I'm sorry
Mandoza Lyrics

Hhm hhm uhhm hhm hhm hhm
An expression of sounds without any proper meaning

You know sometimes abantu aba understand le life esiyi philayo
People don't understand the challenges that come with being a public figure

Being in the public eye all the time
Being a public figure means constantly being in the spotlight

Getting attention that you don't need
Despite being famous, not all attention that comes your way is positive or desired

Sometimes you say wrong things to other people
Saying something wrong is a common mistake that famous people make while interacting with others

But you know what
Introducing the singer's response to such mistakes

I'm sorry if ngak'phatha kabi
Apologizing for saying or doing something wrong

I didn't mean it
Explaining that the mistake wasn't intentional

Ngithi I'm sorry if ngak'khuluma kabi
Apologizing for speaking out of turn

Ngithi mina I'm sorry if ngakwenza kabi (said I'm sorry)
Expressing sincere regret for any actions committed that may have been inappropriate

Sometimes abantu aba understand ilife esiy'philayo
People don't understand the challenges that come with being a man, father, and famous public figure

Being a man
The challenges of being a male public figure

Being a dad
The challenges of being a public figure who is also a father

Being a famous man
The challenges of being a public figure who is famous

Askwazi uk'phila iy'mpilo zethu normally
Trying to live a normal life despite the public attention

Senz'izinto normally
Trying to do things normally despite the public attention

Sphile iy'mpilo zethu njengabantu abangena mali
Trying to live life like an ordinary person despite being famous and having money

In this game you get too much attention
Being a public figure means being in the limelight all the time and attracting unwanted attention

There's no privacy at all for your actions
As a public figure, all actions are open to scrutiny, which can be a challenge

Bese wenza izinto ey'dom
Sometimes making decisions that are not well-thought-out

You got it all wrong
Admitting to making a mistake

And then you think you big like King Kong
A metaphor for being arrogant and overconfident

Sometimes uwenza izinto u-under pressure
Feeling pressure to perform or excel in a certain field

Scarred to make it happen cause you think you'll mess up
Afraid of failure due to excessive pressure

Don't give up because ilife izok'tester
Encouragement to not give up despite difficult times, as life is full of tests

Abantu bangakhuluma kodwa angeke bakuqede
People may talk, but they will eventually move on to talking about something else

Ama camera phone nama phepha babhizi phek'kwami ne TV
Referring to how media attention and technology can easily capture all actions

Maw'bheka yonke indawo overseas
How media attention can spread to international platforms

Magazine uShakes, that's me (uShakes that's me)
Referring to being the subject of media attention and news articles

Abanye babo ba planta ba khuluma umathanda bathi I'll never succeed
Some people may plant negative thoughts and suggest that success is impossible

Bangi luzisa ithemba,
Other's may try to discourage you

Bathi ng'zolahla ithemba mabe thetha ngami (mabe thetha ngami)
They tell me to give up hope and stop trying

Njengo Brenda Fassi mina indaba yami istraight and ayifuni ruler
A reference to Brenda Fassie, the artist admitting to their mistakes and not being interested in being a ruler or leader

Please ngicela ungang'displace
Asking for space, privacy, and to not be displaced due to fame

Kunini every body has been on my case nami ngicela ukushawa umoya
How people criticize public figures and how it can become overwhelming

Every body deserves a second
The belief that everyone deserves a chance to make up for their mistakes

Why not me?
Questioning why the singer shouldn't get a second chance as well