Song Analysis – “It Never Really Mattered” by Akon

Song Overview:

• Artist: Akon (featuring Melvin Riley & SIMIEN)
• Genre: R&B/Soul
• Themes: Regret, heartbreak, taking love for granted, realization after loss

Lyrics Breakdown & Meaning

Intro (Akon & Melvin Riley):

“It never really mattered too much to me”
This line is repeated multiple times, setting the song’s theme—Akon reflecting on his past mistakes, where he didn’t value his relationship enough.

Verse 1 (Akon & Melvin Riley):

“I had too many women, living life like a rockstar”
Akon admits to a reckless, player-like lifestyle, prioritizing pleasure over commitment.

“I shoulda slowed my roll, but instead, I went too far”
Looking back, he realizes he should have been more cautious and faithful in his relationship.

“’Til you up and left me, then I realized I made the wrong call”
Only after losing his partner does he understand his mistakes, a common theme in regretful love songs.

Pre-Chorus (Akon):

“You keep on crying ’cause you just can’t let me go”
His ex still has feelings for him but is hurt by his actions.

“Had every right, baby, ’cause I was straight tripping”
He acknowledges that his partner had a valid reason to be upset because he was being unfaithful and irresponsible.

“Cheating and lying, I’m turning ’round, blaming you”
This shows emotional immaturity—he was unfaithful but tried to shift the blame instead of taking responsibility.

“I need you back, am I worth you forgiving?”
Now that he realizes his mistakes, he hopes for forgiveness and a second chance.

Chorus (Akon & Melvin Riley):

“Girl, I’m pouring everything I got to show you that I’m sorry”
He’s making an effort to prove his regret and win her back.

“The truth is nothing really mattered ’til I lost my baby”
The core message of the song—he didn’t appreciate what he had until it was gone.

Post-Chorus (SIMIEN & Akon):

“We kissed, we laughed, we fell too fast”
The relationship started passionately but escalated too quickly without a solid foundation.

“We thought we’d last, how’d we get like that?”
They believed their love was strong, but mistakes and misunderstandings led to its downfall.

Verse 2 (Akon & Melvin Riley):

“’Til my heart came out my chest, I knew, without you, I can’t fix it”
The breakup hit him hard, and he now realizes she was the key to his happiness.

“Everything that I denied, girl, you was right, you know I did it”
He admits to his wrongdoings, proving he was dishonest in the past but is now coming clean.

“Long as it wasn’t me hurting, it never really mattered too much”
A brutally honest line—he didn’t care about the pain he caused until he was the one suffering.

Outro (Akon):

“You used to be so in love with me. Now you don’t even say hello to me.”
A stark contrast—she once adored him, but now she’s completely over him, showing the depth of his loss.

Overall Interpretation & Themes

This song is a classic tale of love lost due to neglect and immaturity. Akon reflects on how he took love for granted, cheated, and made selfish decisions. Only after losing his partner does he realize his mistakes and want to make amends.

🔹 Key Themes:

• Regret after losing someone you love
• Learning the hard way about the value of relationships
• The consequences of infidelity and irresponsibility
• The struggle for redemption and forgiveness