Released: October 26, 1998

Songwriter: Peter Buck Mike Mills (R.E.M.) Michael Stipe

Producer: Pat McCarthy R.E.M.

[Verse 1]
They call me the apologist
And now that I'm at peak
You know at first it really hurt
We joke about these things
I've skirted all my differences
But now I'm facing up
I wanted to apologize for
Everything I was so

[Chorus]
I'm sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry
So sorry

[Verse 2]
Did you understand me right?
The people here are good
They tell me what I should have done
And offer what I could
I'm good, all is good
All's well, no complaints
When I feel regret
I get down on my knees and pray

[Chorus]
I'm sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry

[Post-Chorus]
I live a simple life
Unfettered by complex sweets
You think this isn't me?
Don't be weak
There I go
I'm so sorry

[Bridge]
Thank you for being there for me
Thank you for listening, goodbye
I can forfeit selfishness
I hope for you that you apply
This happiness
This peacefulness
This peacefulness

[Chorus]
I'm sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry
So sorry, so sorry
So sorry

[Post-Chorus]
I live a simple life
Unfettered by complex sweets
You think this isn't me?
You're so sweet
I'm so sorry

[Outro]
Thank you for being there for me
Thank you for listening, goodbye

R.E.M.

R.E.M. were an American rock band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry.

Berry quit the band in April 1997, as they were getting together to record demos for the album Up. He was not replaced on a permanent basis, but the band used an assortment of drummers in his place.