Composition mentioned by the artist was inspired by a real situation: “a special woman I let escape once”
Bruno Mars He is co-creator and co-producer of his entire musical catalogue. Normally, he signs his songs with Philip Lawrence and with a third element that was previously Ari Levine (composing the now closed trio The Smeezingtons) and today is Christopher Brody Brown (forming the Press & Curl Shampoo).
Due to his direct involvement with the compositions, it is to be expected that his interpretation carries a lot of honesty. However, according to the artist himself, there is one song in particular that stands out in this particular characteristic.
In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone USAMars attributes this title to “When I Was Your Man”. On this track, in addition to Lawrence and Levine, he works with Andrew Wyattwhich has works developed with Liam Gallagher, Lady Gaga, Lordbetween others.
When commenting on the track, Bruno points out:
“When we started the record [Unorthodox Jukebox, do qual ela faz parte]I was like, ‘I’m never going to sing another ballad again.’ However, this one came from the bottom of my heart. It’s the most honest and real thing I’ve ever sung. When there are no safe bets, that’s when I feel my blood rush.”
Direct inspiration for “When I Was Your Man” was never revealed. However, the musician guarantees that a real disappointment in love influenced the creation of the melancholic ballad, guided only by voice and piano. THE MTV Newshe commented:
“I can’t fake it. When I tried, I discarded the songs. This song is about a special woman I let slip away once. But it’s a happy ending… I put everything I have into this composition. Even girls can relate to this song.”
For the artist, the simplicity of the lyrical approach is one of the track’s greatest charms. After all, in a relationship, everyone makes mistakes — so it’s almost impossible not to associate yourself with what’s being sung by him.
“Everyone makes mistakes. I remember composing it and remembering the little things: like, I should have bought you flowers; I should have warned you when I had the chance. This was probably the hardest song to write because I’m so naked in this song. Having all those sexual songs that I sing, this is the one that makes me feel most vulnerable. And I think the combination of piano and voice is the purest form of music.”
Philip Lawrence pointed out, in an interview with American Songwritera precise combination of artistic influences for the composition: Billy Joel and Elton John. He comments:
“I think Bruno and I are big fans of old music, like Billy Joel and Elton John. We always love those moments when you can sit at the piano and be moved. Those intimate moments when an artist is so naked and vulnerable; You can’t help but be drawn to it. We always wanted to find a song that came out as casually as this. The subject was real life; Bruno had been through this, so we tried to say it in the best and most captivating way we could.”
Bruno Mars and “When I Was Your Man”
Available as the album’s second single Unorthodox Jukebox (2012), “When I Was Your Man” became one of Bruno Mars’ biggest hits. It reached the top of the United States chart and the top 10 in 15 other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Brazil. It received 11x platinum certification in the United States, due to its 11 million copies sold, and a nomination in the category of Best Pop Solo Performance node Grammy 2014.
In Brazil, it also became a popular phenomenon, especially after its inclusion in the soap opera’s soundtrack. Love of Lifefrom the TV Globo. As mentioned, it reached the top 10 of the local chart — more specifically, 9th position. It certainly also helped with sales of Unorthodox Jukeboxwhich here received a platinum record for the 40 thousand units sold.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
