13 Songs That Explore the Power of Forgiveness is comprised of songs from Brandi Carlile, Leon Bridges, Paramore, Tame Impala, and Whitechapel.

FORGIVNESS… that’s the modus operandi ladies and gentlemen. Biblically, the concept of forgiveness is, well, “kind of a big deal.” In the scripture Hebrews 8:12 (NIV), it reads, “¹² For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) also has something to say about the power of forgiveness: “³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Honestly, those two scriptures only scrape the surface when it comes to forgiveness in the Good Book. But 13 SONGS THAT EXPLORE THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS certainly isn’t specifically about The Bible, Christianity itself, or any specific religion; it’s a compilation 13 secular songs.

Just like The Bible has no shortage of scriptures centered around forgiveness, there are also no shortage of songs written about forgiveness either.  In 1998, Lauryn Hill urged us “Forgive Them Father for they know not what they do,” which also happens to be a famous Biblical scripture.  As for Morrissey, in 2004, on You Are the Quarry, the singer/songwriter asserts, “I Have Forgiven Jesus / For all the desire / He placed in me when there’s nothing I can do / With this desire.” Wow. 12 years later, in 2016, Bat for Lashes asserts on “Never Forgive the Angels” (from the concept album, The Bride), “Nightmares come and they don’t go / For my love is gone / And I will never forgive the angels for that…” Again, WOW.

 With ample background under our belts, well, frankly, it’s time to get into this thing! 13 SONGS THAT EXPLORE THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS is comprised of songs from Brandi Carlile (“Harder to Forgive” and “Every Time I Hear That Song”), Leon Bridges (“Forgive You”), Paramore (“Forgiveness”), Tame Impala (“Posthumous Forgiveness”), and Whitechapel (“Forgiveness is Weakness”) among others.  Without further ado, get yourself together and get totally ready to F-O-R-G-I-V-E!

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1.Tame Impala, “Posthumous Forgiveness”

The Slow Rush • Island / Modular Recordings Pty Ltd • 2020

After a five-year hiatus, Australian alternative collective Tame Impala, the brainchild of Kevin Parker returns in 2020 with their fourth studio album, The Slow Rush. The gap between Currents (2015) and The Slow Rush marks the longest between any Tame Impala LP.  All indications suggest The Slow Rush is totally worth the wait, particularly advance single, “Posthumous Forgiveness.”  

 ‘Posthumous’ is just a cool word – admit it.  Merriam-Webster defines posthumous as “following or occurring after death.” Add ‘forgiveness’ to the mix, and essentially, Kevin Parker is forgiving his father after he’s passed away.  On the first part of the song, Parker sings about how much admiration he had when he was younger for his late father but became aware of his flaws.  “Did you think I’d never know? Never wise up as I grow?” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “Did you hope I’d never doubt? Never wonder, work it out?” Furthermore, Parker is bothered by the fact that his dad wasted time, and ultimately, “…Decided to take all your sorrys to the grave.”

On the second part of “Posthumous Forgiveness,” Parker embraces forgiveness more.  Sure, he still mentions their estranged, tenuous relationship, but he wishes he had the opportunity to atone and repair for the relationship:

“Wanna tell you ‘bout the time
Wanna tell you ‘bout my life
Wanna play you all my songs
Learn the words, sing along.”

“Posthumous Forgiveness” is a lengthy number, running north of six minutes in duration.  That said, it’s quite intriguing from a lyrical and thematic standpoint, as well as musically.  Musically, Tame Impala provide a backdrop that incorporates psychedelia, retro cues, and marvelous soulful elements.  Vocally, Kevin Parker remains utterly superb, singing beautifully and expressively on this gem.

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2. JPEGMAFIA, “Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot”

All My Heroes are Cornballs • EQT Recordings • 2019

“Huh, sucka, I’m prominent, I was anonymous / I been in front of you every time…” “Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot” – what a song title! Any song title that manages to incorporate one of hip-hop’s favorite slang words, thot, piques interest.  “Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot” arrives courtesy of underrated alternative rapper and producer JPEGMAFIA (Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks).  The colorful record appears on Hendricks’ 2019 critically-acclaimed studio album, All My Heroes are Cornballs.

