About the song
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” stands as one of the quintessential ballads by the American band Chicago, featured on their 13th studio album, Chicago 16 (1982). Released on May 16, 1982, as the lead single from the album by Full Moon Records and Warner Bros. Records, the song quickly garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
Co-written by then-band member Peter Cetera and David Foster, who also produced the track, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” marked a significant shift in Chicago’s musical style. Moving away from their signature soft rock sound with horn influences, the song embraced a more contemporary pop approach that resonated widely with audiences of the time. The lyrics delve into the complexities of regret and the difficulty of apologizing in strained relationships, adding emotional depth to its soft rock melody.
Upon its release, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” received glowing reviews from music critics who praised its heartfelt lyrics, the band’s evolving musical direction, and Foster’s impeccable production. It became a standout track from Chicago 16, showcasing the band’s ability to adapt and innovate within the changing music landscape.
The song’s success extended beyond critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards. Commercially, it topped charts in Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland, and reached the top 10 in multiple countries, including a number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for two consecutive weeks. This achievement marked Chicago’s second chart-topping single in the U.S.
A music video was produced for “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” featuring Chicago performing in a dimly lit room adorned with sparkling diamonds, reflecting the song’s earnest sentiment and the band’s poignant delivery. Regarded as a hallmark in Chicago’s discography, the song has been covered and sampled by various artists, including Barry Manilow, Westlife, Tim McGraw, Az Yet, Celtic Thunder, and its co-writer David Foster. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, further solidifying its enduring cultural impact.
Additionally, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” has been included in several Chicago compilation albums over the years, such as Greatest Hits 1982–1989 (1989), The Heart of Chicago 1967–1997 (1997), The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning (2002), and The Best of Chicago: 40th Anniversary Edition (2007). The song’s success also foreshadowed Peter Cetera’s solo career, as he departed from the band three years later to pursue a successful solo journey.
In essence, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” remains a poignant testament to Chicago’s musical evolution and enduring legacy, captivating audiences with its heartfelt lyrics, memorable melodies, and timeless appeal across decades.
Video
Lyrics
Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say, from each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away, from each other
Hold me now
It’s hard for me to say I’m sorry
I just want you to stay
After all that we’ve been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to
And after all that’s been said and done
You’re just the part of me I can’t let go
Couldn’t stand to be kept away
Just for the day, from your body
Wouldn’t want to be swept away
Far away, from the one that I love
Hold me now
It’s hard for me to say I’m sorry
I just want you to know
Hold me now
I really want to tell you I’m sorry
I could never let you go
After all that we’ve been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to
And after all that’s been said and done
You’re just the part of me I can’t let go
After all that we’ve been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to
You’re going to be the lucky one