In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt
Let's start this from the happy ending
Just another white trash train-track kid
Fighting for survival
Trying not to do like his daddy did
Double down the devil at three card monte
No apology, he just knew when to quit
Push your luck, say your prayers
Make believe you don't care
Take a chance, sometimes it's all you need
(No apology)
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt (no apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
No apologies
You wanna start a personal revolution
Think of living somebody else's life
You can lie about retribution
But there ain't no fire in your lover's eyes
Seems like everybody's selling you dreams 'round here
But no one's buying and it's closing time
Light the fuse, make your break, there's no time left to waste
Baby just like freedom, nothin's free
(No apology)
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt (no apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
You wanna start a personal revolution
What else you gotta do tonight
(No apology)
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt (no apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
(No apology)
No apology
(No apology)
No apology
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt
Let's start this from the happy ending
Just another white trash train-track kid
Fighting for survival
Trying not to do like his daddy did
Double down the devil at three card monte
No apology, he just knew when to quit
Push your luck, say your prayers
Make believe you don't care
Take a chance, sometimes it's all you need
(No apology)
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt (no apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
No apologies
You wanna start a personal revolution
Think of living somebody else's life
You can lie about retribution
But there ain't no fire in your lover's eyes
Seems like everybody's selling you dreams 'round here
But no one's buying and it's closing time
Light the fuse, make your break, there's no time left to waste
Baby just like freedom, nothin's free
(No apology)
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt (no apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
You wanna start a personal revolution
What else you gotta do tonight
(No apology)
No apology (no apology)
We will not back down (no apology)
We are not afraid (no apology)
Not a drop of doubt (no apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
(No apology)
No apology
(No apology)
No apology
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No apologies
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
No Apologies Lyrics as written by Jon Bon Jovi Richie Sambora
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.