Starting with the noisy intro, “Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot” makes the listener wonder WTF is going on.  Things settle in more on the first verse, but JPEGMAFIA throws a lot of different things at the listener within the rapping and singing itself.  That includes vocal inflections, shouting, coupled with vocal effects.  More interesting is how JPEGMAFIA manages to reference religion, sex (“Show me where the prophets go / Show me how to keep my pussy closed”), and the state of his career (“Pray I end up like Charlize Theron”). Ultimately, “Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot” is quite a reflective number, including pop cultural references to Britney Spears (“Britney, this is a sign / Pray you grow healthy and hit your prime”) and David Byrne (“Speaking in tongues like David Byrne”). He even closes the song out with ‘praise’: “Praise the motherfuckin’ lord.” Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot” previously appeared on 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in August 2019.

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3. Whitechapel, “Forgiveness is Weakness”

The Valley • Metal Blade • 2019

“He is finally dead / Come celebrate this day / It was slow and full of pain / Good riddance…” Wow! Tennessee metal (deathcore) collective Whitechapel, fronted by Phil Bozeman, has graced The Musical Hype a couple of times.  In their respective appearances, they’ve tackled a serial killer (Jack the Ripper), as well doom more recently on the playlist, 13 Gripping Songs Filled with Doom (“Doom Woods”). “Doom Woods,” as well as the ‘forgiving’ song earning a spot on this list, “Forgiveness is Weakness,” hails from the band’s 2019 album, The Valley. As the aforementioned excerpted lyrics from the chorus suggest, Bozeman isn’t forgiving anybody anytime soon.

Examine more of the lyrics from “Forgiveness is Weakness” and Phil Bozeman and company clearly believe that forgiveness is weakness.  Instead, there’s a sense of vindictiveness.  “Revenge is sweet but so is disease / When it turns you into a slave,” Bozeman sings on the first verse, continuing, “Gather your friends and your family / So they can watch me spit and piss on your grave.” Damn! On the second verse, him and his family want to celebrate the death (“Let us have this moment / He’s finally dead”), while on the bridge, he asserts, “Dig the casket from the dirt / You don’t deserve to be one with the earth.”  From a musical standpoint, “Forgiveness is Weakness” is quite brutal sounding – filled with anger, angst, and loud to the nth degree.  The drums punch you right in the chest, while the guitars roar passionately – in a most vindictive way.

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4. 2 Chainz, “Forgiven”

Ft. Marsha Ambrosius

Rap or Go to the League • Def Jam • 2019

“And we’ll introduce you to the starting lineup… Coached by James Gwynn, his starters, number 21, Tauheed Epps…” Incorporating the basketball concept from the jump, “Forgiven” respectably commences Rap or Go to the League, the fifth studio album by Grammy-nominated rapper, 2 Chainz. 2 Chainz is definitely one of rap’s most colorful personalities.

On “Forgiven,” 2 Chainz enlists the ever-expressive, soulful vocals of Marsha Ambrosius on the ‘forgiving’ chorus.

“Prayer for our sins, I...
Prayer for our souls, the...
Tears that we’re cryin’
Let ‘em all be forgiven
Let it all be forgiven
Just let it all be forgiven.”

As for 2 Chainz, he gives a reflective, thoughtful performance.  He discusses his past, mistakes, the costly mistakes of others, violence, and emphasizing the power of prayer, forgiveness, and redemption.  Also, the rapper manages to incorporate numerous basketball references throughout, including the aforementioned introduction, referencing playing basketball in high school, and elements of the game (“My head achin’, hands started shakin’ / Foul beyond flagrant”).

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5. Emily King, “Forgiveness”

Scenery • ATO • 2019

R&B artist Emily King has been underrated throughout her career despite being critically acclaimed.  At the 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards, she received her second career Grammy nomination, for Best R&B Song, “Look at Me Now”.  “Look at Me Now” appears on her 2019 studio album, Scenery.  Obviously, “Look at Me Now” isn’t a fit for this forgiving playlist, but the song “Forgiveness” certainly is.  “Forgiveness” is co-written with Jeremy Most who also produces the track.

