"When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars is a poignant ballad that explores the themes of regret, lost love, and the consequences of taking someone for granted. The lyrics delve into the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship, painting a picture of a man grappling with the realization of his mistakes and the pain of seeing his former love move on.

Verse 1: The song opens with a powerful image of emptiness and the feeling of distance, even when physically close. The "same bed" now feels larger because his partner is gone, highlighting the profound impact of her absence. Hearing their "song on the radio" only amplifies the pain, as it serves as a reminder of what they shared and what he's lost. The verse concludes with the heartbreaking realization that his heart breaks every time he hears her name, a constant reminder of his loss.

Pre-Chorus: Here, the protagonist acknowledges his immaturity and naivete, recognizing that he was "too young, too dumb" to appreciate what he had. This sets the stage for the chorus, where he expresses his regrets and the actions he wishes he had taken.

Chorus: The chorus is the emotional core of the song. The singer expresses his remorse for not showering his partner with love and attention, lamenting that he should have "bought you flowers," "held your hand," and given her his time. He acknowledges her love for dancing and expresses his regret for not taking her to parties, the very things he now sees another man doing with her. The image of her "dancing with another man" encapsulates the pain of seeing his former love move on while he's left behind with his regrets.

Verse 2: This verse delves deeper into the protagonist's self-reflection, acknowledging his pride, ego, and selfish ways as the cause of his partner leaving. He feels trapped by the consequences of his actions, unable to fix the mess he made. The haunting image of him "cleaning up the mess" suggests the persistent burden of guilt and the impossibility of erasing the past.

Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus repeats, emphasizing the theme of his youthful naiveté and the recognition of his shortcomings.

Chorus: The chorus repeats, amplifying the emotional weight of the lyrics as the protagonist continues to express his regret and the actions he wishes he could take.

Bridge: The bridge marks a shift in the song's tone. Despite the pain, the protagonist takes responsibility for his mistakes, admitting he was "wrong." He acknowledges that it might be too late to apologize, but he wants his former love to know that he understands his failings.

Final Chorus: The final chorus serves as a powerful conclusion, reflecting the protagonist's desire for his former love to experience the happiness he failed to provide. He expresses a bittersweet hope that her new partner will do all the things he didn't, acknowledging his deep regret and the lasting impact of his mistakes.

Overall, "When I Was Your Man" is a poignant and relatable song that captures the universal experience of regret and longing for lost love. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, painting a vivid picture of emotional turmoil and showcasing the powerful impact of missed opportunities.