couldn't break your heart ______Like you did mine yesterday ______

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______Why do you think this? ______Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: Make some inferences about how the girl the artist is singing about looks physically. ______"Beneath Your Beautiful" ______(feat. Emeli Sandé) ______

How does the girl feel emotionally? You tell all the boys "No" Makes you feel good, yeah. ______I know you're out of my league ______But that won't scare me away, oh, no ______You've carried on so long, ______You couldn't stop if you tried it. ______You've built your wall so high How does the girl act personality wise? That no one could climb it, ______But I'm gonna try. ______Would you let me see beneath your beautiful? ______Would you let me see beneath your perfect? ______Take it off now, girl, take it off now, girl What does the artist want to do? I wanna see inside ______Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight? ______

You let all the girls go ______Makes you feel good, don't it? ______Behind your Broadway show ______I heard a boy say, "Please, don't hurt me" ______You've carried on so long ______You couldn't stop if you tried it. ______You've built your wall so high What is the “Ivory Tower” the artist is That no one could climb it. referring to? But I'm gonna try ______I'm gonna climb on top your ivory tower ______I'll hold your hand and then we'll jump right out ______We'll be falling, falling but that's OK ______'Cause I'll be right here I just wanna know ______Would you let me see beneath your beautiful? ______Would you let me see beneath your perfect? What does it mean to, “See beneath your Take it off now, girl, take it off now, girl (take it off beautiful”? now, boy,take it off now, boy) ______'Cause I wanna see inside ______Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight, oh, ______oh, oh, tonight? ______See beneath your beautiful, oh, tonight. ______We ain't perfect, we ain't perfect, no. ______Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight? ______

Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: Who is this song being sung to? ______"Cry Me A River" –Justin Timberlake ______

What did this person do? You were my sun You were my earth ______But you didn't know all the ways I loved you, no ______So you took a chance ______And made other plans ______But I bet you didn't think that they would come ______crashing down, no ______Who is “him”? You don't have to say, what you did, ______I already know, I found out from him ______Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll ______never be ______And don't it make you sad about it ______Why does this person keep calling? You told me you loved me ______Why did you leave me, all alone ______Now you tell me you need me When you call me, on the phone ______Girl I refuse, you must have me confused ______With some other guy ______Your bridges were burned, and now it's your turn ______To cry, cry me a river ______Cry me a river ______I know that they say How did the artist feel when his relationship That some things are better left unsaid ended? It wasn't like you only talked to him and you know it ______(Don't act like you don't know it) ______All of these things people told me ______Keep messing with my head ______

(Messing with my head) ______You should've picked honesty ______Then you may not have blown it ______You don't have to say, what you did, ______(Don't have to say, what you did) How do you know? I already know, I found out from him ______(I already know, uh) ______Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll ______never be ______(No chance, you and me) ______And don't it make you sad about it ______Cry me a river….

Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: Who is this song being sung to? ______"Best Thing I Never Had" (Clean) –Beyonce ______

______What goes around comes back around (hey my baby) Why does she say, “What goes around comes I say what goes around comes back around (my baby) What goes around comes back around... back around”?

______There was a time ______I thought, that you did everything right No lies, no wrong ______Boy I must've been out of my mind ______So when I think of the time that I almost loved you ______You showed your butt and I, I saw the real you ______Why does she say she must have been out of Thank God you blew it I thank God I dodged the bullet her mind? I'm so over you ______So baby good lookin' out ______I wanted you bad I'm so through with that ______'Cause honestly you turned out to be the (best thing I never had) You turned out to be the (best thing I never had) How does the person she is singing about feel And I'm gonna' always be the (best thing you never had) now? Oh yeah, I bet it sucks to be you right now ______

______So sad, you're hurt Boo hoo, oh, did you expect me to care ______You don't deserve my tears ______I guess that's why they ain't there ______When I think that there was a time that I almost loved you ______You showed your butt and baby yes I saw the real you ______I know you want me back ______It's time to face the facts ______That I'm the one that's got away What do you think the title means now? Lord knows that it would take another place, another time, ______another world, another life Thank God I found the good in goodbye ______I used to want you so bad ______

