Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man Lyrics - Genius

2025, In ReviewFeaturedChartsVideosPromote Your MusicSign Up182When I Was Your ManBruno MarsProducerThe SmeezingtonsTrack 6 onUnorthodox Jukebox (Deluxe/Target Edition) Dec. 3, 20121 viewer3M views111 ContributorsTranslations

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When I Was Your Man Lyrics

“When I Was Your Man” is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, from his second studio album Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song was written by Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt… Read More [Verse 1]Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger nowOur song on the radio, but it don't sound the sameWhen our friends talk about you, all it does is just tear me down'Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name[Pre-Chorus]It all just sounds like (Ooh, ooh)Mm, too young, too dumb to realize[Chorus]That I should've bought you flowersAnd held your handShoulda gave you all my hoursWhen I had the chanceTake you to every party'Cause all you wanted to do was danceNow my baby's dancin'But she's dancin' with another man[Verse 2]Uh, my pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish waysCaused a good, strong woman like you to walk out my lifeNow I'll never, never get to clean up the mess I made, ohAnd that haunts me every time I close my eyesSee Bruno Mars LiveGet tickets as low as $116You might also like[Pre-Chorus]It all just sounds like (Ooh, ooh)Mm, too young, too dumb to realize[Chorus]That I should've bought you flowersAnd held your handShoulda gave you all my hoursWhen I had the chanceTake you to every party'Cause all you wanted to do was danceNow my baby's dancin'But she's dancin' with another man[Bridge]Although it hurtsI'll be the first to say thatI was wrongOh, I know I'm probably much too lateTo try and apologize for my mistakesBut I just want you to know[Chorus]I hope he buys you flowersI hope he holds your handGive you all his hoursWhen he has the chanceTake you to every party'Cause I remember how much you love to danceDo all the things I should've doneWhen I was your manDo all the things I should've doneWhen I was your man182EmbedCancel

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AboutSong Bio2 contributors

“When I Was Your Man” is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, from his second studio album Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song was written by Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt, while production was handled by The Smeezingtons. It was released as the third promotional single taken from the album and as the second official single.

“When I Was Your Man” is a soul piano ballad about a pre-fame heartbreak as he regrets a girl that he let get away, expressing his earnest hope that her new man is giving her all the love and attention he was unwilling, or unable to provide when they were together. It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Mars' vocals and named it a “vulnerable and emotional ballad”.

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Ask a questionWhat did Bruno Mars say about "When I Was Your Man"?Genius Answer1 contributor

Bruno Mars himself said in many occasions that “When I Was Your Man” is his most difficult song to perform mainly because of the lyrics snd meaning.

+46Was Bruno Mars going through a heartbreak while writing this song?Genius Answer2 contributors

Bruno was in a relationship with Jessica Caban in 2013 when this song was released but his mother had died that year which put him in a short depression.

+21Is there an acoustic version?Genius Answer1 contributor +4Who produced “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars?When did Bruno Mars release “When I Was Your Man”?Who wrote “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars?Unorthodox Jukebox (Deluxe/Target Edition) (2012)Bruno Mars

1. 1. Young Girls
2. 2. Locked Out of Heaven
3. 3. Gorilla
4. 4. Treasure
5. 5. Moonshine
6. 6. When I Was Your Man
7. 7. Natalie
8. 8. Show Me
9. 9. Money Make Her Smile
10. 10. If I Knew
11. 11. Old & Crazy
12. 12. Young Girls (Demo)
13. 13. Gorilla (Demo)
14. 14. Moonshine (The Futuristics Remix)
15. 15. Locked Out of Heaven (Major Lazer Remix)

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