Sorry (Madonna song)

In 2004, after the release of her ninth studio album American Life (2003), Madonna began working on two different musicals: one tentatively called Hello Suckers and the other with Luc Besson,{{cite magazine|url=http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-vaults-madonnas-in-depth-2005-interview/|title=Attitude Archives: Madonna's in-depth 2005 interview|last1=Todd|first1=Matthew|date=February 1, 2015|magazine=Attitude|access-date=May 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523200419/http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-vaults-madonnas-in-depth-2005-interview/|archive-date=May 23, 2015|url-status=dead}} who previously directed the music video for her single "Love Profusion", which would portray her as a woman on her deathbed looking back on her life.{{cite web|last1=D'Angelo|first1=Joe|last2=Cornell|first2=Jeff|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480436/20031114/madonna.jhtml|title=Madonna Dances With Fairies And Wishes For Animated 'Roses'|publisher=MTV News|date=November 14, 2003|access-date=January 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025843/http://www.mtv.com/news/1480436/madonna-dances-with-fairies-and-wishes-for-animated-roses/|archive-date=December 21, 2021|url-status=dead}} Madonna collaborated with Patrick Leonard, Mirwais Ahmadzaï, and Stuart Price to write new songs,{{cite magazine|last=Strauss|first=Neil|date=December 1, 2005|title=How Madonna Got Her Groove Back|issn=0035-791X|magazine=Rolling Stone|issue=988|page=42}} and told Price to pen material that sounded like "ABBA on drugs".{{harvnb|O'Brien|2009|p=306}} However, Madonna found herself dissatisfied with the script written by Besson and scrapped it. As she was asked by her record company to compose a new studio album, the singer decided to go with a dance direction for the record, influenced by their work on the musicals.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/20/popandrock.madonna1|title=Looks good on the dancefloor|last=Garfield|first=Simon|date=November 20, 2005|work=The Guardian|access-date=June 25, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401061255/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/20/popandrock.madonna1|archivedate=April 1, 2017|url-status=live}}

"Sorry" was one of the first tracks developed for Confessions on a Dance Floor, along with lead single "Hung Up" and "Future Lovers". It was also the one which took the most time to finish because Madonna "thought it was too melodramatic and could never decide when it was right".{{cite web|url=http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-answers-question-2|title=Madonna Answers! Question #2|last1=Ciccone|first1=Madonna|date=December 26, 2005 |publisher=Madonna.com|access-date=December 31, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506035009/http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-answers-question-2|archivedate=May 6, 2021|url-status=live}} The songs were developed with a remixed perspective in mind. Madonna commented, "Whenever I make records, I often like the remixes better than the original ones. [...] So I thought, screw that. I'm going to start from that perspective."{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9RQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA27|last=Paoletta|first=Michael|date=November 12, 2005|title=Dancing Queen|magazine=Billboard|location=New York|volume=117|issue=46|pages=26–27|issn=0006-2510|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701004003/https://books.google.com/books?id=9RQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA27|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} She promoted the album at the dance party named "Misshapes", held at Luke & Leroy's nightclub in Greenwich Village, and was invited by Junior Sanchez to take over the DJ booth, where she mixed "Hung Up" with "Sorry".{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9RQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|last=Mason|first=Kerri|date=November 12, 2005|title=Madonna's Young Remixer|magazine=Billboard|location=New York|volume=117|issue=46|page=35|issn=0006-2510|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407124123/https://books.google.com/books?id=9RQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|archivedate=April 7, 2017|url-status=live}}

"Sorry" was sent to hot adult contemporary radio stations in the United States on February 6, 2006, by Warner Bros. Records as the second single from Confessions on a Dance Floor; the next day, it was released digitally on the region, as well as in the United Kingdom as an extended play featuring several remixes. The song eventually received a physical release in the UK on February 20, while in the US it was issued eight days later. The single cover was taken by Marcin Kokowski, a fan who photographed the singer during her concert at G-A-Y in 2005. She chose the picture among 80 pictures by several other photographers.{{cite web|last=Bugajska|first=Iwona|url=https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7,114873,3447208.html|title=Marcin – fotograf Madonny|date=June 28, 2006|accessdate=July 3, 2022|publisher=Gazeta.pl|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703174424/https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7,114873,3447208.html|archivedate=July 3, 2022|url-status=live|language=Polish}} Madonna later defined "Sorry" as one of her "most retarded songs" during an interview with Rolling Stone in 2009.{{cite magazine|last=Scaggs|first=Austin|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-looks-back-the-rolling-stone-interview-197575/|title=Madonna Looks Back: The Rolling Stone Interview|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 29, 2009|access-date=July 5, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618222602/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-looks-back-the-rolling-stone-interview-197575/|archivedate=June 18, 2022|url-status=live}} It was later included on her compilation album, Celebration (2009).{{cite web |title='Celebration' – Track listing for CD & DVD announced |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/celebration--track-listing-for-cd--dvd-announced |publisher=Madonna.com |access-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102085012/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/celebration--track-listing-for-cd--dvd-announced |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |date=August 25, 2009}}