I'm so through with that ______Cause honestly you turned out to be the (best thing I never had) Oh you turned out to be the (best thing I never had) ______Oh, I will never be the (best thing you never had) ______Oh baby, I bet it sucks to be you right now ______

What is probably happening in the artist’s life What goes around, comes back around now? What goes around, comes back around I bet it sucks to be you right now ______

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______Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: Who is this song being sung to? ______

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______"Mean" –Taylor Swift ______You, with your words like knives What inference can you make as to what the And swords and weapons that you use against me other person has done to the writer’s feelings? You have knocked me off my feet again ______Got me feeling like I'm nothing ______You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard ______Calling me out when I'm wounded ______You picking on the weaker man ______You can take me down with just one single blow Why do you think this person is doing this? But you don't know, what you don't know... ______

______Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city And all you're ever gonna be is mean ______Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me ______And all you're ever gonna be is mean ______Why you gotta be so mean? ______You, with your switching sides ______And your wildfire lies and your humiliation ______You have pointed out my flaws again ______As if I don't already see them ______I walk with my head down ______Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you ______I just wanna feel okay again What do you think the title means now? ______I bet you got pushed around ______Somebody made you cold But the cycle ends right now ______'Cause you can't lead me down that road ______And you don't know, what you don't know... ______And I can see you years from now in a bar ______Talking over a football game ______With that same big loud opinion Why do you think the artist chose to write this But nobody's listening song? Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things ______Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing ______But all you are is mean ______All you are is mean ______And a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life ______And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean ______

Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me (Why you gotta be so?..) And all you're ever gonna be is mean Why you gotta be so mean? Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: What has happened in this artist’s life? ______"One Of Those Days" –Joshua Radin ______

______"Wait right here", How do you know? Is all she said to me And so right here I stay ______Time has reached our home ______And I've been left alone ______It's carried her away ______And everyone keeps saying, How does the artist feel about this?? "Nothing helps but time" ______Time is all I own ______And time won't stop replaying ______Over in my mind ______I watch the hours slow down ______

So I crawl underneath my blanket ______Where I can hide away, I know I can't take it ______'Cause I see now, it's just one of those days ______Now a year has passed ______Alone I stay inside ______And I await the rain ______What do you think the title means now? To wash away your face ______So I don't have to hide ______The sight of you is painful ______So I crawl underneath my blanket ______Where I can hide away, I know I can't take it anymore ______'Cause I see now, it's just one of those days ______And I can't stop seeing your face ______I can't stop seeing your face every place What does the artist mean by, “It’s just one of those days”? So I crawl underneath my blanket ______Where I can hide away, I know I can't take it anymore ______'Cause I see now, it's just one of those days ______Yeah ______

Make an inference about what this song is about What has happened in this artist’s life? based only on the title: ______

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"When I Was Your Man" –Bruno Mars ______How do you know? Same bed but it feels just a little bit bigger now ______Our song on the radio but it don't sound the same ______When our friends talk about you, all it does is just tear me ______down 'Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name ______

It all just sounds like oooooh… ______Mmm, too young, too dumb to realize Why does the artist say that he “should” have That I should have bought you flowers bought flowers? And held your hand ______Should have gave you all my hours ______When I had the chance ______Take you to every party 'Cause all you wanted to do was dance ______Now my baby's dancing ______But she's dancing with another man ______My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out my life ______Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made, ohh… And it haunts me every time I close my eyes ______Although it hurts ______I'll be the first to say that I was wrong ______Oh, I know I'm probably much too late When he says, “I hope he buys you flowers” To try and apologize for my mistakes But I just want you to know who is “he” and why would he want him to do this?

I hope he buys you flowers ______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 all the things I should have done When I was your man ______Do all the things I should have done ______When I was your man ______

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Make an inference about what this song is about Why would the artist choose to start her song based only on the title: with the line, “Once upon a time”?

