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R.E.M. – The Apologist (1998) | Track profile | Dork

Tracks
R.E.M.
Up
The Apologist

TRACK

The Apologist

Release date: 26th October 1998

About This Track

"The Apologist" is a track by R.E.M., from the album Up, released 26th October 1998. Full lyrics are available below. Dork has published 1 article about R.E.M..

About the Artist

R.E.M.

R.E.M.

Lyrics

The Apologist

[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

Lyrics provided by LRCLIB

View full lyrics page →

Track details

From Up

1998

Listen

Album

Release year

1998

—Why Not Smile
—You’re In the Air
—Sad Professor
—Parakeet
—Airportman
—Diminished / I'm Not Over You
—Falls to Climb
—Walk Unafraid
—The Apologist

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R.E.M. At The BBC (Live)

R.E.M. At The BBC (Live)

Unplugged 1991 & 2001 (The Complete Sessions)

Live In Greensboro

Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011

Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011

Reckoning Live At The Olympia

Live At The Olympia In Dublin 39 Songs

In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003

In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003

Reveal

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Michael Stipe is finishing up work on his upcoming solo debut, 'FYI'

Michael Stipe is finishing up work on his upcoming solo debut, 'FYI'

A tree recording, Daft Punk textures and 'Drunken Sailor' all feature on the record

24 Apr 2026 • 10:20 am

Credits

Production & Engineering

Writer: Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck
Producer: Pat McCarthy, R.E.M.
Bass: Mike Mills
Guitar: Peter Buck
Vocals: Michael Stipe
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen
Mixing Engineer: Nigel Godrich
Recording Engineer: Charlie Francis, John Keane, Peter Buck, Suz Dyer