Meaning of "Sorry" by UB40

The lyrics of "Sorry" by UB40 delve into the themes of historical injustices, reparations, and the need for acknowledgment and restitution. The speaker rejects apologies as a way to excuse past atrocities, highlighting that words are meaningless without tangible actions. The demand for a "four hundred years back pay" symbolizes the long history of oppression and exploitation, emphasizing the idea that justice delayed is justice denied. The repetition of "I'm not begging charity" reinforces the speaker's assertion that it is not about mere sympathy or gestures but about reclaiming what rightfully belongs to them. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of attempting to erase or distort history, pointing out the need to remember and confront the past in order to move forward. Overall, the song powerfully encapsulates a call for accountability, reparations, and a recognition of past wrongs.