Forgiveness [Dennis DeYoung]

Forgiveness 
Written by Dennis DeYoung
Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung

Once in a lifetime lightning strikes
When fate comes calling your name
And in an instant the flame ignites
And nothing's ever the same

And you wonder
How things might have been
Yes you wonder
Can you shed your skin

All your excuses and regrets
They sound so tired and old
And when you speak them no one forgets
They sound like tales you have told

So you suffer
Like you knew you would
Oh and you suffer
Like you know you should

Forgiveness waits for you
If you repent for your sin
Forgiveness through and through
'cause I know where you have been
I know just where you have been
And you suffer

All of your secrets hidden deep

Have come to settle the score
And every nightmare when you sleep
Waits patiently by your door

And you wonder
Has the die been cast
Oh yes you wonder
Can you change the past?

Forgiveness changes you
And gives you reason to live
Forgiveness through and through
But it ain't easy to give
No it ain't easy to give
So you suffer

Forgiveness waits for you
If you repent for your sin
Forgiveness through and through
'Cause I know where you have been
I know just where you have been

And you suffer 

Interpretation

At some point in your life you come to realize that you have hurt many people in your life and need to go back, apologize and ask for forgiveness. Until you do, you will suffer, perhaps with nightmares or just persistent anxiety. It's hard to forgive.