Mary Mary - Forgiven Me Lyrics
Lyrics
You're listening to The Sound
I hold a memory of myself
Reflections of what I used to be
These broken roads that brought me here
They make it hard to face reality
But a new day is here
It's time that I embrace it
Can't wait another day
Right now I gotta face it
I never ever wanna press rewind, never wanna go back in time
Not much glory in that story but it's mine
So I'm loving who I am today, past has passed away
Finally I have forgiven me
I hold a memory of myself
So young and foolish and not knowing
Careless decisions that I made
I wish somebody would have told me
But a new day is here
It's time that I embrace it
Can't wait another day
Right now I've gotta face it
I never ever wanna press rewind, never wanna go back in time
Not much glory in that story but it's mine
So I'm loving who I am today, past has passed away
Finally I have forgiven me
The mirror on the wall it lets me see today
That I'm, I'm not that foolish girl
Time has brought a change, a transformation
The old into the new when I let go of me and held on to you
I never ever wanna press rewind, never wanna go back in time
Not much glory in that story but it's mine
So I'm loving who I am today, past has passed away
Finally I have forgiven me
I never ever wanna press rewind, never wanna go back in time
Not much glory in that story but it's mine
So I'm loving who I am today, past has passed away
Finally I have forgiven me
I hold a memory of myself
Video
Forgiven Me
Meaning & Inspiration
Mary Mary’s "Forgiven Me," released on October 21, 2008, as part of their dynamic album *The Sound*, is a profound exploration of personal growth, the struggle with past mistakes, and the ultimate liberation found in self-acceptance rooted in faith. The song immediately captures a deeply human experience: the unavoidable presence of past memories and the difficult task of reconciling who we once were with who we are becoming. It speaks to the universal journey of carrying the weight of "broken roads" and "careless decisions," making it challenging to fully embrace the present and the potential for a new future.
The narrative unfolds with an honest portrayal of regret, acknowledging the sting of "young and foolish" choices and the longing for guidance that wasn't present in formative moments. This sentiment echoes the cries found in Psalms, where individuals often grapple with the consequences of their actions and seek a deeper understanding of life's path. However, the song quickly shifts from introspection to declaration, introducing the transformative power of a "new day." This isn't just a temporal shift, but a spiritual awakening, a resolute decision to "embrace it" and "face it" without delay. It powerfully reflects the biblical call to leave the past behind, as encouraged in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" The urgency in the lyrics compels the individual, and by extension, the audience, to actively participate in their own redemption story.
The repeated chorus serves as the song's anchor and its most vital message: "I never ever wanna press rewind, never wanna go back in time / Not much glory in that story but it's mine / So I'm loving who I am today, past has passed away / Finally I have forgiven me." This declaration is incredibly potent, especially within a faith context. While God’s forgiveness is central to Christian doctrine (1 John 1:9 assures us that He is faithful and just to forgive our sins), the song emphasizes the often overlooked, yet critical, step of internalizing that grace to forgive oneself. It’s an affirmation that despite the lack of "glory" in past missteps, those experiences are integral to one's unique narrative, a personal testimony. This acceptance is not an endorsement of past wrongs, but a release from their enduring shame, aligning with Philippians 3:13-14, which urges us to "forget what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." It’s about owning one's journey without being defined or imprisoned by its less flattering chapters.
The bridge offers the most explicit spiritual revelation, connecting personal transformation to divine interaction: "The mirror on the wall it lets me see today / That I'm, I'm not that foolish girl / Time has brought a change, a transformation / The old into the new when I let go of me and held on to you." Here, the "you" unequivocally refers to God, the source of true metamorphosis. This passage beautifully articulates the Christian process of sanctification, where the old self is shed, and a new identity in Christ is embraced. Romans 12:2 calls us to be "transformed by the renewal of your mind," and 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Mary Mary's message clarifies that self-forgiveness isn't an act of individual will alone, but a profound byproduct of surrendering one's flawed self to the One who makes all things new. By letting go of the self that was bound by regret and holding onto divine grace, the song illustrates a complete spiritual and emotional liberation, inspiring anyone struggling with their past to embrace the restorative power available through faith.