Fairy Tales tend to start with, Answers will vary “Once upon a time,” and this

song is about a broken fairy “I Knew you Were Trouble” –Taylor Swift tale.

Once upon a time a few mistakes ago What do these lines mean? I was in your sights, you got me alone You found me, you found me, you found me The singer fell in love and I guess you didn't care, and I guess I liked that And when I fell hard you took a step back once she did the person of Without me, without me, without me her affections left her.

And he's long gone when he's next to me And I realize the blame is on me What does this line mean? Even when her love interest is with her 'Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in she can tell that he doesn’t love her and So shame on me now Flew me to places I'd never been isn’t paying attention to her. 'Til you put me down, oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in Explain the chorus of this song as if you were So shame on me now talking to your best friend. Flew me to places I'd never been Even though the singer knew that she Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground should not, she felt in love with the Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble wrong person. She knew it was wrong Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble and feels like an idiot now that he has

No apologies, he'll never see you cry broken her heart and left her. Pretend he doesn't know that he's the reason why You're drowning, you're drowning, you're drowning How did this relationship end? Now I heard you moved on from whispers on the street This relationship did not end well. A new notch in your belt is all I'll ever be The singer’s love interest left her And now I see, now I see, now I see and broke her heart. He was long gone when he met me And I realize the joke is on me, yeah! How do you know this? She talks about being left on the cold and hard ground, she’s heard And the saddest fear comes creeping in That you never loved me or her, or anyone, or anything, that he has moved on, he put her yeah down, and he took a step back.

I knew you were trouble when you walked in So shame on me now Flew me to places I'd never been 'Til you put me down, oh

Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: How do the people in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard feel? Answers will vary They are unhappy and having a couple’s fight. We know this because they are screaming at one another. "The Man Who Never Lied" – Maroon Five What do you think the man lied about? In the middle of Hollywood Boulevard Screaming at each other, screaming at each other The man has either done something bad, like Like oh oh oh, can't take it anymore oh oh oh cheat on his partner, or he doesn’t love her Like a tragedy, like a dark comedy anymore. Laughing at each other, laughing at each other, like oh It isn't funny anymore, oh oh How did his heart get broken?

I was the man who never lied His partner told him bad news the day before. Never lied until today But I just couldn't break your heart Why is the man choosing to lie? Like you did mine yesterday I was the man who never lied, oh oh oh He doesn’t want to hurt his partner. I was the man who never lied, oh oh oh, yeah He doesn’t want to deal with the fallout. He hopes that he can still salvage his Sometimes honesty is the worst policy relationship. Happy ever after, happy ever after Let it go, oh oh, you never need to know, oh oh How do you think this relationship will end? I don't wanna be picking up all of these tiny little pieces, tiny little pieces Their relationship probably won’t continue on. Of your heart. Won't do it anymore. Why do you think this?

I was the... yeah, yeah, oh, oh They have both had their heart broken by each other, they keep fighting, and the singer is now In the middle of hollywood boulevard lying. A relationship cannot continue without What am I doing in hollywood boulevard? honesty. In the middle of hollywood boulevard Screaming at each other, screaming

I was the man who never lied Never lied until today But I just couldn't break your heart Like you did mine yesterday

Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: Make some inferences about how the girl the artist is singing about looks physically. The girl is beautiful. We know this Answers will vary because all the boys try to get her attention and she hides beneath her "Beneath Your Beautiful" beauty. (feat. Emeli Sandé)

You tell all the boys "No" How does the girl feel emotionally? Makes you feel good, yeah. The girl has low self esteem and I know you're out of my league hides beneath her beauty. But that won't scare me away, oh, no

You've carried on so long, How does the girl act personality wise? You couldn't stop if you tried it. She tries to act perfect so she You've built your wall so high probably has a type A and OCD like That no one could climb it, But I'm gonna try. personality.

