It was produced and co-written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and Andre Lindal, with extra writing and background vocals from Lauren Christy.
[1][6] Brent Paschke, a guitarist for the American pop rock band Spymob, played the guitars along with Dan Warner of the production duo Los Gringo.
Chris Willman of Reuters remarked that the song "sounds like nothing but power-pop fun, even though its Cars-style rock riffage and synth gurgles lead into a surprisingly cathartic expression of absolution.
"[2] Jason Scott of Seattle Post-Intelligencer remarked, "Chalking up wreckless [sic] behavior to not being old enough to know better, the tune lays "no shame, no blame" on the contagious lyrics and Clarkson's ability to make everything out of nothing.
"[9] Boosted by digital sales following the album's release, "I Forgive You" debuted at the Gaon Single Chart with 170,655 copies on the week ending 29 October 2011.