Meaning of "Still Ain't Forgave Myself" by T.I.

The lyrics of "Still Ain't Forgave Myself" delve into T.I.'s personal experiences and emotions, providing insight into the artist's guilt and regret. T.I. reflects on his troubled upbringing, particularly the absence of his father and the feeling of his mother needing him. He details his involvement in drug dealing, beginning at a young age and leading him to possess weapons and engage in criminal activity. T.I. acknowledges the destructive path he took, clearly stating that trouble seemed to seek him out. The artist recognizes that he had opportunities to make better choices but failed to do so.

The chorus and various verses of the song indicate T.I.'s ongoing struggle to forgive himself for the mistakes he has made along the road to wealth and success. Despite achieving a level of fame and financial stability, he still carries the weight of his past actions, feeling responsible for the fate of his friends who met tragic ends. The lyrics reflect his remorse for not intervening or providing better guidance to those close to him, as he saw the potential dangers they faced. T.I. expresses deep sadness for the loss of friends and the repercussions his lifestyle had on their lives.

The song also touches on the importance of education and the choices T.I. made to prioritize his aspirations in music over academics. He acknowledges that he was arrogant and dismissive of the value education could have brought to his life. Later, he realizes that knowledge and wisdom are essential for personal growth and transformation.

Additionally, the lyrics convey feelings of longing for redemption and the opportunity to make amends. T.I. yearns for a chance to change the past, to prevent the deaths of his friends, and to be a positive influence on others. He acknowledges the influence his upbringing and environment had on his choices but ultimately takes responsibility for his actions. The lyrics serve as a cathartic outlet for T.I. to express his regrets and demonstrate personal growth, while also conveying the importance of not repeating the same mistakes.