SZA Forgiveless Meaning & Review
SZA's "Forgiveless": A Bold and Confident Finale
SZA closes out her highly-anticipated album "SOS" with the unapologetic "Forgiveless". Featuring a posthumous verse from the legendary Ol' Dirty Bastard, this track is a raw, hip-hop-infused statement that stands out from the largely R&B sound of the album.
Forgiveless Has The The Ol' Dirty Bastard Factor
The inclusion of Ol' Dirty Bastard's (ODB) verse in "Forgiveless" is a masterstroke. His unique style and iconic flow effortlessly blend with SZA's fierce vocals, creating a captivating contrast of eras and energies. ODB's freestyle serves as a reminder of rap's roots and adds a touch of nostalgia to the modern track.
Listen to SZA Forgiveless
Raw Lyrics and SZA’s Unapologetic Attitude
"Forgiveless" is a bold anthem about refusing to apologize for success. SZA's lyrics are sharp and uncompromising as she asserts her dominance and celebrates her achievements. It's a departure from the vulnerability we see in some of her other work on "SOS", proving her range and versatility as an artist.
A Departure from the "SOS" Sound
The hip-hop energy of "Forgiveless" is a major shift in tone from the rest of "SOS," which focuses heavily on R&B and softer elements. This unexpected track makes the album feel less predictable and adds another dimension to SZA's sonic landscape and making it stand out highly.
"Forgiveless" is a confident and unapologetic addition to SZA's already-impressive discography. The surprising inclusion of ODB, the sharp lyrics, and the change in genre create a captivating finale to "SOS" that leaves a lasting impression.
SZA Forgiveless Lyrics Meaning
SZA's "Forgiveless" boldly addresses the themes of reclaiming ownership, facing consequences head-on, and refusing to back down. The lyrics showcase a fierce persona unafraid of challenges or conflict. SZA embraces her success and her dominance, asserting she doesn't care about external opinions or playing by the rules.
Confronting Consequences & Enemies: Lines like "I don't care 'bout consequences" and "Gotta watch how you whisper when you around me" suggest an indifference to societal norms. The mention of burning bridges emphasizes her willingness to sever ties for the sake of personal truth.
Self-Belief & Protection: SZA references protection, both spiritually ("angels surround me") and through those willing to fight for her. There's an unapologetic confidence in her lyrics, and she draws a clear line between herself and those she perceives as "average" or lacking independence.
Forgiveness vs. Unforgetfulness
Although the core message emphasizes strength and refusal to be wronged, the chorus highlights a nuanced point. It introduces the duality of potential forgiveness without full reconciliation. SZA may be willing to move past a transgression, but she refuses to fully forget or allow a return to the same situation ("I might forgive it, I won't forget it").
Related SZA reading:
Like this review into the meaning of forgiveless? Take a read of our blog SZA Kill Bill lyrics meaning or take a look into what SZA means.
[Intro: Ol' Dirty Bastard]
Ayy, dawg, yo, yo, yo
Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo
I'm the original G-O-D
Makin’ young ladies scream is my specialty
When I go da-da-da-da-da-da-da, girls get hype
I'm the funky rap music, stereotyped
When I kill that ol' mad rugged flow
Not sayin’ Ason, duck of the disco
Or the disco duck, strictly hip-hop
Baby, baby, I can't stop
[Verse: SZA]
I don't care 'bout consequences, I want my lick back
I don't mind who's watchin', get to pushin' your wig back
I don’t mind burnin’ bridges, love my enemies, center peace
Call that bitch my kid, she ain't no kin to me
Gotta watch how you whisper when you around me, though
Give a fuck what you prefer, I’m too profound to go
Back and forth with no average dork
It goes spells and sorcery, hug your rosariеs
I don't mind competition, it is what it is
You don't mind second fiddle, that's why you a bitch
You don’t think for yoursеlf and that's none of my business
You take it I dish it, I'm genie, three wishes
Better watch how you think out loud if it's 'bout me, though
Got a couple that's outside, they kill about me, though
I don't need nobody help, angels surround me, though
Back and forth it go, it's hard, I know
[Chorus: SZA]
I thought I told you before
It's not gon' end how you want
Not in the dark anymore
I might forgive it, I won't forget it
I thought I told you before
It's not gon' end how you want
Not in the dark anymore
I might forgive it, I won't forget it
[Outro: Ol' Dirty Bastard]
This is that old West Coast, East Coast
North Coast, South Coast shit
Yo, yo, this is that ol' boogie nights
Suppose to boogie old type shit
Yo, yo, yo, I wanna give a special shoutout
All my niggas and niggarettes
All race, creed and colors
It's all love, my nigga