Meaning of Never Knew by SZA

In the vibrant world of music, SZA never fails to captivate her audience with her soulful voice and honest lyrics. One of her deeply introspective and thought-provoking songs is the tantalizing snippet 'Never Knew'. Although the track is short, it leaves a lasting impact through its exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of personal growth.At its core, the song revolves around the idea of evolving and striving for personal improvement, despite the doubts and negativity from others. SZA acknowledges the external pressures and judgment she faces, but remains focused on her own journey of self-betterment. With a powerful opening line, "Nigga who you, I'm just trynna better my life, do you," she questions the motives and expectations of those who criticize her.One standout lyric that beautifully ties into the overall theme is, "Know I keep a screw loose if you..." This line suggests that SZA might embrace her flaws and imperfections as part of her identity, unapologetically embracing her uniqueness. It highlights the idea that personal growth does not always follow a linear trajectory and that unconventional paths can lead to unexpected success.SZA effortlessly weaves through the complexities of identity with the line, "Always talking about another nigga, who you? I've been trynna better my life, do you." This lyric confronts the tendency of society to focus on others instead of focusing on personal growth. It showcases her determination to transcend societal expectations, while subtly criticizing those who fail to acknowledge their own shortcomings.Another lyric that adds depth to the narrative is, "Never knew a thing about me, screw you." Here, SZA asserts her individuality and dismisses the opinions of those who only scratch the surface of her being. This line alludes to the idea that one's true essence cannot be fully known by external judgement but must be experienced and understood on a deeply personal level.Delving deeper into the song's themes, we can explore unexpected and imaginative interpretations. The reference to a "screw loose" implies a certain level of eccentricity or unconventionality. It suggests that embracing one's quirks and accepting the parts of ourselves that defy societal norms can be a catalyst for personal growth. SZA's lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their idiosyncrasies and understand that diverging from the norm can lead to self-discovery and a unique journey towards personal improvement.Furthermore, SZA's choice to repeat the line, "Always talking about another nigga, who you? Never knew a thing about me, screw you," highlights a recurring theme of self-worth. It challenges the habit of comparing oneself to others and emphasizes the importance of self-validation. By critiquing those who focus on others without truly understanding them, SZA empowers listeners to celebrate their own journey and recognize their worth without seeking external validation.In conclusion, SZA's 'Never Knew' brilliantly explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and personal growth. Through her poetic and introspective lyrics, she confronts the doubts and negativity of others while striving to better herself. Each standout lyric serves as a stepping stone towards the overarching theme, offering unexpected and imaginative interpretations that encourage listeners to embrace their flaws, confront societal expectations, and ultimately find their own path towards self-improvement.