{{listen

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"Sorry" was written and produced by both Madonna and Price. Musically, the track mixes dance-pop{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/06/popandrock.shopping1|title=She's still a dancing queen|last=Empire|first=Kitty|authorlink=Kitty Empire|date=November 6, 2005|work=The Observer|access-date=July 13, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701003949/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/06/popandrock.shopping1|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} and disco{{cite news|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/singlereviews/madonna_sorry.php|title=Madonna – Sorry review|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=Virgin Media|last=Reporter|first=Daily|access-date=July 10, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011062329/http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/singlereviews/madonna_sorry.php|archivedate=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}} in its composition. The song is set in common time with a moderately fast dance groove tempo of 132 beats per minute.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0052453|title=Digital Sheet Music: Madonna – Sorry|date=April 10, 2006 |publisher=Alfred Publishing|access-date=July 13, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701004005/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0052453|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} Composed in the key of C minor, Madonna's vocal range spans from F₃ to G₄. It follows the chord progression of E{{music|flat}}–Cm–A{{music|flat}}–B{{music|flat}} during the spoken introduction. The range then changes to Fm–Gm-Cm in the chorus, while continuing in A{{music|flat}}–Cm–A{{music|flat}}–Fm in the intermediate verses, ultimately ending in repeated lines of "I've heard it all before". "Sorry" starts off with calm, ballad-esque strings, with Madonna apologizing in several languages, but "soon the pounding drums and '80s-inspired synths kick things into overdrive", as noted by Bianca Gracie from Billboard.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list-8469835/|title=The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks|date=August 15, 2018|accessdate=July 5, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601120641/https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list-8469835/|archivedate=June 1, 2022|url-status=live}} Around the 2:44 minute mark, a "cracking noise, like a baseball hitting a bat" is heard, which was used in numerous Price productions, including his remix of Gwen Stefani's 2004 single "What You Waiting For?".{{cite web|last=Sears|first=Stephen|url=https://www.idolator.com/7614514/madonna-confessions-on-a-dance-floor-10-anniversary-2005?view-all&chrome=1|title=Madonna's 'Confessions On A Dance Floor' Turns 10: Backtracking|date=November 11, 2015|accessdate=July 8, 2022|publisher=Idolator|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20220709011741/https://www.idolator.com/7614514/madonna-confessions-on-a-dance-floor-10-anniversary-2005?view-all&chrome=1|archivedate=July 9, 2022|url-status=live}} A writer for Virgin Media website said that the song's musicscape features an "infectious combo of pumping, filtered synths and disco beats". Some reviewers also noted that the bassline of the song resembles the Jacksons' 1980 song "Can You Feel It".{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article587914.ece|title=Madonna|last=Pattenden|first=Mike|date=November 12, 2005|work=The Times|access-date=July 5, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809061537/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article587914.ece|archivedate=August 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Demarco|first=Patrick|url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/11/18/madonnas-confessions/|title=Madonna's Confessions|date=November 18, 2015|accessdate=July 8, 2022|work=Philadelphia|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709004311/https://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/11/18/madonnas-confessions/|archivedate=July 9, 2022|url-status=live}}

Lyrically, the song talks about personal empowerment and self-sufficiency. This denoted a shift in focus of Madonna as an artist from her previous songs about supremacy, like "Everybody" (1982), "Vogue" (1990), and "Music" (2000), which were centered around the subject of music itself, as noted by Alan Light from Rolling Stone. According to Billboard{{'}}s Fred Sahai, the lyrics do not "ask for forgiveness, but rather rejects an apology: 'Please don't say you're sorry/I've heard it all before and I/Can take care of myself.'"{{cite magazine|last=Sahai|first=Fred|url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-sorry-songs-apology-music/12-best-sorry-song-madonna-sorry/|title=The 25 Best Songs to Say 'Sorry'|date=May 17, 2022|accessdate=July 5, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705215948/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-sorry-songs-apology-music/12-best-sorry-song-madonna-sorry/|archivedate=July 5, 2022|url-status=live}} On the chorus, Madonna sings "don't explain yourself 'cause talk is cheap, there's more important things than hearing you speak". Jude Rogers from The Guardian deemed the lyrics as "one of her most unforgiving, reprimanding a serial apologist", while author Lucy O'Brien in her book Madonna: Like an Icon (2007) speculated that the song was written after a row with her then-husband Guy Ritchie.{{harvnb|O'Brien|2009|p=428}} Throughout the track, the singer speaks "I'm sorry", "Forgive me", and "I am sad" in a total of eight different languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Hebrew, Hindi, Polish, and Japanese.{{cite web|url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/madonna-confessions-on-a-dance-floor-album/|title=Confessions On A Dance Floor: Madonna's Disco-Detonating Smash|date=November 11, 2020|accessdate=July 14, 2022|work=Dig!|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709055754/https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/madonna-confessions-on-a-dance-floor-album/|archivedate=July 9, 2022|url-status=live}} While all other sentences were referring to someone apologizing, the Dutch sentence used - "Ik ben droevig" - roughly translates to "I am sad" and is a mistranslation, as it is not used to apologize.{{cite web | url=https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/droevig#:~:text=droevig%20(comparative%20droeviger%2C%20superlative%20droevigst,gloomy | title=Droevig | date=October 6, 2019 }} During an interview on AOL conducted by Red Hot Chili Peppers' vocalist Anthony Kiedis, Madonna justified the usage of other languages on the song by saying that "everything sounds better in another language".{{cite web|url=http://music.aol.com/artists/aim_celebrity_interview/madonna|title=AIM Interview: Madonna gets interviewed by pal Anthony Kiedis in this exclusive chat|date=November 11, 2005|publisher=AOL|last1=Kiedis|first1=Anthony|last2=Ciccone|first2=Madonna|access-date=July 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124110545/http://music.aol.com/artists/aim_celebrity_interview/madonna|archive-date=November 24, 2005}}

