Meaning of "I'm Only Human" by Luther Vandross

The lyrics of "I'm Only Human" delve into the universal theme of forgiveness and the recognition of human fallibility. The narrator acknowledges that, as a human, they are bound to make mistakes. They express their desire for their partner's forgiveness, understanding that their actions have caused harm and heartbreak. The repetition of the phrase "I'm only human" emphasizes the narrator's vulnerability and plea for understanding. The mentioning of love being strong but also making it hard to reciprocate indicates the challenges of maintaining a balanced relationship. The narrator's efforts to give their all in the relationship, but ultimately feeling overwhelmed and unable to relax, underscores the toll that love can take on an individual. The reference to the search for love highlights the notion that finding love is a fortunate and rare occurrence. The lyrics suggest that the narrator had a chance at love but "blew it all," suggesting a past mistake or failure. However, the narrator acknowledges their luck in being chosen by their partner and the newfound understanding of love's necessity. The final plea for forgiveness from the partner signifies the narrator's realization that they need the forgiveness of their loved one to move forward. Overall, "I'm Only Human" conveys the human experience of making mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and recognizing the value of love.