About the song
“I’d Rather Be Sorry”: A Timeless Duet of Love and Regret
There’s something undeniably captivating about a well-worn love song, a tune that has been embraced by countless hearts and played on countless radios over the decades. Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge’s duet, “I’d Rather Be Sorry,” is precisely that kind of song. Released in 1974, it’s a beautiful ballad that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the choices we make.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Kristofferson himself, are both poignant and relatable. The narrator expresses a willingness to take risks in love, even if it means experiencing heartbreak. The line, “I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done than for something that I didn’t do,” encapsulates the song’s central theme: it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
Kristofferson’s deep, resonant voice, paired with Coolidge’s smooth and soulful vocals, creates a rich and harmonious blend that perfectly complements the song’s emotional depth. Their voices intertwine seamlessly, conveying a sense of intimacy and shared experience. The melody is simple yet evocative, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
“I’d Rather Be Sorry” is more than just a love song; it’s a reflection on the human condition. It speaks to our universal longing for connection and our fear of regret. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. It’s a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, it’s often the risks we take that make life truly meaningful.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kristofferson and Coolidge or simply someone who appreciates great music, “I’d Rather Be Sorry” is a song that will stay with you long after the final note fades. It’s a beautiful and poignant reminder that love, like life itself, is full of ups and downs. And sometimes, the best we can do is to embrace the journey, whatever it may bring.
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Lyrics
If you hurt me, you won’t be the first or the last
In a lifetime of many mistakes.
But I won’t spend tomorrow regretting the past
For the chances that I didn’t take.‘Cause I’ll never know ’til it’s over
If I’m right or I’m wrong loving you,
But I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done
Than for something that I didn’t do.When you touch me it’s easy to make me believe
Tomorrow won’t take you away
But I’d gamble whatever tomorrow might bring
For the love that I’m living today.‘Cause I’ll never know ’til it’s over
If I’m right or I’m wrong loving you,
But I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done
Than for something that I didn’t do.I know someday that I may wake up all alone
When the love I believed in has died
But at least I won’t wonder what I might have won
>From the lifetime that I watched going by‘Cause I’ll never know ’til it’s over
If I’m right or I’m wrong loving you,
But I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done
Than for something that I didn’t do.