Bruno Mars - When I Was Your Man (lyric Video) | John Legend, Sam Smith,... -

The song serves as an "emotional gauntlet" where Mars reflects on a past relationship and the "selfish ways" that led to its end. He expresses deep regret for not doing the simple things—like buying flowers or holding her hand—and concludes with the selfless hope that her new partner provides the love he failed to give.

The inclusion of John Legend and Sam Smith in the title typically refers to popular or SoundCloud mashups. The song serves as an "emotional gauntlet" where

A stripped-back soul ballad featuring only Mars’s vocals and a piano. Lyrical Themes A stripped-back soul ballad featuring only Mars’s vocals

These unofficial edits blend Mars’s vintage soul with John Legend's R&B style and Sam Smith's signature high-pitched vocals to create a multi-perspective take on the heartbreak. The song serves as an "emotional gauntlet" where

Creators often use these mixes to showcase the lyrics of all three artists in one place, emphasizing the shared emotional weight of their music.