Sorry (Beyoncé song)

{{Infobox song

| name = Sorry

| cover = Beyoncé - Sorry.png

| alt = Cover art for "Sorry": A grayscale photo of Beyoncé, who sits on an ornately designed chair, and Serena Williams beside her

| type = single

| artist = Beyoncé

| album = Lemonade

| released = {{start date|2016|5|3}}

| studio = The Beehive (Los Angeles)

| genre = Alternative R&B

| length = 3:52

| label = {{hlist|Parkwood|Columbia}}

| writer = {{hlist|Beyoncé|Diana Gordon|Sean Rhoden}}

| producer = {{hlist|Beyoncé|MeLo-X|Diana Gordon}}

| prev_title = Formation

| prev_year = 2016

| next_title = Hold Up

| next_year = 2016

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|QxsmWxxouIM|"Sorry"}}}}

}}

"Sorry" is a song by American singer Beyoncé. It is the fourth track on her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016), released through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The song's music video is part of Beyoncé's 2016 film Lemonade, aired on HBO alongside the album's release.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/63381-beyonce-releases-new-album-lemonade-featuring-kendrick-lamar-jack-white-the-weeknd-james-blake/|title=Beyoncé Releases New Album Lemonade Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Jack White, the Weeknd, James Blake|date=April 23, 2016|access-date=April 23, 2016|website=Pitchfork Media|archive-date=April 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425100613/http://pitchfork.com/news/63381-beyonce-releases-new-album-lemonade-featuring-kendrick-lamar-jack-white-the-weeknd-james-blake/|url-status=live}}

It was written and produced by Beyoncé, Diana Gordon, and MeLo-X, with Hit-Boy serving as a co-producer and Stuart White as an additional producer. Columbia Records serviced the song to radio stations as the album's second single on May 3, 2016. "Sorry" is an electro-R&B song with a thumping rhythm created by drum beats, synthesizers and bells. The song's lyrics revolve around the protagonist dealing with the betrayal of a partner with another woman.

Due to the numerous allegations featured in the song, media linked it to the singer and her husband, Jay-Z. Upon the release of Lemonade, "Sorry" was deemed the "most unapologetic" song on the album; critics praised the "self-empowering attitude" adopted by the singer and praised its "catchy lines". "Sorry" debuted and peaked at number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling over three million copies in the country.

The song's music video is part of a one-hour film with the same title as its parent album, Lemonade, which originally aired on HBO on April 23, 2016. It was later released to Vevo on June 22, 2016, as the first standalone clip from the album. It features a spoken word poetry by Somali-English poet Warsan Shire, Beyoncé dancing along with a group of female dancers with painted bodies and a cameo appearance by tennis player Serena Williams. Beyoncé performed "Sorry" live during The Formation World Tour (2016), at the 2018 Coachella festival and as part of the set list of her co-headlining tour with Jay Z, the On the Run II Tour.

Background and recording

"Sorry" was written and produced by Diana Gordon, MeLo-X, and Beyoncé. Hit-Boy served as the track's co-producer, Stuart White handled the additional production and Beyoncé was responsible for the vocal production. It was recorded with the guidance of Stuart White at the Beehive Studios in Los Angeles. White also handled the song's audio mixing and mix engineering. The mastering of "Sorry" was finished by Dave Kutch at two studios: The Mastering Palace NYC and Pacifique Recording Studios located in North Hollywood. Crissy Collins provides backing vocals throughout the song.

Beyoncé first heard of MeLo-X after he had released an EP titled Yoncé-X (2014) consisting of unauthorized remixes of songs from her fifth self-titled studio album. She invited him to collaborate on various projects, including On the Run, her co-headliner tour with Jay-Z. The following year, MeLo-X was invited to work with the singer during the sessions for her sixth studio album, Lemonade; two of the tracks he worked on, "Hold Up" and "Sorry" were included on its final track listing. During an interview with Pitchfork, he elaborated about his work on "Sorry", recalling that it was written in mid-2015. While conceiving the track, MeLo-X tried to incorporate dancehall influences, something that was part of his culture as a Jamaican. He described the idea behind "Sorry" as "pretty simple": "It was just some cool keys, drum patterns, and we started putting down vocal ideas and lyric ideas". Later, Hit-Boy contributed to the song, adding various sounds and layers. MeLo-X further pointed out that "Sorry" was a "vital point" on the record due to "all these different emotions and different sounds and different layers".{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/65045-beyonces-lemonade-collaborator-melo-x-gives-first-interview-on-making-of-the-album/|title=Beyoncé's Lemonade Collaborator MeLo-X Gives First Interview on Making of the Album|work=Pitchfork|first=Matthew|last=Strauss|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909161106/http://pitchfork.com/news/65045-beyonces-lemonade-collaborator-melo-x-gives-first-interview-on-making-of-the-album/|url-status=live}} "Sorry" was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States on May 3, 2016, as the album's second single. It was also serviced to contemporary hit radio stations in Italy and the United States on May 6 and 10, 2016, respectively.

Composition and lyrical analysis

"Sorry" is an up-tempo electro-R&B track with a thumping and bleeping beat.{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-beyonce-lemonade-review-20160424-story.html|title=Review Fierce Beyoncé puts Jay Z on final notice, then turns bitterness into 'Lemonade'|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Mikael|last=Wood|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621015848/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-beyonce-lemonade-review-20160424-story.html|url-status=live}} Drowned in Sound writer Giuseppe Zevolli called it an emulation of early 2000s R&B. The 405's Samantha O'Connor described it as an "electro-infused" track.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefourohfive.com/music/review/beyonce-lemonade-146|title=Beyoncé – Lemonade|publisher=The 405|first=Samantha|last=O'Connor|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426151252/http://www.thefourohfive.com/music/review/beyonce-lemonade-146|url-status=dead}} It is instrumentally complete with shattering drum beats, synthesizers and bells, the latter instruments prominent throughout the chorus. The Atlantic writer Spencer Kornhaber likened the electronic layers of "Sorry" to the 2015 song of the same name by Justin Bieber. He further found its chorus similar to Top 40 music, but with a "glassy-eyed distance to the song, a purposeful malaise".{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/04/lemonade-beyonce-review-sex-relationships-gender-jay-z/479643/|title=Beyoncé's Lemonade and the Sacredness of Sex|work=The Atlantic|first=Spencer|last=Kornhaber|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-date=June 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626031628/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/04/lemonade-beyonce-review-sex-relationships-gender-jay-z/479643/|url-status=live}} Mike Wass of the website Idolator felt that "Sorry" was intended as a female response to "IDFWU" (2014) by Big Sean and further found similar phrases.