“Forgiveness” certainly finds Emily King being true to self.  She never gets too high in regard to her vocal performance – she’s pretty cool, calm, and collected.  “Forgiveness” is a R&B song, but it also incorporates pop cues, something also characteristic of King’s music.  The two verses are patterned after one another, with King asserting things she “Don’t meant to…” do essentially.  She opens the first verse, singing, “I don’t mean to be a sinner, but you bring it out of me / Don’t mean to hold you close, but I can’t let you leave.” At the end of the second verse, after saying all the things she “Don’t mean,” she shares her desires: “What I want is something more than just a friend can provide / Yeah, I mean it.” That’s where the forgiveness comes in, on the memorable centerpiece better known as the chorus:

“You make me beg for forgiveness
You make me beg for forgiveness
I just can’t stay in your presence
Without making bad decisions.”

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6. Phora, “Forgive Me”

Bury Me with Dead Roses • Phora LLC • 2019

“Feel it all turning cold, I’m just losing my soul / And I tried talking to God but he ain’t talk to me back / Fuck…” In 2017, rapper Phora issued his debut album, Yours Truly Forever on Warner Bros.  Unfortunately for the rapper, the effort arrived quietly, with little fanfare.  Ultimately, despite his talent, him and Warner Bros. would end up parting ways.  That’s not a death sentence mind you, but anybody who takes the time to listen to Phora will hear how much he has to offer to the game.  Regardless, he appears on this forgiveness-themed list with “Forgive Me,” a single that appears on his independently distributed 2019 album, Bury Me with Dead Roses.

The emotion is amplified to the nth degree on the short but sweet “Forgive Me.” The music is dramatic, while Phora is upset; clearly perturbed.  There’s a strong sense of being totally lost, remorseful, and of course, chocked-full of pain. Throughout the course of one verse, the rapper bears his soul.  “I just wish you needed me the same way that I needed you / But my heart just doesn’t work like before,” he raps, continuing, “Lately, I’ve been so detached but I’m still searchin’ for more / I lost so many fuckin’ people it don’t hurt me no more.”  That’s just one excerpt from “Forgive Me,” a record that offers an honest, vulnerable look into the rapper.

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7. Brandi Carlile, “Harder to Forgive”

By the Way, I Forgive You • Elektra • 2018

In 2018, Grammy-winning Americana, folk-rock singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile released a terrific studio album, By the Way, I Forgive You. The centerpiece of Carlile’s sixth studio album is the highly decorated, moving “The Joke”, which is certainly NO joke at all.  Unfortunately, this list isn’t the forum to spread more love about “The Joke,” so, we opt for the song “Harder to Forgive,” which appears as the penultimate record on the album. Carlile definite sings her face off on this song of forgiveness, or lack thereof, particularly on the chorus and later verses.

“Harder to Forgive” picks up the pace in the context of the album, following the ballad, “Most of All.” “Harder to Forgive” definitely embraces the old-school, sounding like a prime candidate to appear on Outlaw country radio.  Carlile likely owes some thanks to producers Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings, the son of the legendary Waylon Jennings. The rhythmic nature of the record is one of its biggest selling points. Of course, the songwriting isn’t too shabby either.  The chorus marks one of the very best moments:

“Sometimes I pretend we never met (ooh)
Because it’s harder to forgive than to forget
Sometimes it’s harder to forgive.”

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8. Brandi Carlile, “Every Time I Hear That Song”

By the Way, I Forgive You • Elektra • 2018

In case you needed a recap, or you skipped song no. 7, In 2018, Grammy-winning Americana, folk-rock singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile released a terrific studio album, By the Way, I Forgive You. The centerpiece of that album is “The Joke”, a song that, unfortunately, doesn’t fit this list.  After finding the perfect fit for this forgiveness-themed affair (“Harder to Forgive”), we have a song that fails to include forgive/forgiveness in its song title yet embraces forgiveness.  That would be the opening record, and another personal favorite from the album, “Every Time I Hear That Song.”

