Meaning of “Awkward” by SZA

by Amanda London · Published June 22, 2023 · Updated June 22, 2023

What the title of this song refers to is how the relationship between the vocalist and addressee has changed or become “awkward” now they have ventured outside of the friend zone. Or as Sza implies, it’s as if the addressee had a sexual curiosity about her. And being he’s her bestie and all, she decided to satiate it. But in the aftermath, the two of them aren’t even speaking anymore.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for SZA's Awkward at Lyrics.org.

But that said, it isn’t as Sza regrets the decision she made. Instead, it’s as if she feels she did what she had to do in order to please a friend. And there is an interesting line in the chorus whereas the singer puts forth that said addressee “hurt” her. The lyrics don’t explain how so, but it may be that he excommunicated her afterwards they bonked, or something to that effect.

But to reiterate, whereas Sza obviously didn’t predict having sex would make them uncomfortable around each other, she doesn’t come off as being remorseful. Instead, the vocalist’s disposition reads more along the lines of if she were to give her body to anyone, it may as well be an actual friend.

So going back to the chorus, conclusively Sza argues that the two of them should “keep it awkward”. In other words, even if they are uncomfortable at the moment, they should proceed ahead with a romantic relationship.

“It was worth it (Ooh, it was)
I would do it again (Hey)
I know you hurt me, but (Hey)
This is more than a friendship
Now I made it awkward
Why did you let me do it?
I made it, I make it awkward (Hey, hey)
He wasn’t ready for it (Hey, hey)”

Release Date of “Awkward”

“Awkward” has an official release date of June 9 of 2022. It was issued as part of the deluxe edition of the project titled “Ctrl”, which marks SZA’s first studio album.

Writing and Production

SZA authored this track along with its producer Michael Uzowuru and several others, whose names are mentioned below:

Kelsey González
Rutherford Allison
ThankGod4Cody

Album

The “Ctrl” album was originally put out on June 9 of 2017. Two record companies, RCA Records and Top Dwag Entertainment, were responsible for its release.

In 2022, the singer marked the fifth anniversary of the album’s release by issuing a deluxe edition, comprising several bonus tracks including “Awkward”. Below are the other tracks that were released as part of the album’s deluxe edition:

“2AM”
“Percolator”
“Jodie”
“Percolator”
“Love Galore (Alt Version)”
“Tread Carefully”