Tyler, The Creator has never shied away from getting personal with his music. His latest track “SORRY NOT SORRY” is no exception, as he lays bare his regrets, apologies, and reflections on his personal life. The song is a lyrical journey that offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of the artist as he explores his relationships and experiences.
As Tyler’s voice takes center stage, the listener is immediately drawn into the emotional landscape of the song. The track opens with the artist apologizing for not spending more time with someone he cares about, setting the tone for the rest of the song’s introspective and confessional lyrics. With every verse, Tyler unveils more of his inner thoughts and emotions, giving us a glimpse into the complexities of his character.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics of “SORRY NOT SORRY,” examining the important themes and motifs that emerge throughout the song. By delving deep into the artist’s thoughts and feelings, we’ll gain a better understanding of the message behind the music and the personal struggles that inspired it.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry I don't see you more I'm sorry that the four minutes where you see your son could feel like a chore Sis', I'm sorry I'm your kin Sorry we ain't close as we should've been
In the first verse, Tyler apologizes to his mother for not giving her enough quality time throughout his life. He acknowledges that his success in the music industry made it difficult for him to maintain a balance between his career and his family/loved ones. Tyler has been vocal about his love for his mother, Louisa Whitman, who has been a present, protective, and supportive figure in his life and career. She motivated and shaped the person he is today, particularly when he was growing up without a father. Tyler’s mom also attended the 2020 Grammy Awards, where he brought her on stage for his emotional winning speech for the album “IGOR,” dedicating it to her.
Sorry to my old friends The stories we coulda wrote if our egos didn't take the pen
In this verse, Tyler is expressing remorse for the dissolution of his former music collective, Odd Future, and the missed opportunities that could have come from their continued collaboration. Tyler recognizes that their egos got in the way of what they could have accomplished together. Despite their breakup, Tyler remains grateful for the time they spent together and the impact they had on each other’s careers. Tyler has frequently credited the group for helping him find his unique voice and style in the music industry. In “SORRY NOT SORRY,” Tyler acknowledges his own role in the group’s downfall and takes responsibility for the conflicts that arose. By apologizing to his former friends, Tyler is showing that he has grown and learned from his mistakes.
Sorry to the freaks I led on (Nah, for real, I'm sorry) Who thought their life was gonna change 'cause I gave 'em head on But instead, I sped off, yeah, I know I'm dead wrong Sorry to the guys I had to hide (Ooh) Sorry to the girls I had to lie to Who ain't need to know if I was by the lake switchin' tides, too (Tides)
Tyler apologizes to the people with whom he had sexual relationships who were misled into thinking he would pursue a long-term romantic relationship with them. As a celebrity, many of these people may have assumed that having sex with Tyler meant that he would eventually provide them with a luxurious celebrity lifestyle. Unfortunately, Tyler would eventually abandon them
Sorry to the guys I had to hide (Ooh) Sorry to the girls I had to lie to Who ain't need to know if I was by the lake switchin' tides, too (Tides)
On “MASSA” from his 2021 version of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, Tyler rapped:
“Everyone I ever loved had to be loved in the shadows“
Tyler apologizes to the people he had to hide from the public eye. He alludes to his struggles with bisexuality, apologizing to men and women for the pain he inflicted on them while trying to figure out his feelings.
“By” functions as a homophone here, as “Bi” is also shorthand for bisexual. “By the lake” may be in reference to a line from “She” off Goblin, Tyler’s 2011 album. On the song, Tyler raps about meeting a girl he was romantically pursuing at the lake:
Meet me by the lake around 10 and skinny dippin’ and then We can begin the pretend game, I wanna be Finn from Adventure Time
Tyler has been very open about his struggles with his sexuality, explaining in an interview with Know Wave in 2015 that he “likes girls, but has had relationships with guys.” He’s spoken at length about his desires to push boundaries and break down barriers in terms of what’s acceptable in hip-hop culture, as well as in his personal life. However, despite his efforts to normalize bisexuality, he has still faced homophobia and criticism from those who don’t understand or agree with his views.
So you stalk, make up fibs, just to talk about my private life 'cause you're weird (Uh) Met that girl this year (But), that's none ya biz
The verse “So you stalk, make up fibs, just to talk about my private life ’cause you’re weird (Uh) Met that girl this year (But), that’s none ya biz” is about Tyler, The Creator’s frustration with people who pry into his personal life and spread rumors about him. He is sorry that he cannot share everything about his life with his fans and that some people feel entitled to know everything. He mentions meeting a girl this year but asserts that it is none of anyone’s business. This verse highlights Tyler’s desire for privacy and his frustration with people who are obsessed with his personal life.
I'm sorry I don't wanna link and small talk over dinner I don't even drink, can't guilt trip me, I'm ice cold, roller rink
In the verse “I’m sorry I don’t wanna link and small talk over dinner, I don’t even drink, can’t guilt trip me, I’m ice cold, roller rink”, Tyler, The Creator is apologizing for not wanting to socialize and engage in small talk with others. He mentions that he does not drink and cannot be guilt-tripped into doing so. The line “I’m ice cold, roller rink” is a metaphor that means he is unaffected by others’ attempts to manipulate or influence him. Just like how the cold temperature of an ice rink keeps the skaters moving without being slowed down, Tyler is also not hindered by the social pressures around him. He is firm in his own beliefs and unapologetic about his choices.