The song's lyrics revolve around the protagonist's cheating lover and her way of coping with the adultery. Following the release of Lemonade speculations arose about the singer's husband Jay-Z's alleged infidelity with a mistress referred to as "Becky". Jon Pareles in The New York Times pointed out that many of the accusations were "aimed specifically and recognizably" at him.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/25/arts/music/beyonce-lemonade.html|title=Review: Beyoncé Makes 'Lemonade' Out of Marital Strife|work=The New York Times|first=Jon|last=Pareles|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=July 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709183717/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/25/arts/music/beyonce-lemonade.html|url-status=live}} Similarly, Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone magazine noted the lines "Suck on my balls, I've had enough" were an "unmistakable hint" that the lyrics revolve around Jay Z." Alexis Petridis from The Guardian also interpreted the lines as Beyoncé declaring she was prepared to abandon him and take their daughter along. He also found the lyrics "Big homie better grow up" as a reference of the self-given title by Jay-Z during his guest appearance on their past collaboration "Crazy in Love" (2003).{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/24/beyonce-lemonade-review-a-woman-not-to-be-messed-with|title='Beyoncé is not a woman to be messed with' – Lemonade review|work=The Guardian|first=Alexis|last=Petridis|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622160846/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/24/beyonce-lemonade-review-a-woman-not-to-be-messed-with|url-status=live}} NME writer Larry Bartleet was of the opinion that the singer was "thrillingly honest sucker-punch" on the song's lyrics aimed at Jay-Z. On the other hand, Lindsay Mannering from Bustle magazine felt that it was hard to determine whether the lyrics were inspired by the pair's private life due to the prominent usage of innuendos. However, she later clarified that although the song may not necessarily be autobiographical, "Beyonce has a tendency to reveal her truth through music... so it's possible that 'Sorry' references her emotions after Jay allegedly cheated on her".{{cite news|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/156550-is-sorry-about-jay-z-beyonces-new-song-has-some-telling-lyrics|title=Is "Sorry" About Jay Z? Beyonce's New Song Has Some Telling Lyrics|work=Bustle|first=Lindsay|last=Mannering|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617104819/http://www.bustle.com/articles/156550-is-sorry-about-jay-z-beyonces-new-song-has-some-telling-lyrics|url-status=live}}

"Sorry" has been described as a defiant, spiteful song exemplified in the lyrics, "Looking at my watch, he shoulda been home".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/beyonc-lemonade-review-fiery-insurgent-fiercely-proud-sprawling-and-sharply-focused-a7001291.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/beyonc-lemonade-review-fiery-insurgent-fiercely-proud-sprawling-and-sharply-focused-a7001291.html |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Beyoncé, Lemonade review: Fiery, insurgent, fiercely proud, sprawling and sharply focused|work=The Independent|first=Everett|last=True|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016}} The song opens with the lyrics of the hook "Sorry, I ain't sorry", with the protagonist seemingly apologizing for something, but as it turns out later, she adopts an unapologetic stance realizing she was the victim. It features the lyrics "Boy bye" and urges listeners to put their middle fingers up; the singer finds personal empowerment in those lines. The protagonist talk-sings the lines "Today I regret the night I put that ring on" in which she expresses regret over the decision of marrying her husband. She also tells her love interest that she wrote a "Dear John-type letter" for him. During one part, she sings about putting her deuces up which clarifies that she is over the relationship.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7348362/beyonce-lemonade-diary|title=Beyonce Opens Her Diary on 'Lemonade'|first=Kris|last=Ex|magazine=Billboard|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706222318/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7348362/beyonce-lemonade-diary|url-status=live}} Andre Grant of HipHopDX noted how the song was a proof of the fast-shifting emotions the protagonist feels throughout "Sorry" as seen in the lines "I ain't sorry / Boy, bye", "He only want me when I'm not there / He better call Becky with the good hair" and "Let's take a toast to the good life / Suicide before you see this tear fall down my eye". Zevolli also opined that the song's second part is "by far one of the most surprising mood-swings on the record".

Critical reception

"Sorry" was highly acclaimed by music critics. Corinne Heller of E! Online dubbed "Sorry" as the "most controversial song" on Lemonade due to the alleged infidelity and "Becky with the good hair" mistress discussed in the lyrics. Amy Zimmerman, writing for The Daily Beast deemed "Sorry" by far the most iconic single and coined it as the song which "introduced the world to Jay Z's most infamous alleged mistress, 'Becky with the good hair'".{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/22/beyonce-has-blessed-us-with-a-standalone-video-for-sorry-feat-serena-williams.html|title=Beyoncé Has Blessed Us With a Standalone Video for 'Sorry' feat. Serena Williams|work=The Daily Beast|first=Amy|last=Zimmerman|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115154920/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/22/beyonce-has-blessed-us-with-a-standalone-video-for-sorry-feat-serena-williams.html|url-status=live}} She also felt that the "incredibly shade-laden line" was similar to "Drake's iconic 'Courtney from Hooters on Peachtree' reference". Spin journalist Greg Tate credited the line mentioning Becky for "breaking the Internet" and praised the fact that it was potent enough to promote the new material by the singer with "few dollops of viral poesy and self-inflicted gossip-mongering".{{cite news|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/04/review-beyonce-lemonade/|title=Review: Beyoncé Is the Rightful Heir to Michael Jackson and Prince on 'Lemonade'|work=Spin|first=Greg|last=Tate|date=April 28, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429122755/http://www.spin.com/2016/04/review-beyonce-lemonade/|url-status=live}} Comparing "Sorry" to Beyoncé's own "style-banger" "7/11", Jillian Mapes in a review for Pitchfork noted how "she turns his side-chicks into memes, which will inevitably become 'better call Becky with the good hair' sweatshirts that Beyoncé can sell for $60 a pop".{{cite news|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21867-lemonade/|title=Beyoncé: Lemonade Album Review|work=Pitchfork Media|first=Jillian|last=Mapes|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426125636/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21867-lemonade/|url-status=live}} Vulture's Dee Lockett deemed the song to be a "surefire club" hit from the album with an "instant-quotable line".{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/04/your-guide-to-beyonces-lemonade-album.html|title=Everything You Need to Know About Beyoncé's New Visual Album, Lemonade|work=Vulture|first=Dee|last=Lockett|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-date=June 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629035427/http://www.vulture.com/2016/04/your-guide-to-beyonces-lemonade-album.html|url-status=live}} Ray Rahman from Entertainment Weekly called it a "middle fingers up anthem" which was "sure to be sung by spurned lovers for as long as there are Beckys with good hair".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/27/beyonce-lemonade-ew-review|title=Beyoncé's Lemonade: EW Review|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Ray|last=Rahman|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505083526/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/27/beyonce-lemonade-ew-review|url-status=live}} PopMatters writer Evan Sawdey opined that "the middle-finger anthem 'Sorry'... come[s] from a new place, one that is distinct, palpable, and yes, relatable".{{cite news|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/beyonce-lemonade/|title=Beyoncé: Lemonade|work=PopMatters|date=April 28, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|first=Evan|last=Sawdey|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912230421/http://www.popmatters.com/review/beyonce-lemonade/|url-status=live}} NME writer Larry Bartleet wrote that the singer expresses a "sorry, not sorry" stance in the song and noted how in the lyrics "suck on my balls", "the sense of release is palpable".{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/beyonce/16452|title=Beyonce – 'Lemonade' Review|work=NME|first=Larry|last=Bartleet|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426121805/http://www.nme.com/reviews/beyonce/16452|url-status=live}} Emily Blake from the website Mashable called the song "the fiercest kissoff we've seen from Bey so far".{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/04/24/chapters-beyonce-lemonade/#Jv074IL3Siqk|title=The 11 extremely emotional chapters of Beyonce's 'Lemonade'|publisher=Mashable|first=Emily|last=Blake|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811151953/http://mashable.com/2016/04/24/chapters-beyonce-lemonade/#Jv074IL3Siqk|url-status=live}}

