Chikadibia Jessica Maduekwe
13 min readFeb 10, 2023

A Deep Dive into the Lyrical Landscape of SZA’s SOS.

SZA’s latest album, "SOS," has been praised for its raw and honest exploration of relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Through her vulnerable and relatable lyrics, SZA has created a space for people everywhere to process their emotions and find solace in their struggles.

The album delves into themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and self-worth, helping listeners navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

The songs "SOS," "Low," "Conceited," "Good Days," "Blind," and "Ghost in the Machine" are just a few examples of how SZA’s music is helping people, most especially women deal with heartbreak, self-discovery and self-worth.

Album Cover Art

The first song, SOS is the first track of the album and sets the tone for the rest of the project.

The song is about asserting her own self-worth and reclaiming her power. The lyrics are an anthem of resilience and determination, urging listeners to stand up and fight for themselves.

She also laments over the pain she experienced. She basically poured out her heart and spoke her mind in that song.

The message of this song is empowering for women who have gone through similar experiences, as it reminds them that they don’t have to keep tolerating disrespect and that they should always demand for what they deserve.

Another standout track, "Notice Me," is a testament to the power of self-discovery. In this song, SZA asserts her worth and demands recognition from a love interest who has been ignoring her. She sings with confidence and vulnerability, offering a powerful message of self-love and self-acceptance.

This song encourages women to embrace their individuality and never settle for less than they deserve.

The album’s second track, "Kill Bill," is a celebration of female strength and resilience. In this song, SZA reflects on a past relationship that has left her feeling bruised and broken.

However, instead of dwelling on her pain, she embraces her power and moves forward. The song is a bit toxic, but we all got the message.

"Seek and Destroy" is another song that deals with the aftermath of a failed relationship. "Seek & Destroy" shows us a side of love that isn’t always spotlighted in music.

Throughout the track, SZA discusses the damaging and destructive nature of the relationship in question. Instead of healing as one would hope, she seems to be navigating these emotions with a lot of hurt in her heart. This pain compels her to attempt vengeance in the form of ruining everything (for him), but over time, she comes to terms with the idea that she’s stronger without her controlling partner.

This song offers a message of hope and encouragement to women who are facing the challenges of moving on from a toxic relationship and finding their way back to happiness.

The song "Nobody Gets Me" is an emotionally charged ballad where SZA encapsulates her feelings about her former fiancée.

In this powerful ballad, she said that her ex-fiancée was the only man who fully understood her, and the R&B star hasn’t gotten over the breakup. She’s still hung up on seeing him with another girl, and when she’s with another man, she indulges in make-believe and pretends that her current partner is the ex that always understood her.

This song is a powerful message to women who have ever felt unheard or unseen in their relationships, and who are searching for someone who truly understands and accepts them.

"Shirt" is another song that explores the themes of self-discovery and self-worth. In this track, SZA reflects on her own journey and asserts her independence and strength.

The song is about the emotional struggle of being in a relationship where trust is difficult and worth is not always felt. In the song, Sza is trying to navigate the power dynamics in the relationship and comes to the realization that they need more in order to stay in it.

She sings about not wanting to settle for anything less than she deserves, and encourages women to embrace their own individuality and never compromise their values or desires.

"Blind" is an ode to aging and its associated changes. The singer looks back on a past where people expected her to "get ratchet" and be wild, but now she finds herself stuck in a place of wanting more - needing something beyond the superficial lifestyle others glorify. She knows some of the love she’s seeking is already inside of her, but she can’t quite see it, as if she’s "blind."

She reflects on how confusing it is to be expected to fall in line with trends and relationships dictated by society and instead chooses to rely on herself. In the face of insecurity and personal battles, she finds a strength in knowing that she has the power to create something better for herself.

"Open Arms," is a beautiful song that explores the theme of forgiveness. In this song, SZA sings about the struggles of letting go of anger and resentment and the healing power of forgiveness.

This song is a powerful message to women who are dealing with the aftermath of a failed relationship and who are searching for a path to healing and peace. She makes it known in the song that it’s okay to love someone and still let them go.