Would you let me see beneath your beautiful? What does the artist want to do? Would you let me see beneath your perfect? He wants for her to allow him to Take it off now, girl, take it off now, girl see through the façade she puts out I wanna see inside Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight? for the rest of the world. He wants to see the real her. You let all the girls go Makes you feel good, don't it? What is the “Ivory Tower” the artist is Behind your Broadway show referring to? I heard a boy say, "Please, don't hurt me" This girl uses her beauty and OCD

You've carried on so long like traits to keep from being close You couldn't stop if you tried it. to others. Her ivory tower is her You've built your wall so high beauty that she hides behind. That no one could climb it. But I'm gonna try What does it mean to, “See beneath your beautiful”? I'm gonna climb on top your ivory tower I'll hold your hand and then we'll jump right out He wants to see the “real” her and We'll be falling, falling but that's OK not just the face that she presents 'Cause I'll be right here to the world. I just wanna know

Would you let me see beneath your beautiful? Would you let me see beneath your perfect? Take it off now, girl, take it off now, girl (take it off now, boy,take it off now, boy) 'Cause I wanna see inside Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight, oh, oh, oh, tonight? See beneath your beautiful, oh, tonight. We ain't perfect, we ain't perfect, no. Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?

Make an inference about what this song is about Who is this song being sung to? based only on the title: This song is being sung to his ex

Answers will vary girlfriend.

"Cry Me A River" –Justin Timberlake

You were my sun What did this person do? You were my earth This person cheated on her But you didn't know all the ways I loved you, no boyfriend. So you took a chance And made other plans But I bet you didn't think that they would come crashing down, no Who is “him”? You don't have to say, what you did, I already know, I found out from him He is the person the girl cheated Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll with. never be And don't it make you sad about it Why does this person keep calling?

You told me you loved me She wants a second chance Why did you leave me, all alone with her ex boyfriend. Now you tell me you need me When you call me, on the phone How did the artist feel when his relationship Girl I refuse, you must have me confused ended? With some other guy Your bridges were burned, and now it's your turn The artist was upset and To cry, cry me a river Cry me a river cried.

I know that they say How do you know? That some things are better left unsaid We know this because he says It wasn't like you only talked to him and you know it (Don't act like you don't know it) that it is the other person’s All of these things people told me “Turn” to cry. Keep messing with my head (Messing with my head) You should've picked honesty Then you may not have blown it

You don't have to say, what you did, (Don't have to say, what you did) I already know, I found out from him (I already know, uh) Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll never be (No chance, you and me) And don't it make you sad about it

Cry me a river….

Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: Who is this song being sung to? This is being sung to her ex Answers will vary boyfriend.

"Best Thing I Never Had" (Clean) –Beyonce Why does she say, “What goes around comes back around”? What goes around comes back around (hey my baby) At one time she was the one hurt, I say what goes around comes back around (my baby) What goes around comes back around... and now he is the one hurt.

There was a time Why does she say she must have been out of I thought, that you did everything right No lies, no wrong her mind? Boy I must've been out of my mind She used to think her ex could do no So when I think of the time that I almost loved you wrong and was the one for her. You showed your butt and I, I saw the real you

Thank God you blew it How does the person she is singing about feel I thank God I dodged the bullet now? I'm so over you So baby good lookin' out Her ex wants her back and not happy. I wanted you bad I'm so through with that 'Cause honestly you turned out to be the (best thing I never had) What do you think the title means now? You turned out to be the (best thing I never had) And I'm gonna' always be the (best thing you never had) She is happy the relationship ended Oh yeah, I bet it sucks to be you right now and that she was not stuck with

So sad, you're hurt her ex. Boo hoo, oh, did you expect me to care You don't deserve my tears What is probably happening in the artist’s life I guess that's why they ain't there When I think that there was a time that I almost loved you now? You showed your butt and baby yes I saw the real you She is in a new committed

I know you want me back relationship and is happy. Maybe It's time to face the facts even engaged or married! That I'm the one that's got away Lord knows that it would take another place, another time, another world, another life Thank God I found the good in goodbye

I used to want you so bad I'm so through with that Cause honestly you turned out to be the (best thing I never had) Oh you turned out to be the (best thing I never had) Oh, I will never be the (best thing you never had) Oh baby, I bet it sucks to be you right now

What goes around, comes back around What goes around, comes back around I bet it sucks to be you right now

Make an inference about what this song is about Who is this song being sung to? based only on the title:

A person who used to treat her Answers will vary badly and try to tear her down.