A Rap-Up writer deemed the "Boy, bye" line as one of the album's catchiest lyrics.{{cite news|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/06/22/video-beyonce-sorry/|title=Video: Beyoncé – 'Sorry'|work=Rap-Up|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625013237/http://www.rap-up.com/2016/06/22/video-beyonce-sorry/|url-status=live}} Kitty Empire of The Observer called it "electrifying".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/01/beyonce-lemonade-visual-album-review-woman-scorned|title=Beyoncé: Lemonade review – furious glory of a woman scorned|work=The Observer|first=Kitty|last=Empire|date=May 1, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=February 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211604/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/01/beyonce-lemonade-visual-album-review-woman-scorned|url-status=live}} Shahzaib Hussain from Clash magazine dubbed "Sorry" as "another dazzling feminist club anthem, but with a grittier underbelly, the production off-kilter but no less invigorating".{{cite news|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/beyonc%C3%A9-lemonade|title=Beyoncé – Lemonade Reviews|work=Clash|first=Shahzaib|last=Hussain|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701184928/http://clashmusic.com/reviews/beyonc%C3%A9-lemonade|url-status=dead}} Pretty Much Amazing's Peter Tabakis wrote that the tracks "Sorry" and "6 Inch" on Lemonade were "the equivalent of a post-bloodbath hair flip and door slam".{{cite web|url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/reviews/beyonce-lemonade-career-defining-album|title=Lemonade is Beyoncé's Career-Defining Album|publisher=Pretty Much Amazing|first=Peter|last=Tabakis|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506192824/http://prettymuchamazing.com/reviews/beyonce-lemonade-career-defining-album|url-status=dead}} Another writer of the same publication named "Sorry" the album's "zeitgeist-capturing single".{{cite web|url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/video/beyonce-sorry|title=Beyoncé Releases "Sorry" Video from Lemonade|publisher=Pretty Much Amazing|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625122015/http://prettymuchamazing.com/video/beyonce-sorry|url-status=dead}} Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone was highly positive of the singer's voice capabilities, saying they were "the most astounding sound... as she pushes to her bluesiest extremes, like the hilariously nasty way she sneers, 'He's always got them fucking ex-cuuuu-ses.'{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/beyonce-lemonade-20160425|title=Beyoncé Lemonade Album Review|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Rob|last=Sheffield|author-link=Rob Sheffield|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531061410/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/beyonce-lemonade-20160425|url-status=dead}} Now{{'}}s Kevin Ritchi, noted how by the time the story line of Lemonade comes to the anthemic "Sorry, "[t]he poison darts become sharper... and so do her vocals".{{cite news|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/beyonce-lemonade-review/|title=Album of the Week: Beyonc Tastes the Bitternet of Marital Strife|work=Now|first=Kevin|last=Ritchi|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426181143/https://nowtoronto.com/music/beyonce-lemonade-review/|url-status=live}} HipHopDX{{'}}s Andre Grant emphasized "Sorry" for being "particularly ear worming" with its "softly chiming" bells.{{cite magazine|url=http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2718/title.beyonce-lemonade|title=Beyonce – Lemonade Review|magazine=HipHopDX|first=Andre|last=Grant|date=May 5, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909030212/http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2718/title.beyonce-lemonade|url-status=live}} Jon Pareles from The New York Times summarized it as "twitchy, flippant song that's by no means an apology" but "a combative, unglossy track on an album full of them" instead. Writing in The 405, Samantha O'Connor classified "Sorry" as "flippant and fierce". Drowned in Sound writer Zevolli called it a "standout" on Lemonade.{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19408/reviews/4150017|title=Album Review: Beyoncé – Lemonade|work=Drowned in Sound|first=Giuseppe|last=Zevolli|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=August 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810011742/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19408/reviews/4150017|url-status=dead}} Maeve McDermott of USA Today opined in his review that although the song was not the most meaningful one by the singer, "it's a breezy, beautiful kiss-off that's enough to tell every below-average person in your life, 'Boy, bye.'"{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/24/beyonce-lemonade-instant-review/83459594/|title=Beyoncé's 'Lemonade:' A track-by-track review|work=USA Today|first1=Maeve|last1=McDermott|first2=Patrick|last2=Ryan|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701173446/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/24/beyonce-lemonade-instant-review/83459594/|url-status=live}} A more mixed review came from Idolator's Mike Wass who felt that the track felt "safe" and concluded, "It's a bouncy, infinitely-quotable bop with an infectious, radio-friendly chorus, but the lyrics let it down." However, Wass went on to write that it "makes up for [its lack in finesse] in bluster and called the Becky line "an overnight pop culture phenomenon".{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7631046/beyonce-lemonade-album-review|title=Beyonce's 'Lemonade': Track-By-Track Album Review|first=Mike|last=Wass|publisher=Idolator|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609232950/http://www.idolator.com/7631046/beyonce-lemonade-album-review|url-status=live}}

