"אשמנו"
“We have transgressed.”

QUESTION: Why is it customary to start each verse in this prayer with a lyrical melody — wouldn’t it be more appropriate to cry and wail?

ANSWER: The Gemara (Yoma 86b) states that when one’s repentance is motivated by fear, his zedonot — willful transgressions — are accounted for the [the penitent] as shegagot — inadvertent errors. When one’s repentance is motivated by love, his willful transgressions are accounted for him as zechutim — merits. Hence, we are in a confident spirit when we make our confession and repent because of the many merits being acquired.

(תפארת ישראל, תענית פ"ד מ"ח)