Meaning of "The Things I Didn't Do" by Alphaville

"The Things I Didn't Do" delves into the remorse and guilt that arise from failing to express love and affection in a relationship. The narrator acknowledges their shortcomings in not vocalizing their feelings or showing their partner that they are their priority. They express a sense of longing for another chance, hoping that they won't regret their inaction forever. The lyrics reflect upon the narrator's past behavior, describing themselves as thoughtless and struggling to comprehend the person they used to be. They express sincere remorse for causing their partner pain and acknowledge that their excuses are feeble attempts to justify their actions.

The repetition of the lines "He hardly understands the things he's done" and "He's sorry for the things that made her cry" highlights the narrator's struggle to come to terms with their past behavior and understand the impact it had on their partner. The lyrics evoke a sense of desperation and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make amends. The promise to walk the dog, feed the cat, clean shoes, wash dishes, stay sober, and even put flowers on their partner's grave demonstrates the narrator's readiness to be obedient and devoted, symbolizing a deep desire to make up for lost time and neglected love.

Overall, "The Things I Didn't Do" portrays the pain of missed opportunities and the desire to rectify past mistakes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing love and affection in relationships, as well as the lasting regret that can accompany the failure to do so.