=Recognition and accolades=

Pitchfork named "Sorry" the 41st best song of 2016,{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9981-the-100-best-songs-of-2016/?page=6|title=The 100 Best Songs of 2016|publisher=Pitchfork Media|date=December 12, 2016|access-date=December 12, 2016|archive-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213224609/http://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9981-the-100-best-songs-of-2016/?page=6|url-status=live}} while Complex{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/12/best-songs-of-2016|title=Complex's Best Songs of 2016|website=Complex Networks|access-date=December 12, 2016|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425114326/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/12/best-songs-of-2016|url-status=dead}} and Spin,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.spin.com/featured/the-101-best-songs-of-2016/2/|title=The 101 Best Songs of 2016|magazine=Spin|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=August 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821132055/https://www.spin.com/featured/the-101-best-songs-of-2016/2/|url-status=dead}} the 12th best. In the annual Village Voice's Pazz & Jop mass critics poll of the year's best in music in 2016, "Sorry" was ranked at number 15.{{cite news|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2016|title=PAZZ+JOP 2016|newspaper=Village Voice|date=January 25, 2017|access-date=January 28, 2017|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126060350/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2016|url-status=live}} Billboard ranked "Sorry" at number two on their "100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list: "Between "Tell 'em boy bye" memes and the "Becky with the good hair" witchhunt, Beyonce's "Sorry" ignited more online chatter than most non-Trump political campaigns this year. But more importantly, Beyonce executes one miraculous vocal tonal shift after another on "Sorry," going from pissed-off exasperation to dignity at any cost ("Suicide before you see this tear"), to small-voiced vulnerability at the very end. On "Sorry," Beyonce proves your life doesn't have to be perfect for you to remain flawless."{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2016/7617635/billboard-top-100-pop-songs-of-2016|title=Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics' Picks|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 12, 2016|date=December 12, 2016|archive-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213090422/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2016/7617635/billboard-top-100-pop-songs-of-2016|url-status=live}}

Commercial performance

After the release of Lemonade, "Sorry" managed to appear on several international music charts. It debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 11 on May 2, 2016, becoming Beyoncé's second best debut on the chart above her singles "Ring the Alarm" (2006) and "Drunk in Love" (2013). It was only surpassed by "Formation", which entered the chart at number 10 in the same week.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/7350446/all-12-of-beyonces-lemonade-tracks-debut-on-hot-100|title=All 12 of Beyonce's 'Lemonade' Tracks Debut on Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|first=Amaya|last=Mendizabal|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503122325/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/7350446/all-12-of-beyonces-lemonade-tracks-debut-on-hot-100|url-status=dead}} In its second week, the song held its peak position, being the only track of the album to do so.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2016-05-21|title=Music: Top 100 Songs Chart|magazine=Billboard|date=May 21, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222165702/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2016-05-21|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7350427/desiigner-drake-hot-100-prince-beyonce-top-10|title=Desiigner Holds Off Drake Atop Hot 100, Prince & Beyonce Hit Top 10|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 2, 2016|archive-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803072118/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7350427/desiigner-drake-hot-100-prince-beyonce-top-10|url-status=live}} "Sorry" also entered on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart at number 7, becoming Beyoncé's twenty-fifth top-ten single on the chart and climbed up to number four the following week. According to streaming service Tidal, "Sorry" was streamed 14.2 million times in five days in the US. As of September 2016, "Sorry" has sold 808,787 downloads in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B011yK7wlnv9X2ItLTJUcS0wTVE/view?pref=2&pli=1|title=Chart: Digital Songs|publisher=Nielsen SoundScan|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=November 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130121206/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B011yK7wlnv9X2ItLTJUcS0wTVE/view?pref=2&pli=1|url-status=live}} The Recording Industry Association of America awarded the single a triple platinum certification for sales and streams of 3,000,000 units in the country. In Canada, the song debuted and peaked at a position of 40 on the Canadian Hot 100 for the week ending of May 14, 2016.

On the UK Singles Chart, "Sorry" debuted at number 33 on May 5, 2016. The following week, it remained in the same position and then moved to the position of 99, before falling off on May 19, 2016, after three consecutive weeks of charting. On the UK R&B Singles chart it peaked at number nine in its second week of charting. In Australia, the single peaked at number 74 on the ARIA Singles Chart on May 7, 2016. On the component Urban Singles chart in the same country, the song attained a peak position of eight.{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/charts/urban-singles-chart|title=ARIA Australian Top 40 Urban Singles|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|date=May 7, 2016|access-date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922125048/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/charts/urban-singles-chart|url-status=live}} Elsewhere, it charted at number 62 in France and 82 in Ireland and Sweden.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?page=7&f[0]=ts_chart_artistname%3Abeyonce&f[1]=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=beyonce|title=Euro Digital Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=May 2, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Music video

=Development and synopsis=

File:Serena Williams (19799728872).jpg

A music video for the song, directed by Kahlil Joseph and Beyoncé herself, was included on the parent visual album as part of a one-hour film which premiered on HBO on April 23, 2016. It was later released through Beyoncé's official Vevo account on June 22, 2016, as the first standalone clip to be released from Lemonade following its release in April.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/66297-watch-beyonces-sorry-video/|title=Watch Beyoncé's "Sorry" Video|work=Pitchfork Media|first=Jeremy|last=Gordon|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213233955/http://pitchfork.com/news/66297-watch-beyonces-sorry-video/|url-status=live}} It is filmed in black and white and features a cameo appearance by tennis player Serena Williams. Williams was asked to keep her appearance secret prior to the release of the clip.{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/773816/serena-williams-talks-beyonce-lemonade-video-cameo-i-got-really-sore|title=Serena Williams Talks Beyoncé Lemonade Video Cameo: "I Got Really Sore"|publisher=E! Online|first=Corinne|last=Heller|date=June 20, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115111639/http://www.eonline.com/news/773816/serena-williams-talks-beyonce-lemonade-video-cameo-i-got-really-sore|url-status=live}} Beyoncé wanted to include her in the video due to the "personification of strength" she represented; she was approached by the director and Beyoncé who were both interested in her contribution to that particular song. While filming, Beyoncé told Williams "just be really free and just dance like nobody's looking and go all out".{{cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38750/title.beyonce-gave-serena-williams-pointers-for-sorry-video|title=Beyonce Gave Serena Williams Pointers For "Sorry" Video|first=Cherise|last=Johnson|date=May 10, 2016|work=HipHopDX|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222054411/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38750/title.beyonce-gave-serena-williams-pointers-for-sorry-video|url-status=live}}

