Meaning of Awkward by SZA

The overall theme of SZA's song "Awkward" revolves around the complex dynamics of relationships and the mix of emotions that can arise from them. It explores the aftermath of a casual encounter and the feelings of regret, confusion, and longing that follow. Each lyric in the song adds layers to these emotional themes, giving us a deeper understanding of the complexities of human connection.One standout lyric in the song is, "You wanted to know what the hype was all about, so I came by. Then we fucked a little bit, and I was out. Did not say bye." This lyric highlights the theme of curiosity and the excitement that can come from feeling desired or wanted. It also touches on the idea of casual encounters and how they can sometimes leave one person feeling empty or unsatisfied. The lyrics set the stage for the feelings of awkwardness and regret that the song delves into.Another important lyric is, "Now I made it awkward. Why did you let me do it? I made it, I make it awkward." These lyrics explore the theme of self-blame and the internal struggle one may face after a situation turns uncomfortable. The protagonist questions their own actions and wonders why they allowed themselves to make things awkward. This lyric offers a relatable experience for anyone who has ever felt regret or wished they could undo a moment.The line, "But can we still love on each other? Can we still touch on each other? Can we still not judge each other? You know, you know, I make it awkward," showcases the theme of longing and the desire for emotional intimacy despite the awkward situation. It expresses a yearning for connection and a willingness to overlook the discomfort in order to maintain a bond with the other person. These lyrics highlight the complexity of human emotions and the way we often navigate through messy situations in search of love and understanding.Moving on to the second verse, the lyrics "I cannot love everybody, but you isn't anybody. You look at me different, so I let you see my body" touch upon the theme of vulnerability and the blurred boundaries between physical and emotional intimacy. The protagonist acknowledges that not everyone is deserving of their love, but in this specific case, they allowed themselves to be vulnerable and intimate with this person. It explores the idea of opening up to another person based on their perception of us, highlighting the complexities of self-worth and the power others hold over us.The chorus repeats the sentiment that "it was worth it" and the desire to do it all again despite the hurt caused. This highlights the theme of mixed emotions and the contradiction of wanting to repeat past experiences despite the pain they may have caused. It explores the human tendency to hold onto certain moments, even when they are not entirely positive, simply because they felt significant or intense in some way.The outro mirrors the chorus, emphasizing the desire to preserve the connection that was formed despite the awkwardness. It poses a question of whether it is possible to love, touch, and relate to each other without judgment, further exploring themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and a longing for emotional connection.In conclusion, SZA's song "Awkward" beautifully captures the rollercoaster of emotions that can accompany relationships and encounters. The standout lyrics help develop themes of curiosity, regret, self-blame, longing, vulnerability, and the contradictions between pleasure and pain. It paints a vivid picture of the human experience and reminds us of the way we navigate through complex emotions and situations in search of love, connection, and understanding.