Bruno Mars started performing in Hawaii before becoming a global music star.
His mix of R&B, pop, soul, and funk styles has helped him sell over 130 million records worldwide.
Known for hits like “Just The Way You Are” and “Uptown Funk,” Mars plays multiple instruments and creates memorable melodies.
His work with Silk Sonic shows his ongoing growth as an artist, earning him several Grammy Awards.
About The Song
“When I Was Your Man” is a heartfelt piano ballad in which Bruno Mars regrets a past relationship, wishing he had treated his partner better.
| DETAIL | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| RELEASE DATE | December 7, 2012 |
| ALBUM | Unorthodox Jukebox |
| WRITERS | Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Andrew Wyatt |
| PRODUCERS | The Smeezingtons (Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine) |
When I Was Your Man Lyrics By Bruno Mars
Verse 1
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
Pre-Chorus
It all just sounds like (Ooh, ooh)
Mm, too young, too dumb to realize
[Chorus]
That I should’ve bought you flowers
And held your hand
Shoulda 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 dancin’
But she’s dancin’ with another man
Verse 2
Uh, my pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways
Caused a good, strong woman like you to walk out my life
Now I’ll never, never get to clean up the mess I made, oh
And that haunts me every time I close my eyes
Pre-Chorus
It all just sounds like (Ooh, ooh)
Mm, too young, too dumb to realize
Chorus
That I should’ve bought you flowers
And held your hand
Shoulda 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 dancin’
But she’s dancin’ with another man
Bridge
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
Chorus
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 love to dance
Do all the things I should’ve done
When I was your man
Do all the things I should’ve done
When I was your man
Live Performances Of The Song
Live In Manila 2023
Jonathan Ross Show (2nd March 2013)
Similar Songs Like “When I Was Your Man”
- “All of Me” by John Legend uses solo piano and heartfelt lyrics about love. The song shares the same raw emotion and a simple musical approach.
- “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys builds around piano melodies with powerful vocals. The song carries a similar emotional weight and musical structure.
- “Someone Like You” by Adele tells a story of looking back at a past relationship. The song uses the piano as the main instrument with sincere vocals.
- “Say Something” by A Great Big World contains themes of loss and reflection. Its stripped-down musical arrangement resembles “When I Was Your Man.”
- The vocals of “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith show comparable emotional depth. The song expresses similar feelings of vulnerability.
- “Million Years Ago” by Adele uses the same type of vocal control and emotional delivery. The song shares themes of looking back at the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
When I Was Your Man, Who Wrote?
Bruno Mars wrote “When I Was Your Man” with Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, and Andrew Wyatt.
What Vocal Range Is When I Was Your Man?
The song requires a wide range, spanning from B♭2 to D5, which shows Mars’s skill as a vocalist.
Does Bruno Mars Write His Own Lyrics?
Yes, Bruno Mars writes his own lyrics and often works with his production team, The Smeezingtons, to create his songs.
What Was Bruno Mars’ First Hit?
“Just the Way You Are” was Bruno Mars’ first solo hit as a lead artist, reaching number one in 2010.