In the context of the album's main storyline which follows a woman dealing with her love interest's cheating affair, "Sorry" is placed in the middle, during the stage called "apathy"; the clips opens with that word written across the screen.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2016/6/22/12003740/beyonce-sorry-music-video-lemonade|title="Ashes to ashes, dust to side chicks": Beyoncé releases the music video for "Sorry"|first=Caroline|last=Framke|work=Vox|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624024601/http://www.vox.com/2016/6/22/12003740/beyonce-sorry-music-video-lemonade|url-status=live}} Beyoncé is then heard reciting a spoken-word poem about infidelity written by Warsan Shire over the slow melody of a jewelry box playing a theme from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Beyonce-releases-Sorry-the-first-video-from-8319122.php|title=Beyonce releases 'Sorry,' the first video from the visual album 'Lemonade'|work=Houston Chronicle|first=Andrea|last=Waguespack|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622210008/http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Beyonce-releases-Sorry-the-first-video-from-8319122.php|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://sbpress.com/2016/04/beyonces-masterpiece-on-the-black-experience/|title=Beyoncé's Masterpiece on the Black Experience|publisher=SB Press|first=Jessica|last=Opatich|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716175040/http://sbpress.com/2016/04/beyonces-masterpiece-on-the-black-experience/|url-status=live}} The poem included the lines "So what are you gonna say at my funeral, now that you've killed me?" and "Ashes to ashes, dust to side chicks", the latter text referencing verses from the Bible.{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/24/beyonce-calls-out-jay-z-s-cheating-in-lemonade-a-stunning-celebration-of-black-girl-magic.html|title=Beyoncé Calls Out Jay Z's Cheating in 'Lemonade,' A Celebration of Black Girl Magic|first=Amy|last=Zimmerman|work=The Daily Beast|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730014624/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/24/beyonce-calls-out-jay-z-s-cheating-in-lemonade-a-stunning-celebration-of-black-girl-magic.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-beyonce-serena-williams-dance-in-stark-sorry-video-20160622|title=See Beyonce, Serena Williams Dance in Stark 'Sorry' Video|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Brittany|last=Spanos|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624114648/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-beyonce-serena-williams-dance-in-stark-sorry-video-20160622|url-status=dead}}

As the song begins, the visual moves to scenes showing the singer with braided hair dancing along with women dressed in tribal costumes and with painted faces and bodies in a Southern mansion and a city bus emblazoned with the words "Boy Bye"; bopping and putting their middle fingers up is a part of their dance choreography in line with the song's lyrics.{{cite news|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/06/beyonce-official-sorry-video|title=Watch Beyoncé's Official "Sorry" Video in All Its Glory|work=Complex|first=Chris|last=Mench|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625200640/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/06/beyonce-official-sorry-video|url-status=live}} Adelle Platon of Billboard noted that the dancers' body paint was inspired by Yoruba people.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7415612/watch-beyonce-sorry-video-serena-williams|title=Watch Beyonce & Serena Williams Get Their Dance On in 'Sorry' Video|magazine=Billboard|first=Adelle|last=Platon|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624173459/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7415612/watch-beyonce-sorry-video-serena-williams|url-status=live}} The body painting was called "Sacred Art of the Ori" by Nigerian artist Laolu Senbanjo.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/meet-nigerian-artist-yoruba-body-art-beyoncs-lemonade/story?id=38678748|title=Meet the Artist Behind the Yoruba Body Art in Beyonce's 'Lemonade'|publisher=ABC News|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918091030/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/meet-nigerian-artist-yoruba-body-art-beyoncs-lemonade/story?id=38678748|url-status=live}} Chris Kelly from Fact pointed out how it served as "part of a web of connections between Beyoncé and her lover, Africa and America, pop music and classical".{{cite news|url=http://www.factmag.com/2016/04/27/lemonade-beyonce-meaning-visual-album/|title=Lemonade: The hidden meanings buried in Beyoncé's filmic journey through grief|work=Fact|first=Chris|last=Kelly|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811030155/http://www.factmag.com/2016/04/27/lemonade-beyonce-meaning-visual-album/|url-status=live}} Williams is also seen in numerous scenes moving around the mansion dressed in a black bodysuit and twerking next to Beyoncé who is sitting on a chair resembling a throne.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/22/beyonce-sorry-video|title=Beyoncé debuts standalone video for 'Sorry'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Dana|last=Getz|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624044442/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/22/beyonce-sorry-video|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4378426/beyonce-official-sorry-video/|title=Watch Beyoncé and Serena Williams Dance In Official 'Sorry' Video|magazine=Time|first=Cady|last=Land|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622175117/http://time.com/4378426/beyonce-official-sorry-video/|url-status=live}} The final scenes see Beyoncé dancing on and in front of the bus, before she closes the clip singing the infamous line "He better call Becky with the good hair".

=Reception=

Writing for Rolling Stone, Brittany Spanos summarized that Beyoncé and Williams "dance away heartbreak" in the "stark" clip. Chris Mench of Complex magazine felt the clip was a "tour-de-force of everything fans love about Bey". Cosmopolitan{{'}}s Gina Mei noted how the fact that Beyoncé was surrounded by "gorgeous, powerful, and independent women" throughout the video made it "a tour de force, and it's all kinds of empowering".{{cite news|url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/news/a60343/beyonce-sorry-music-video/|title=Beyoncé Just Released "Sorry" as a Standalone Music Video|first=Gina|last=Mei|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625172705/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/news/a60343/beyonce-sorry-music-video/|url-status=live}} Similarly, Zimmer from The Daily Beast noted how the singer was accompanied by "crews of beautiful black women everywhere she goes" in the "good old-fashioned girls rule, boys drool banger". Emily Blake from Mashable.com described the video as "the most epic, middle-finger filled girls-only party this great nation has seen". Houston Chronicle journalist Andrea Waguespack described the visual as "[h]eavy with African influences" and its opening as "chilling". Similarly, Alyssa Bailey in a review for Elle, called the opening monologue "chilling" and pointed out how it becomes "a mesmerizing dance number, flawlessly executed by Beyoncé" afterwards.{{cite news|url=http://www.elle.com/culture/music/news/a37278/beyonce-sorry-music-video/|title=The First Beyonce 'Lemonade' Video Just Dropped on YouTube|work=Elle|first=Alyssa|last=Bailey|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625002528/http://www.elle.com/culture/music/news/a37278/beyonce-sorry-music-video/|url-status=live}} Carl Williott, writing for Idolator noted how the opening monologue and Williams's cameo were "intact" to the "kiss-off".{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7637727/beyonce-sorry-video-lemonade|title=Watch Beyoncé's "Sorry" Video|first=Carl|last=Williott|publisher=Idolator|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016}} Alexis Rhiannon from Bustle praised the fact that Beyoncé decided to release "Sorry" as a standalone video in the same form as it appeared on Lemonade.{{cite news|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/168425-beyonces-sorry-standalone-video-isnt-different-from-lemonade-but-thats-what-makes-it-great-video|title=Beyonce's "Sorry" Standalone Video Isn't Different From 'Lemonade', But That's What Makes It Great|work=Bustle|first=Alexis|last=Rhiannon|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625164056/http://www.bustle.com/articles/168425-beyonces-sorry-standalone-video-isnt-different-from-lemonade-but-thats-what-makes-it-great-video|url-status=live}} Sarah Murphy of Exclaim! called the clip "already-iconic" when it was released to Vevo.{{cite news|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/beyonc_-sorry_video|title=Beyoncé "Sorry" (video)|work=Exclaim!|first=Sarah|last=Murphy|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624213509/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/beyonc_-sorry_video|url-status=live}} Joi-Marie McKenzie from ABC News felt that Beyoncé was "having the time of her life" while dancing her worries away with the group of females.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/complete-breakdown-beyonces-album-lemonade-track/story?id=38632970|title=A Complete Breakdown of Beyonce's Album 'Lemonade' by Track|publisher=ABC News|first=Joi-Marie|last=McKenzie|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622153342/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/complete-breakdown-beyonces-album-lemonade-track/story?id=38632970|url-status=live}}

