"Hard to Say I’m Sorry" by Peter Cetera, originally recorded with his band Chicago, is a heartfelt ballad about reconciliation and the struggle to admit mistakes. Released in 1982 on Chicago's album Chicago 16, this song marked a significant shift in the band’s style toward a softer rock and pop sound, largely influenced by Cetera's powerful vocals and David Foster’s production.
Cetera's voice conveys a sense of vulnerability as he sings about pride, regret, and the desire to make things right in a relationship. With its tender melody and expressive lyrics—“After all that we've been through, I will make it up to you”—the song captures the difficulty of apologizing but also the importance of keeping love intact. "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is still cherished as one of Cetera’s and Chicago's most defining tracks.