When I Was Your Man

When I Was Your Man is a heartfelt piano ballad by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released as the second promotional single and later as the third official single from his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song was written by Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, and Andrew Wyatt, and it showcases a more vulnerable and stripped-back side of Mars's artistry. Unlike his funk-inspired and uptempo tracks, "When I Was Your Man" centers on a minimalist arrangement of vocals and piano, highlighting the raw emotion in the lyrics and delivery.

The lyrics explore the deep remorse and heartbreak of a man reflecting on a past relationship he let slip away due to his own neglect. With lines like “I should’ve bought you flowers and held your hand,” Mars confronts his regrets head-on, offering a rare male perspective on emotional accountability in love. The track draws inspiration from personal experiences in Mars’s life, which he has admitted made it a difficult song to write and perform due to its emotional honesty.

Musically, the song is rooted in classic soul and pop ballad traditions, drawing comparisons to the works of Elton John and Billy Joel. The song’s simplicity and emotional gravity are key to its power, with Mars’s vocal performance delivering both pain and vulnerability in equal measure. The piano progression complements the melancholy tone of the lyrics, helping elevate the song’s sorrowful mood without the need for elaborate production.

"When I Was Your Man" received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, with many praising it as one of the most sincere and mature pieces in Mars’s catalog. Commercially, the song was a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several other countries. It also earned nominations at major music awards and solidified Bruno Mars’s reputation as a versatile artist capable of crafting both infectious pop hits and poignant ballads.

Over the years, "When I Was Your Man" has become a staple in Bruno Mars’s live performances and remains one of his most beloved songs. Its message of loss and self-awareness continues to resonate with listeners, and the track has been covered and referenced by numerous artists. The song stands as a timeless reminder of the emotional cost of taking love for granted and has secured its place as a modern classic in contemporary pop music.