An Analysis of the Lyrics and Themes in “Sorry Not Sorry” by Tyler, The Creator

By Isaiah Joseph | Published May 3, 2023

Tyler, The Creator first gained recognition as the leader of the hip-hop collective Odd Future, and since then, he has released several critically acclaimed solo albums. 

The American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and music video director  came out with an extension to his sixth studio album, “Call me if you get lost: The Estate Sale.”

In this extended project, Tyler is concluding another chapter of his life, at the same time welcoming a new era for many to see.

Instead of focusing on all the deluxe songs on this version of the album, there is one song that stands out, the conclusion to his chapter, “Sorry Not Sorry.”

“Sorry Not Sorry” is a collaboration with rapper and producer DJ Drama, and features a sample from the song “The Masquerade Is Over” by David Porter. 

“Sorry Not Sorry” is a reflective track that explores Tyler’s past struggles and the journey he has taken to achieve success.

The song revolves around the themes of success, confidence, and ambition. In the first verse, Tyler raps about his journey to fame and how he never gave up despite the odds. 

Saba Ashton, a fine arts student and a junior at Kean,  explains that she is a huge fan of  Tyler and gives the artist praise for his amazing work.

“Tyler is an artist that everyone can relate to, when he released the estate sale all the new songs had a vibe,” Ashton said. “Listening to ‘Sorry, Not Sorry’ was an emotional experience because of how much I relate to it.” 

In the song Tyler talks about his sacrifices to get where he is today and how he’s not sorry for anything he did to achieve his dreams. He even references his controversial past and how he’s learned from his mistakes.

Through these lyrics, Tyler seems to be expressing a sense of regret for his past actions, while also accepting the consequences of his behavior. 

He acknowledges that he cannot change the past, but he is willing to take responsibility for his actions and move forward.

“The main goal of this track was leaving his past to pursue a greater future, that is just like how I want to improve and go after all my goals in my art career,” Ashton said. “Sacrificing friendships to elevate me.”  

Tyler also reflects on his rise to success and the challenges he has faced along the way. 

He raps, “My homies told me I’m a star, now I’m feeling like it. They hated me for years, but now they see that we are winning, I know my words can be deceiving, but I mean it.”

These lyrics suggest that Tyler has faced criticism and doubt from others throughout his career, but he has persevered and proven his worth.

He acknowledges that his words and actions may not always convey his true intentions, but he is committed to staying true to himself and his goals.

Overall, “Sorry Not Sorry” is a reflective and introspective track that explores Tyler’s journey. The song offers a glimpse into the artist’s past struggles, highlighting his current success and commitment to personal growth.

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