How does “Every Time I Hear That Song” embrace forgiveness you ask? Well, the titular album lyric, “By the way, I forgive you,” appears here, encompassing a previous relationship.

“By the way, I forgive you
After all, maybe I should thank you
For giving me what I’ve found
‘Cause without you around
I’ve been doing just fine
Except for any time, I hear that song…”

Apparently, the relationship was quite one-sided (“Because I gave you all I had and got the worst of you”), yet Carlile takes the high road, forgiving her ex. The titular lyric also has a deeper meaning, as Carlile forgives her pastor for not baptizing her as teen, due to her sexuality.

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9. Leon Bridges, “Forgive You”

Good Thing • Columbia • 2018

Grammy-winning, contemporary soul singer Leon Bridges returned following a three-year hiatus with a highly anticipated sophomore album, Good Thing. Bridges first stood out with his Grammy-nominated debut album, Coming Home, due to his intentional acknowledgement and remembrance of soul music in its glory age.  That acknowledgement – paying ode to genre – continues on Good Thing, an album that minimally matches, though arguably exceeds his debut.  Luckily, Mr. Bridges gives us a great addition to this forgiveness driven playlist with “Forgive You.”

“Forgive You” appears as the fifth track off of Good Thing. As you might expect, Bridges indeed shows the spirit of forgiveness on the mid-tempo number. Essentially, the narrative finds Bridges going ‘above and beyond’ in the relationship only to be left ‘high and dry.’

“Did I not love enough to keep your attention on and on?
Am I the stupid one for doing everything that I did for us?”

Despite the circumstances, he shows he’s the bigger person.  This maturity is a rarity in contemporary music – he deserves a lot of credit for serving up some substance.

“But I forgive you though my friends tell me not to
I forgive you even when it’s so hard to.”

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10. Paramore, “Forgiveness”

After Laughter • Atlantic • 2017

Among the many surprises of 2017 was the return of Paramore.  Back in the 00s, Paramore were kind of a big deal.  After the band experienced a lineup change with the exit of the Farro brothers, Hayley Williams and company dropped their self-titled album in 2013.  That project gave listeners the brilliant, Grammy-winning performance, “Ain’t It Fun.” Four years later, with the return one Farro bro (Zac Farro), and the exit of Jeremy Davis, and the band returned with After Laughter. Enough background, let’s jump right into “Forgiveness,” shall we?

On “Forgiveness,” Williams hasn’t quite embraced the spirit of forgiveness. Perhaps that’s an understatement:

“Cause your voice is a gun
Every word is a bullet hole
Shot a hole in the sun
If I never look up maybe I’ll never notice.”

She goes on to admit she can’t accept his apologies… “yet,” evidenced by the simple but highly effective chorus.

“And you, you want forgiveness
But I, I can’t give you that…
But I, I just can’t do it yet.”

Compared to the tracks preceding it, “Forgiveness” is cooler, with a smaller bag of production tricks.

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11. DJ Khaled, “Forgive Them Father”

Ft. Wale, Wiz Khalifa & Meghan Trainor

Major Key • Epic • 2016

From the start of the promotional campaign for his 2016 album Major Key, things looked optimistic for DJ Khaled.  Collaborating with “the gift that keeps on giving,” Drake (“For Free”), the buzz was clearly amplified LOUDLY.  Throw in some hits, and Khaled released one of the better, star-studded compilations of his career.  On the song “Forgive Them Father,” the DJ taps Wale, Wiz Khalifa, and Grammy-winning pop star Meghan Trainor for the assist.

Meghan Trainor has her moment early on, singing the spiritually driven chorus.  She’s quite repentant you might say…

“I’m here to right my wrongs
I’ve made a mess again
I’d like to apologize
I’m tryna make amends
Forgive me, father
I’m only human
That wasn’t who I am
Those were my demons…”

Wale enters the mix next, rapping on the first verse about how blessed he is and has become.  “Started small every day / We worked hard, and now they call us bosses,” he asserts at the end of the verse.  He also takes rapping honors on the second verse, reflecting once more on coming up and his state of mind as a famous celebrity/musician.  Among the best lines of the song:

“Try not to feel like I’m Robin Will[iams]
Would a Hook change my fate?
Why you make me this way?”