InStyle{{'s}} Kelsey Glein felt that the video's best part was Williams's cameo appearance.{{cite news|url=http://www.instyle.com/news/beyonce-sorry-music-video-serena-williams|title=Beyoncé Enlists Serena Williams to Star in Her Powerful New "Sorry" Music Video|work=InStyle|first=Kelsey|last=Glein|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624134023/http://www.instyle.com/news/beyonce-sorry-music-video-serena-williams|url-status=dead}} PopSugar journalist Quin Keaney wrote that it features "memorable cameo and dance session" with Williams.{{cite web|url=http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Beyonce-Sorry-Music-Video-41741268|title=Beyoncé and Serena Williams Dance It Out in the "Sorry" Music Video|first=Quin|last=Keaney|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625111253/http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Beyonce-Sorry-Music-Video-41741268|url-status=live}} Refinery29 writer Carolyn L. Todd described the tennis player's dancing as "free and beautiful".{{cite web|url=http://www.refinery29.com/2016/06/114707/beyonce-lemonade-sorry-video|title=Beyoncé Releases "Sorry" Video Starring Serena Williams|publisher=Refinery29|first=Carolyn|last=L. Todd|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625033234/http://www.refinery29.com/2016/06/114707/beyonce-lemonade-sorry-video|url-status=live}} Caroline Framke of the website Vox was positive of Williams's cameo appearance and defiant dancing to the song's beat. She noted how its best part was the opening poem which was used to introduce the song in the corresponding film and felt that the lines she recited successfully showed that "she ain't sorry". Nate Jones of Vulture.com felt her dancing should be "marveled" at.{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/beyonce-sorry-music-video-youtube.html|title=Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Side-Chicks: Beyoncé's 'Sorry' Video Is Now on YouTube|first=Nate|last=Jones|work=Vulture.com|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624051142/http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/beyonce-sorry-music-video-youtube.html|url-status=live}} Carey O'Donnell from Paper magazine summarized the clip as a "raucous, fierce ladies night, featuring fellow icon Serena Williams, in all her twerking glory".{{cite news|url=http://www.papermag.com/beyonc-sorry-video-lemonade-youtube-1875731024.html|title=Beyoncé Releases "Sorry" Video as the first Stand-Alone Clip From Her 'Lemonade' Short Film|work=Paper|first=Carey|last=O'Donnell|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625173238/http://www.papermag.com/beyonc-sorry-video-lemonade-youtube-1875731024.html|url-status=live}} Sophie Hirsh from Mashable pointed out "Sorry" as an album highlight and praised the "endless fierceness" of Beyoncé and Williams.{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/06/22/beyonce-sorry-music-video-youtube/#_qUbR259sPqs|title=Beyoncé ain't sorry she waited two months to put the 'Sorry' music video on YouTube|first=Sophie|last=Hirsh|website=Mashable|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622185618/http://mashable.com/2016/06/22/beyonce-sorry-music-video-youtube/#_qUbR259sPqs|url-status=live}} Clash magazine's Shahzaib Hussain felt that the clip for "Sorry" appeared during the album's "feverish" moments. Hussain further summarized the clip as "Queen of the sporting world Serena Williams twerking up a storm while Beyoncé looks on like a Madam, proud of her creation". The video was nominated for Best Choreography at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, but lost to "Formation".{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/vma/7453279/beyonce-adele-lead-nominees-2016-mtv-video-music-awards | title=Beyonce, Adele Lead Nominees for 2016 MTV Video Music Awards | magazine=Billboard | access-date=July 26, 2016 | archive-date=August 27, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827100614/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/vma/7453279/beyonce-adele-lead-nominees-2016-mtv-video-music-awards | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/vma/7487873/vmas-2016-winners-list|title=VMAs 2016 Winners List|magazine=Billboard|date=August 28, 2016|access-date=September 1, 2016|archive-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621002556/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/vma/7487873/vmas-2016-winners-list|url-status=live}}

Live performances

File:BeyonceFWT01.jpg]]

"Sorry" was part of the set list of The Formation World Tour (2016) with the first performance taking place in Miami at the Marlins Park on April 27.{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/music/187648_beyonce_kicks_off_formation_tour_miami_jay_z_shows_support_but_does_not_perform/|title=Beyoncé Kicks Off 'Formation' Tour in Miami, Jay Z Shows Support But Doesn't Perform|first=Meredith|last=B. Kile|work=Entertainment Tonight|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=April 30, 2016|archive-date=May 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512174241/http://www.etonline.com/music/187648_beyonce_kicks_off_formation_tour_miami_jay_z_shows_support_but_does_not_perform/|url-status=live}} The song was performed second during the concerts and the singer appeared on stage alone for the beginning of the performance.{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/beyonc%C3%A9-keeps-power-and-intimacy-at-citi-field-concert-1.11889135|title=Beyoncé keeps power and intimacy at Citi Field concert|work=Newsday|first=Glenn|last=Gamboa|date=June 8, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=June 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628134521/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/beyonc%C3%A9-keeps-power-and-intimacy-at-citi-field-concert-1.11889135|url-status=live}} She was then joined by female back-up dancers who performed a choreography in line with the song's lyrics, which included putting their middle fingers up.{{cite web|url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/06/06/review-beyonce-reigns-over-lincoln-financial-field/|title=Review: Beyoncé Reigns Over Lincoln Financial Field|publisher=CBS|first=Michael|last=Cerio|date=June 6, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=August 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813021314/http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/06/06/review-beyonce-reigns-over-lincoln-financial-field/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/09/arts/dance/review-beyonce-dance-formation-citi-field-new-york.html|title=Heels on the Ground: Beyoncé and the Army of Women at Her Command|work=The New York Times|first=Brian|last=Seibert|date=June 8, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615105129/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/09/arts/dance/review-beyonce-dance-formation-citi-field-new-york.html|url-status=live}} Dee Lockett, writing for Vulture, felt that the inclusion of "Formation" and "Sorry" as the first two songs on the concerts was a "no-brainer opening".{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/concert-review-beyoncs-formation-tour.html|title=The Formation Tour Is Beyoncé at Her Most Humanly Infallible|first=Dee|last=Lockett|date=June 10, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817092929/http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/concert-review-beyoncs-formation-tour.html|url-status=live}} Michael Cerio of CBS classified the performance as "fiery". The Sun Chronicle reviewer Lauren Carter chose the performance of "Sorry" as one of the show's highlights.{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunchronicle.com/go/music/review-there-is-simply-no-one-like-beyonce/article_6bc67bc4-c509-5c5d-895c-f168c1f8627b.html|title=REVIEW: There is simply no one like Beyonce|work=The Sun Chronicle|first=Lauren|last=Carter|date=June 7, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606205836/http://www.thesunchronicle.com/go/music/review-there-is-simply-no-one-like-beyonce/article_6bc67bc4-c509-5c5d-895c-f168c1f8627b.html|url-status=dead}} The Guardian writer Caroline Sullivan noted how during the performance of "the bitterest songs" of Lemonade, "Sorry" and "Don't Hurt Yourself", "she's a pillar of rage".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/29/beyonce-formation-world-tour-sunderland-review|title=Beyoncé, Formation World Tour, Sunderland review – she slays|work=The Guardian|first=Caroline|last=Sullivan|date=June 29, 2016|access-date=July 5, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909153158/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/29/beyonce-formation-world-tour-sunderland-review|url-status=live}}

