About the Song
"Apologize" is a song written by Ryan Tedder, which first appeared on Timbaland's second studio album Shock Value (2007). It was then released as the third single from that album, along with the original recording by OneRepublic. It accordingly also served as the debut single for OneRepublic's debut album Dreaming Out Loud (2007), produced by Greg Wells. Timbaland's version omits the guitar solo after the second verse in the original, and includes an extra line of percussion, new backing vocals, and added sound samples, in addition to sound mixing and a few other minor changes. The song was the biggest radio airplay hit in the history of the Mainstream Top 40 chart in the United States, with 10,394 plays in one week, until its record was broken by Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love", which was also co-written by Tedder. The song was a major hit internationally, reaching number one in 16 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, Turkey, and the Netherlands, as well as staying at number one for eight consecutive weeks on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, staying in the top-10 for 25 weeks, and spent 13 weeks at number one in Canada.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song can be interpreted as an exploration of regret and the complexities of relationships. For many listeners, it touches on themes of vulnerability and the struggle to reconcile feelings of heartbreak with the desire for forgiveness. The collaboration between Timbaland and OneRepublic blends genres, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics. The sweeping production and poignant melodies further amplify the sense of longing and introspection, making it relatable to anyone who has faced the challenges of love and reconciliation. Overall, the track resonates deeply, capturing the universal experience of seeking forgiveness and understanding in tumultuous times.
Did You Know?
- Timothy Zachery Mosley, known professionally as Timbaland, is an American record producer, rapper, singer and songwriter.
- Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he is widely acclaimed for his distinctive production work and "stuttering" rhythmic style.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Shock Value
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
- iTunes release date: April 2, 2007
- Track runtime: 3:04
Quick Facts
- Artist: TIMBALAND
- Song: APOLOGIZE FEAT. ONEREPUBLIC
- Album/collection: Shock Value
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
- Reference page: Apologize (song)
