No Apologies

Album: Ego Trip (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Richard Shaddix, the Vietnam veteran father of Papa Roach lead singer Jacoby Shaddix was traumatized by his war experiences. He brought home a liking for heroin and partying, and started disappearing from his wife and family for up to 10 days at a time. Eventually Jacoby's mom had enough, and when the Papa Roach singer was eight, they split.

    After converting to Christianity, Jacoby started challenging himself to become a better person. Forgiving his father's behavior inspired this song. "I just know that when I hold those resentments and that anger inside, it's a weight that just drags me down," he told Consequence. "I wrote these lyrics to serve as a letter to my biological father. I forgive you, old man. I love you."
  • Papa Roach recorded "No Apologies" for Ego Trip. The album takes the listener through Shaddix' internal battle as he strives to become a better person. "I've got this part of me that's selfish and self-centred and self-seeking," he told Rock Sound (transcribed by Blabbermouth). "And it's that wrestling match with the ego - it's, like, who's in control right now? Is it my higher self, my more humble, spiritual, loving, compassionate self or is it my dark self-seeking version of myself. And we all have that. And I found that to progress in my life, I've gotta smash the ego - I have to. Because when I'm out there thinking my s--t don't stink and the world should bow down before me, my life turns to shambles; it don't work for me."
  • Shaddix wrote "No Apologies" with bassist Tobin Esperance, touring rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Anthony Esperance, and producers Nicholas "RAS" Furlong and Colin Brittain. Furlong and Brittain have been Papa Roach's go-to producers since their 2017 Crooked Teeth album.
  • Darren Craig directed the heartwarming video. It picks up where the band's 2017 clip for "Help" left off, bringing some familiar faces back to the screen to complete a story of forgiveness and love.
  • Papa Roach claimed their eighth #1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart when "No Apologies" climbed to the top of the list dated September 24, 2022.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.