Of course, we can’t leave Wiz Khalifa out.  He appears once on the song, performing the bridge following Wale’s first verse and the chorus performed by Meghan Trainor.

“And I done seen so many people slow down
I can’t relate, I can’t relate, no
And I done seen so many people change up
…When you doin’ good, somebody wanna see you doin’ bad
… Just movin’ forward, so why they wanna talk about the past?”

To quote DJ Khaled himself – “Another one! DJ Khaled!”

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12. Jeezy, “Forgive Me”

Ft. Monica

Church in These Streets • Def Jam • 2015

“I been thuggin’ my whole fuckin’ life / One look at my baby girl I had to get it right / Superman in these streets hey but you my kryptonite / I’m on this drink, I’m on this smoke, I’m going super crip tonight…” #FACT: few rappers take a harder or brasher approach than Jeezy. Since day one, ‘The Snowman’ has been consistent AF – going hard since his “Soul Survivor” days back in ‘05.  On his 2015 album Church in These Streets, the rapper really had nothing more to prove – also FACTS.  Regardless, musically, he maintains his reputation for consistency and manages to concoct a few hits in the process including “God,” “Sweet Life” (featuring Janelle Monáe), “Scared of the Dark,” and our song at hand, “Forgive Me.”

“The shit I’m smoking on got me trippin’ please forgive me / The shit I’m sippin’ on got me trippin will you forgive me…” On “Forgive Me,” Jeezy enlists Grammy-winning contemporary R&B artist Monica for the assist.  Here’s the deal though – she merely ad-libs as opposed to sings the chorus.  Regardless, it’s a brilliant, soulful effect, while Jeezy keeps it real as always.  Basically, Jeezy asks for forgiveness for his wrongs, seems repentant too some extent, yet remains unapologetic as well. His fire is fueled by soulful production courtesy of Smurf, 1500 or Nothin, and Blanco “The Ear.” The chorus, partially excerpted above, is a total win, continuing as follows:

“Look you in your eyes when I’m talking know you hear me
Just listen to the words to the song I know you feel me
Cause ain’t nobody perfect in this world please forgive me
Shit I’m smoking on got me trippin’ will you forgive me
Look you in your eyes when I’m talking know you hear me
The shit I’m smoking on got me trippin’ please forgive me.”

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13. Bobby Womack, “Please Forgive My Heart”

The Bravest Man in the Universe • XL • 2012

“Please forgive my heart / It’s not that the problem / Lies anywhere in there / I’m a liar, I’m in a dream / Going my own way / Nothing to rely on.” Prior to his death in 2014, soul icon Bobby Womack released one final studio album, The Bravest Man in the Universe in 2012.  Sure, The Bravest Man in the Universe didn’t possess the caliber of hits that made him an icon, but for a post- prime of career album, it’s pretty sweet.  Among the crème de la crème of the final Womack studio album is the forgiving single, “Please Forgive My Heart,” which appears as the second track on the album.

“I could try, to say I’m sorry / But that won’t be quite enough,” Womack sings on the first verse, continuing, “To let you know the pain that I feel / And it just won’t let up.” Clearly, heartbreak and heartache propel “Please Forgive My Heart.” Womack comes off repentant on this beautiful, minimalist, rhythmic number (produced by Damon Albarn), admitting his flaws and shortcomings.

On the second verse, the lyrics are more poetic than the first, with Womack singing, “Oh, the dawn is a silent witness / To the blindness of the night…” He closes the verse stunningly, singing, “Your term is not commuted / It lingers, lingers without a sound.” Of course, the chorus, which appears at the top of the blurb, sums it all up superbly.

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13 Songs That Explore the Power of Forgiveness [Photo Credits: Atlantic, ATO, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Def Jam, Elektra, Epic, EQT Recordings, Island, Metal Blade, Modular Recordings, The Musical Hype, Phora, Pixabay, XL Recordings]

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