The song "Far" is another standout track on the album that deals with the theme of self-discovery. In this song, SZA reflects on her own journey and the challenges she has faced, singing "Done being used. Done playing stupid”

This song is a powerful anthem for women who have experienced heartbreak, have been used, or taken for granted, and who are determined to reclaim their lives and move forward with confidence.

Another standout track on the album is "Used," and it talks about the pain of being used and discarded.

Through its raw and vulnerable lyrics, SZA invites listeners to confront the feelings of abandonment, hurt, and resentment that often follow a toxic relationship. With its introspective and introverted melody, the song serves as a powerful reminder that it is possible to heal from a heartbreak and to find strength in self-love and self-care.

"Forgiveless," tackles the challenges of forgiveness in the aftermath of a toxic relationship. Through its fierce and empowering lyrics, SZA encourages listeners to release their anger and find a sense of peace through the process of letting go and forgiving even when they can’t forget. She asserts her confidence in herself and that she sees who around her is lame and won’t forget, but won’t be brought down by anyone either.

The song is a testament to the importance of self-love, self-respect, forgiveness, and letting go in the face of heartbreak, and it serves as a powerful anthem for women everywhere who are navigating the challenges of recovery and renewal.

"Gone Girl" is a soulful and introspective track that explores the themes of self-discovery and self-worth. With its reflective and introspective lyrics, SZA invites listeners to confront their innermost fears and embrace their own unique qualities and strengths. The song is a powerful celebration of self-love and a reminder that it is possible to find happiness and fulfillment within oneself.

The song is about reflecting on a relationship and its struggles. Sza is trying to come to terms with the fact that the person she loves is gone and can’t be replaced. The song speaks to trying to find meaning in the pain, and ultimately acknowledging the loss and moving on. It speaks to the need for space, security, love without scrutiny, and the feeling of being uncertain and anxious when experiencing the end of a relationship. It shows the strength in coming to terms with the goodbye.

“Smoking on My Ex Pack" is a track that explores the themes of moving on from a toxic relationship and embracing a sense of freedom and liberation.

Smoking her ex’s pack is mentioned in the lyrics, which alludes to properly disrespecting them, and moving on from a previous relationship. The song’s overall message appears to be one of independence and moving on.

The song is a testament to the power of self-care and self-love, and it serves as a powerful reminder that it is possible to heal from a heartbreak and to find joy and happiness again.

"Love Language" is a moving and emotional track that explores the power of love and connection.

Through its soulful and introspective lyrics, SZA invites listeners to embrace the power of love and to find comfort and solace in the presence of those who love and support them. The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and community in the face of heartbreak and loss.

"Too Late" is a haunting and introspective track that explores the themes of regret and loss. With its introspective and introverted melody, the song serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to heal from heartbreak and to find joy and happiness again. The song is a testament to the power of self-love and self-care, and it invites listeners to embrace their own unique qualities and strengths.

The song "Special" is a standout track on the album, with its message of self-worth and empowerment. SZA sings about not settling for less than she deserves and encourages women to love themselves for who they are. This message is especially relevant in a society that often places pressure on women to conform to certain standards of beauty and behaviour.

The song is a moving and emotional track that explores the themes of love, self-love and connection. Through its soulful and introspective lyrics, SZA invites listeners to embrace their bodies. The song "Special" is about accepting yourself and not comparing yourself to others. In the song, Sza wishes she could be like some idealized version of herself, like the girl from the Gucci store. She experiences insecurities such as pimples, dry skin, and feeling too wild. Despite trying to change herself, she comes to regret it and hates how her partner treated her, reflecting her newfound self-acceptance. The chorus repeats "I wish I was special" and "I used to be special."

Through this refrain, she wishes to recognize her own worth and reclaim her own version of special without relying on someone else’s opinion.

The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of self love and to never change for anyone.

The song "F2F" explores the fear of falling in love and the vulnerability that comes with it.

As the much-talked-about song is all about confessing lingering feelings, F2F could mean ‘Face To Face,’ as in coming to terms with your feelings and looking them in the eye.