In 2018, the singer performed the song as part of her headline show at Coachella. For the performance, she was backed by a horn section and mid-way through the song she asked of her back-up male dancers to make her laugh. Then she performed a dance break with her female dancers during which the lines "suck on my balls" were repeated. An excerpt of "Me, Myself and I" (2003) was also included as part of the self-empowering message.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/how-beyonce-is-asserting-her-dominance-at-on-the-run-ii-w521221|title=5 Ways Beyonce Is Asserting Her Dominance at the 'On the Run II' Tour|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Brittany|last=Spanos|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=June 9, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143956/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/how-beyonce-is-asserting-her-dominance-at-on-the-run-ii-w521221|url-status=live}} The same performance was featured during the first shows of Beyoncé's co-headlining On the Run II Tour with her husband Jay Z. While singing the song, she repeatedly asks the females in the audience if they have "had enough".{{cite web|last=Pollard|first=Alexandra|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/beyonce-jay-z-on-the-run-2-tour-review|title=All eyes were on Beyoncé and Jay-Z's relationship during On The Run II|date=June 16, 2018|accessdate=October 12, 2023|work=GQ}} Writing for The Guardian, Rachel Aroesti called it a "faintly chilling haka-style refrain".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/07/beyonce-jay-z-otr-ii-tour-review-opening-night-cardiff|title=Beyoncé & Jay-Z: OTR II review – heart-stopping scenes from a marriage|first=Rachel|last=Aroesti|work=The Guardian|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=June 9, 2018|archive-date=June 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608221113/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/07/beyonce-jay-z-otr-ii-tour-review-opening-night-cardiff|url-status=live}} According to Ed Masley of The Arizona Republic, the performance was a "suitably bitter rendition" with a "withering delivery of the final payoff, 'He better call Becky with the good hair'".{{cite web|last=Masley|first=Ed|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2018/09/20/beyonce-jay-z-run-ii-tour-concert-review-phoenix/1359569002/|title=Concert review: Beyonce and Jay-Z still crazy in love during On the Run II Tour|date=September 20, 2018|accessdate=October 12, 2023|work=The Arizona Republic}} Metro Weekly{{'}}s André Hereford noted that "Sorry" was the peak of a run of dance-heavy hits on the show.{{cite web|last=Hereford|first=André|url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2018/07/concert-review-beyonce-and-jay-zs-on-the-run-ii-tour/|title=Concert Review: Beyonce and Jay-Z's On the Run II Tour|date=July 28, 2018|accessdate=October 12, 2023|work=Metro Weekly}}

On May 2, 2016, Yuna covered the song during a concert at The Sinclair in Massachusetts.{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7632187/yuna-beyonce-sorry-lemonade-watch|title=Yuna Covers Beyoncé's 'Sorry': Watch|publisher=Idolator|first=Rachel|last=Sonis|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818105729/http://www.idolator.com/7632187/yuna-beyonce-sorry-lemonade-watch|url-status=live}} French singer Christine and the Queens also performed the song on BBC's Radio 1's Live Lounge.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/68231-watch-christine-and-the-queens-cover-beyonces-sorry/|title=Watch Christine and the Queens Cover Beyoncé's "Sorry"|date=September 13, 2016|work=Pitchfork|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319022309/http://pitchfork.com/news/68231-watch-christine-and-the-queens-cover-beyonces-sorry/|url-status=live}}

Personnel

Credits adapted from Lemonade liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Lemonade|others=Beyoncé|year=2016|publisher=Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment}}

Song credits

Writing – Diana "Wynter" Gordon, MeLo-X, Beyoncé Knowles
Production – MeLo-X, Knowles, Gordon,
Co-producer – Hit-Boy
Additional production – Stuart White
Vocal production – Beyoncé
Additional programming – B.Carr
Recording – Stuart White; The Beehive, Los Angeles, California
Second engineering – Ramon Rivas
Backing vocals – Crissy Collins
Audio mixing – Stuart White; Pacifique Recording Studios; North Hollywood, California
Mix engineering – Stuart White, John Cranfield (assistant)
Mastering – Dave Kutch; The Mastering Palace NYC, Pacifique Recording Studios, North Hollywood, California

;Video credits

Director – Kahlil Joseph, Beyoncé Knowles Carter
Producer – Onye Anyanwu
Editor – Bill Yukich
Production designer – Hannah Beachler
Stylist – Marni Senofonte
Poetry film adaptation – Warsan Shire