What inference can you make as to what the "Mean" –Taylor Swift other person has done to the writer’s feelings?

You, with your words like knives This person has made the singer feel And swords and weapons that you use against me bad about herself. You have knocked me off my feet again Got me feeling like I'm nothing Why do you think this person is doing this? You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard Calling me out when I'm wounded This person is probably a bully. It You picking on the weaker man says that he is picking on the, “weaker man” and that perhaps he You can take me down with just one single blow But you don't know, what you don't know... was also treated the same way.

Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city What do you think the title means now? And all you're ever gonna be is mean Answers will vary Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me And all you're ever gonna be is mean Why you gotta be so mean? Why do you think the artist chose to write this song? You, with your switching sides Answers will vary And your wildfire lies and your humiliation Could be to show the bully that she You have pointed out my flaws again As if I don't already see them is happy despite him. I walk with my head down Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you I just wanna feel okay again

I bet you got pushed around Somebody made you cold But the cycle ends right now 'Cause you can't lead me down that road And you don't know, what you don't know...

And I can see you years from now in a bar Talking over a football game With that same big loud opinion But nobody's listening Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing But all you are is mean

All you are is mean And a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean

Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me (Why you gotta be so?..) And all you're ever gonna be is mean Why you gotta be so mean? Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: What has happened in this artist’s life? He is going through a breakup. Answers will vary How do you know?

"One Of Those Days" –Joshua Radin He has been left alone He needs “Time” "Wait right here", He is unhappy Is all she said to me And so right here I stay How does the artist feel about this?? Time has reached our home The artist is decidedly unhappy And I've been left alone about this. He stays in bed under the It's carried her away covers. He is hiding away. He can’t And everyone keeps saying, “take” it. "Nothing helps but time" Time is all I own What do you think the title means now? Answers will vary. And time won't stop replaying

Over in my mind What does the artist mean by, “It’s just one of I watch the hours slow down those days”? So I crawl underneath my blanket A day that is NOT a good day and a Where I can hide away, I know I can't take it day that you have to go through to 'Cause I see now, it's just one of those days come out of the other side okay. Now a year has passed Alone I stay inside And I await the rain

To wash away your face So I don't have to hide The sight of you is painful

So I crawl underneath my blanket Where I can hide away, I know I can't take it anymore 'Cause I see now, it's just one of those days

And I can't stop seeing your face I can't stop seeing your face every place

So I crawl underneath my blanket Where I can hide away, I know I can't take it anymore 'Cause I see now, it's just one of those days Yeah

Make an inference about what this song is about based only on the title: What has happened in this artist’s life?

Answers will vary He has lost his girlfriend and regrets mistakes he made in his past.

"When I Was Your Man" –Bruno Mars How do you know?

Same bed but it feels just a little bit bigger now He thinks back to the life they had Our song on the radio but it don't sound the same together: their bed, their song, and When our friends talk about you, all it does is just tear me her name. He thinks about what he down 'Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name could have done differently.

It all just sounds like oooooh… Why does the artist say that he “should” have Mmm, too young, too dumb to realize bought flowers? That I should have bought you flowers And held your hand This shows us that he DIDN’T do Should have gave you all my hours these things when he was with his When I had the chance Take you to every party girlfriend. 'Cause all you wanted to do was dance Now my baby's dancing When he says, “I hope he buys you flowers” But she's dancing with another man who is “he” and why would he want him to do this? My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out my life He truly loved/loves his ex and Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made, ohh… hopes that she is happy and gets all And it haunts me every time I close my eyes the things she deserves in life. Although it hurts I'll be the first to say that I was wrong Oh, I know I'm probably much too late To try and apologize for my mistakes But I just want you to know

I hope he buys you flowers 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 all the things I should have done When I was your man Do all the things I should have done When I was your man