Nigga-nigga-nigga, read the room Don't assume niggas is cool Stay in your pocket, this is pool Blah, blah, blah, blah 'bout trauma You ain't special, everybody got problems, uh
This is a reflection on Tyler’s feelings towards people who assume he should relate to them or their struggles based on his race or social status. Tyler is expressing that he doesn’t want people to assume they can relate to him or that he should automatically empathize with them because of his skin color. He is also saying that everyone has problems and they are not special because of them, and that it’s important to read the room and stay in one’s own lane. This verse speaks to Tyler’s desire to be understood as an individual, rather than as a stereotype or a representation of a larger group.
Sorry I don't know your pronouns I don't mean no disrespect But, damn, we just met, calm the fuck down
In this verse, Tyler, The Creator apologizes for not knowing someone’s pronouns. Pronouns are the words that are used in place of a person’s name, such as he/him, she/her, or they/them. In recent years, people have become more vocal about their preferred pronouns, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. By apologizing for not knowing their pronouns, Tyler is acknowledging that he may have unknowingly caused offense or discomfort by not using the correct pronouns when addressing them. However, Tyler also expresses frustration with the expectation that he should know everyone’s pronouns, especially when he has just met them. This frustration may stem from the fact that pronouns are a relatively new concept for many people, and it can be difficult to keep up with the constantly evolving language of gender identity and expression.
Sorry to the fans who say I changed, 'cause I did Sorry you don't know me on a personal level to pinpoint what it is
In this verse, Tyler is apologizing to his fans who accuse him of changing. He admits that he has changed, but he also feels sorry that his fans do not know him on a personal level to understand what exactly has changed about him. The verse can be interpreted as Tyler acknowledging that as an artist, he has grown and evolved over time, and his music reflects that growth. However, his fans may not have kept up with his personal journey and may feel disconnected from his new music. Tyler is expressing his regret that his fans do not understand him on a deeper level and that they cannot pinpoint exactly how he has changed. Overall, the verse shows Tyler’s vulnerability and desire for connection with his fans, even as he continues to evolve as an artist.
I'm sorry to my ancestors (I'm so sorry), I know I'm supposed to fight (I know) But this ice shinin' brighter than a black man's plight, I'ma make it right In the meantime, I'll give some advice while these blood diamonds gettin' cleaned off
In the verse, Tyler is acknowledging his responsibility to fight against the systemic oppression and racism that Black people have faced throughout history, but he also recognizes his own privilege and the allure of material wealth. He acknowledges that his success has come at a cost and that his pursuit of material wealth has caused him to lose sight of his obligations to his community. The reference to “blood diamonds” being cleaned off is a metaphor for the diamonds that have been obtained through violent and unethical means, such as through the exploitation of workers in Africa. By acknowledging this, Tyler is making a statement about his own complicity in perpetuating systems of oppression and the need for people to take responsibility for their actions and the impact they have on others.
And claim that I don't know about minimum wage or Section 8 Water in the ketchup bottle to stretch when niggas ate
In this verse, Tyler, The Creator is challenging those who criticize him for being out of touch with the struggles of the working class. He is suggesting that some people assume he doesn’t know about minimum wage or Section 8 housing, when in fact he is well aware of the struggles of those living in poverty. Tyler then uses the metaphor of putting water in a ketchup bottle to stretch it when people are hungry, as a way to illustrate the ways in which people living in poverty are forced to make do with what they have. By saying “Let me see you make a decision I made,” Tyler is suggesting that those who criticize him for being out of touch would not be able to make the same decisions he has made in his life. Overall, the verse highlights Tyler’s awareness of social and economic inequality and his frustration with those who underestimate his understanding of these issues.
But niggas claim you arrogant when they can't relate to moments of feelin' great So they aim, duck-duck-duck 'em Shot right back, buck-buck-buck 'em Sorry, not sorry (Buck 'em, buck 'em) I got two words, fuck 'em
The verse in question is part of Tyler, The Creator’s song “Sorry Not Sorry,” and the lyrics address the way that some people view Tyler as arrogant when they cannot relate to the moments when he is feeling great. Tyler responds to this perception by saying “fuck ’em” and expressing that he is not sorry for being confident in his abilities and accomplishments. The verse is about Tyler’s personal struggles and how he deals with negative opinions and people who try to bring him down. The song as a whole is an introspective and confessional journey through Tyler’s emotions and relationships, as he reflects on his regrets and offers apologies for his mistakes.
You might like this : Breaking Down the Meaning and Themes of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s ‘No Church in the Wild’
Final Thoughts
In “SORRY NOT SORRY,” Tyler, The Creator takes a brave step by baring his soul to his audience. Through introspective and confessional lyrics, he explores themes of regret, remorse, and reflection on his personal life. By delving deep into his thoughts and emotions, Tyler gives us a glimpse into the complexities of his character. The song is a lyrical journey that offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of the artist. Tyler’s willingness to share his personal struggles, especially his bisexuality, sets an example for people to embrace their true selves despite societal pressures. Through his music, Tyler teaches us that it’s okay to make mistakes and that taking responsibility for our actions is the first step towards growth and redemption. “SORRY NOT SORRY” is not just another hit song, it’s a masterpiece that will resonate with people for years to come.