Charts

= Weekly charts =

scope="col"\| Chart (2016) !scope="col"\| Peak position
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
scope="row"\| Australia (ARIA){{cite web\|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-singles-drake-one-dance-is-the-no-1-song-20160507\|title=ARIA Singles: Drake 'One Dance' Is the No 1 Song\|publisher=Noise11\|last=Ryan\|first=Gavin\|date=May 7, 2016\|access-date=May 7, 2016\|archive-date=June 2, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602113524/http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-singles-drake-one-dance-is-the-no-1-song-20160507\|url-status=live}} \| 74
scope="row"\| Australia Urban Singles (ARIA) \| 8
{{single chart\|Canada\|40\|artist=Beyonce\|rowheader=true\|access-date=April 3, 2016\|refname="can"}}
scope="row"\| Euro Digital Songs (Billboard) \| 20
scope="row"\| France (SNEP){{cite web\|url=http://www.snepmusique.com/tops-semaine/top-singles-telecharges/\|title=Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles Téléchargés\|work=SNEP - Syndicat Nation de l'Edition Phonographique \|date=January 25, 2014 \|language=fr\|publisher=SNEP\|access-date=April 29, 2016\|archive-date=September 5, 2015\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150905220633/http://www.snepmusique.com/tops-semaine/top-singles-telecharges/\|url-status=live}} \| 62
scope="row"\|Iceland (RÚV){{cite web\|url=http://www.ruv.is/persona/beyonce\|publisher=RÚV\|title=HBeyonce Chart History\|work=RÚV \|date=March 30, 2016\|access-date=May 24, 2017\|archive-date=October 10, 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010165026/http://www.ruv.is/persona/beyonce\|url-status=live}} \| 7
{{single chart\|Ireland\|36\|year=2019\|week=19\|rowheader=true\|access-date=May 14, 2016\|refname="IRE"}}
scope="row"\| Netherlands Digital Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine\|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f[0]=ts_chart_artistname%3Abeyonce&f[1]=itm_field_chart_id%3A804&f[2]=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=beyonce\|title=Netherlands Digital Songs\|magazine=Billboard\|date=May 2, 2016\|access-date=April 30, 2016}}{{Dead link\|date=June 2021 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }} \| 7
{{single chart\|Scotland\|30\|date=May 12, 2016\|rowheader=true\|access-date=May 6, 2016}}
{{single chart\|Sweden\|82\|artist=Beyonce\|song=Sorry\|rowheader=true\|access-date=June 20, 2016\|refname="SWE"}}
{{single chart\|UKrandb\|7\|date=May 6, 2016\|rowheader=true\|access-date=May 31, 2016\|refname="ukrb"}}
{{single chart\|UK\|33\|date=May 5, 2016\|rowheader=true\|access-date=April 29, 2016\|refname="uk"}}
{{single chart\|Billboardhot100\|11\|artist=Beyonce\|rowheader=true\|access-date=June 20, 2016}}
{{single chart\|Billboardrandbhiphop\|4\|artist=Beyonce\|rowheader=true\|access-date=June 20, 2016}}
{{single chart\|Billboardrandbhiphopairplay\|3\|artist=Beyoncé\|rowheader=true\|access-date=May 12, 2022}}
{{single chart\|Billboardpopsongs\|33\|artist=Beyonce\|rowheader=true\|access-date=September 6, 2016\|refname=uspop}}
{{single chart\|Billboardrhythmic\|7\|artist=Beyonce\|rowheader=true\|access-date=December 21, 2016}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
Chart (2016) ! Position
scope="row"\| US Billboard Hot 100{{cite magazine\|title=Hot 100 Songs - Year-End 2016\|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-100-songs\|magazine=Billboard\|access-date=December 8, 2016\|archive-date=December 8, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208120130/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-100-songs\|url-status=live}} \|style="text-align:center;"\|71
scope="row"\| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine\|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2016\|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs\|magazine=Billboard\|access-date=August 21, 2019\|archive-date=December 22, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222014813/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs\|url-status=live}} \|style="text-align:center;"\|23
scope="row"\| US Rhythmic (Billboard){{cite magazine\|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/rhythmic-songs\|title=Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2016\|magazine=Billboard\|access-date=August 21, 2019\|archive-date=July 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701145249/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/rhythmic-songs\|url-status=live}} \|style="text-align:center;"\|37

class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"

Chart (2016)

! Position

scope="row"| US Billboard Hot 100{{cite magazine|title=Hot 100 Songs - Year-End 2016|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-100-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=December 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208120130/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-100-songs|url-status=live}}

|style="text-align:center;"|71

scope="row"| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2016|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 21, 2019|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222014813/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|url-status=live}}

|style="text-align:center;"|23

scope="row"| US Rhythmic (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/rhythmic-songs|title=Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2016|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 21, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701145249/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/rhythmic-songs|url-status=live}}

|style="text-align:center;"|37

Certifications

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Beyoncé|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Beyoncé|title=Sorry|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2021|access-date=August 10, 2022|refname=canadacert}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Beyonce|title=Sorry|award=Gold|relyear=2016|certyear=2021|refname=nzcert|source=radioscope|access-date=December 17, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Beyoncé|title=Sorry|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2024|access-date=May 22, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Beyonce|title=Sorry|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2023|id=11760-682-1|access-date=May 19, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Beyonce|title=Sorry|award=Platinum|number=4|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2024|access-date=December 17, 2024|refname=US}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

Release history

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" \|+ "Sorry" release history ! scope="col"\| Region ! scope="col"\| Date ! scope="col"\| Format ! scope="col"\| Label(s) ! scope="col"\| {{abbr\|Ref.\|Reference}}
scope="row"\| United States \| May 3, 2016 \| Rhythmic contemporary radio \| {{hlist\|Parkwood\|Columbia}} \| align="center" \| {{cite web\|title=Top 40 Rhythmic: Future Releases\|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases\|publisher=All Access\|access-date=May 2, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502235807/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases\|archive-date=May 2, 2016}}
scope="row"\| Italy \| May 6, 2016 \| Radio airplay \| Sony \| align="center" \| {{cite web\|title=Radio Date – Beyoncé-Sorry\|url=http://radiodate.it/radio-date/beyonce-sorry-144527-06-05-2016-radiodate/\|publisher=RadioDate.It\|access-date=May 2, 2016\|archive-date=June 1, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601204931/http://radiodate.it/radio-date/beyonce-sorry-144527-06-05-2016-radiodate/\|url-status=live}}
scope="row"\| United States \| May 10, 2016 \| Contemporary hit radio \| {{hlist\|Parkwood\|Columbia}} \| align="center" \| {{cite web\|title=Top 40 Mainstream: Future Releases\|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510105348/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases\|archive-date=May 10, 2016\|publisher=All Access\|access-date=May 2, 2016\|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+ "Sorry" release history

! scope="col"| Region

! scope="col"| Date

! scope="col"| Format

! scope="col"| Label(s)

! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

scope="row"| United States

| May 3, 2016

| Rhythmic contemporary radio

| {{hlist|Parkwood|Columbia}}

| align="center" | {{cite web|title=Top 40 Rhythmic: Future Releases|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|publisher=All Access|access-date=May 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502235807/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|archive-date=May 2, 2016}}

scope="row"| Italy

| May 6, 2016

| Radio airplay

| Sony

| align="center" | {{cite web|title=Radio Date – Beyoncé-Sorry|url=http://radiodate.it/radio-date/beyonce-sorry-144527-06-05-2016-radiodate/|publisher=RadioDate.It|access-date=May 2, 2016|archive-date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601204931/http://radiodate.it/radio-date/beyonce-sorry-144527-06-05-2016-radiodate/|url-status=live}}