The Greatest Bastard Lyrics
Damien Rice
Lyrics
I made you laugh, I made you cry
I made you open up your eyes
Didn't I?
I helped you open out your wings,
Your legs, and many other things
Didn't I?
Am I the greatest bastard that you know?
The only one who let you go?
The one you hurt so much you cannot bear?
Well we were good, when we were good
When we were not misunderstood
You helped me love, you helped me live
You helped me learn how to forgive
Didn't you?
I wish that I could say the same
But when you left, you left the blame
Didn't you?
Am I the greatest bastard that you met?
The only one you can't forget?
Am I the one your truth's been waiting for?
Or am I just dreaming once again?
Some dreams are better when they end
Some make it, mistake it
Some force and some will fake it
I never meant to let you down
Some fret it, forget it
Some ruin and some regret it
I never meant to let you down
We learn to wag and tuck our tails
We learn to win and then to fail
Didn't we?
We learn that lovers love to sing
And that losers love to cling
Didn't we?
Am I the greatest bastard that you know?
When will we learn to let this go?
We fought so much, we've broken all the charm
But letting go is not the same
As pushing someone else away
So please don't let on
You don't know me
Please don't let on
I'm not here
Please don't let on
You don't love me
'Cause I know you do
I know
That some make it, mistake it
Some force and some will fake it
I never meant to let you down
Some fret it, forget it
Some ruin and some regret it
I never meant to let you down
I never meant to let you
I never meant to let you down
I never meant
Song & Lyrics Facts
Damien Rice's song "The Greatest Bastard" was released in 2002 on his debut album O. The song was written by Damien Rice and produced by David Arnold.
It features vocals from fellow Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan and is backed with a full band, including Vyvienne Long (cello), Tom Osander (drums) and Shane Fitzsimons (bass). The lyrics of the song express feelings of regret, longing and loss. They tell the story of a man who has made mistakes but is still trying to make things right. The song ends with the hopeful line: "I'm gonna be the greatest bastard that I can be". This song has become one of Rice's signature songs, having been performed live numerous times during his career. It continues to garner critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and emotive power. The single was released in November 2002 and reached number 36 in Ireland.