The song hits hard as it comes midway in the album and sounds like an apology and a fierce declaration of love at the same time. F2F has also given the most relatable lyrics from the album, where the singer bares her soul in the bridge as she sings: “I f*** him ’cause I miss you.”

The lyrics indicate a love story that never saw its happy ending, but SZA is keeping it alive as she sings.

Her raw honesty and vulnerability in this song offer comfort to those who are dealing with similar emotions.

“Low” is a song about trying to control the intensity of a relationship when you know it’s not good for you. In the lyrics, SZA describes all the ways this man hurt her, all the reasons why she wants to keep the relationship on the down low, indeed.

"Conceited" touch on the theme of self-discovery and the journey towards self-acceptance and self- love . SZA’s lyrics in these songs remind listeners that everyone struggles with insecurities and that it is important to embrace their imperfections.

The song hits like a much needed dance break after an epic meltdown. It’s like snapping out of a stream of negativity and reminding yourself who you are, no more shame or self-pity.

Ghost in the Machine” is another unique track on the album.The meaning of the song is open to interpretation, but it appears to be about feeling lost, disconnected, and haunted by past experiences. SZA sings about feeling like a “ghost in the machine,” or a presence that exists within a system but is unable to fully control it or be fully understood by it. The lyrics suggest feelings of regret, self-doubt, and longing for connection.

Overall, the song is about feeling trapped by one’s own thoughts and emotions and struggling to find peace and closure. However, like with most art, the meaning of the song can vary from person to person and can be interpreted in different ways depending on the listener’s personal experiences and perspectives.

The song "Good Days" serves as a ray of hope, offering encouragement to those who are dealing with difficult times.

"Good Days" is a song about learning to cope with and find peace within oneself despite the negative influences that life can throw our way and the feelings of loss and regret that often accompany those experiences.

The song speaks to the idea of letting go of weight and allowing ourselves to move closer to a place of inner calm. SZA also speaks to the importance of believing in the power of good days ahead and hoping for the best despite our current circumstances. It encourages us to free our minds from worries and regrets and look for the small glimpses of beauty and optimism that can be found along the way.

Sza sings about how she has struggled with heartbreak and depression, but she is now in a better place and is able to appreciate the good things in life.

This song is a source of inspiration for women who are going through a difficult time and need a reminder that things will get better.

The song "I Hate U" by SZA is about the inner struggles of a tumultuous relationship. The narrator of the song is feeling trapped by her emotions, as she doesn’t know how else to express her feelings of resentment and anger. She’s disappointed in the person she’s with, and ultimately she expresses her anger by saying "I Hate U".

However, there is an underlying sense of love and devotion, as she still hopes that the relationship can be salvaged despite all of the obstacles. She is reflecting on what could have been and how they were before "you scrambled me, mishandled me, and ambushed me". Ultimately, the song is a reflection of the complexity of loving and hating someone at the same time.

The song is a cathartic release for anyone who has experienced heartbreak and the anger and pain that often accompany it.

The song "Snooze" is about how special the person she’s with is and how she can’t bear to lose him. Despite his sometimes questionable habits and decisions, she still loves and appreciates him and their relationship. She sings of their connection and emphasizes her loyalty and willingness to ride with him "till the wheels come off." The song encourages listeners to never take a special moment for granted and to live in the moment with those you love.

In conclusion, SZA’s "SOS" album is a work of art that has helped women all over the world deal with heartbreak, self-discovery, and self-worth. Her raw honesty and vulnerability in her lyrics offer comfort and encouragement to those who are struggling with similar emotions. Her unique voice and musical style makes her a standout artist in the R&B genre, and her album "SOS" is a testament to her talents as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

The album is a cathartic and transformative journey that invites listeners to confront their innermost feelings and to explore new perspectives on love, loss, and personal growth.

As for why I love SZA, it is because of her ability to create music that is both personal and universal.

Her lyrics are a reflection of her own experiences, yet they resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Her music is a source of comfort, inspiration, and empowerment for women, and I am grateful for the impact that it has had on my own life and the lives of others. SZA is a true poetic genius, and her album is a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and comfort for years to come.

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