The lyrics of "Guilty" by Def Leppard confess the speaker's guilt in causing harm to a loved one despite strong feelings of love and faith. The speaker acknowledges their faults and expresses remorse for hurting the person they care for.

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Meaning of "Guilty" by Def Leppard


The lyrics of "Guilty" delve deep into the theme of guilt and remorse in relationships. The speaker is introspective, admitting to their wrongdoings, even though they never intended to hurt their loved one. The lines "when you hurt the things you love, you gotta know" encapsulate the internal struggle of causing pain to someone you deeply care about. Despite feeling guilty, the speaker also emphasizes feelings of hope, fear, faith, and love, which are all intertwined in a complex emotional web. The repeated refrain of being guilty of loving the other person highlights the idea that sometimes love itself can be a double-edged sword, causing both joy and pain. The song ultimately portrays a raw and vulnerable portrayal of someone grappling with their own actions and emotions in the context of a relationship.