For the single release, several remixers were enlisted to remix the track. English duo the Pet Shop Boys were one of them, as they were cited as one of the inspirations for Confessions on a Dance Floor; it consisted of additional vocals provided by member Neil Tennant saying "I'm sorry… so sorry" and "please forgive me".{{cite news|title=22 songs you probably didn't know the Pet Shop Boys were involved with|last=Bentley|first=David|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/22-songs-you-probably-didnt-7258839|date=June 12, 2014|access-date=October 31, 2016|work=Birmingham Mail}}{{cite web|last=O'Brien|first=Lucy|authorlink=Lucy O'Brien|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/17/madonna-where-to-start-in-her-back-catalogue|title=Madonna: where to start in her back catalogue|date=June 17, 2020|accessdate=July 6, 2022|work=The Guardian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627113511/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/17/madonna-where-to-start-in-her-back-catalogue|archivedate=June 27, 2022|url-status=live}} The duo and Madonna had always mutually admired each other, from the time they wrote the song "Heart" (1988) for Madonna but never delivered it.{{cite news|title=Pet Shop Boys|last=Hernandez|first=Jorge|url=http://www.emusician.com/news/0766/pet-shop-boys/142598|date=October 1, 2006|access-date=March 30, 2013|work=Electronic Musician|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028160947/http://www.emusician.com/news/0766/pet-shop-boys/142598|archive-date=October 28, 2012}} As Tennant had always wanted to sing a duet with Madonna, he added his own vocals to the song, to which she replied, "That was really cheeky of you but it worked."{{cite magazine|last=Pafford|first=Steve|title=Cock-rings on an occasionally chilly dancefloor|magazine=QX|issue=660|date=October 23, 2007|issn=1356-6903}} According to O'Brien on The Quietus, the remix "echoes Giorgio Moroder's work with Donna Summer on 'I Feel Love', where Summer's voice became the robot in the mix"; she also thought, "The Pet Shop Boys re-imagined her and in so doing created a disco classic."{{cite web|last=O'Brien|first=Lucy|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/25132-madonna-like-an-icon-10-essential-tracks|title=Madonna At Sixty: Lucy O'Brien's Ten Essential Tracks|date=August 16, 2018|accessdate=July 6, 2022|work=The Quietus|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20220706103427/https://thequietus.com/articles/25132-madonna-like-an-icon-10-essential-tracks|archivedate=July 6, 2022|url-status=live}} In another review for The Guardian, she wrote that the remix "brings out a whole new layer of meaning, emphasising the drama behind Madonna's words", also calling it "thunderous" and "my favorite remix ever". It was later included on Pet Shop Boys' remix album Disco 4 (2007).{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-9082-340069|title=Pet Shop Boys: 'Disco Four'|first=Rebecca|last=Nicholson|date=12 October 2007|magazine=NME|access-date=July 6, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706165149/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-9082-340069|archivedate=July 6, 2022|url-status=live}} Other remixers included Green Velvet and Paul Oakenfold.{{cite web|last=Veselková|first=Ivana|url=https://wave.rozhlas.cz/tiefschwarz-green-velvet-a-madonna-5276706|title=Tiefschwarz, Green Velvet a Madonna?|date=May 23, 2006|accessdate=July 8, 2022|publisher=Czech Radio|language=Czech|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709024809/https://wave.rozhlas.cz/tiefschwarz-green-velvet-a-madonna-5276706|archivedate=July 9, 2022|url-status=live}} On February 10, 2023, Madonna released a remix in collaboration with Blond:ish, Eran Hersh and Darmon.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/best-new-dance-tracks-flume-jessie-ware-floorplan-blondish-first-spin-1235251815/|title=First Spin: The Week's Best New Dance Tracks From Jessie Ware, Flume, BLOND:ISH & Madonna & More|date=February 2, 2023|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 15, 2023|first1=Katie|last1=Bain1|first2=Krystal|last2=Rodriguez|first3=Kat|last3=Bein}} Following this, an two additional remixes featuring production from Miss Monique and Franky Rizardo were released on July 26, 2023, and August 2, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5s5wL6wtBFh0aocKeSp3xq|title=Sorry (with Madonna)|date=July 26, 2023|publisher=Spotify|access-date=July 29, 2023}} The overall extended play for the Blondish remixes were released on Madonna's 65th birthday, on August 16 2023. The EP includes Eran Hersh and Darmon's remix, alongside TIBASKO.

Upon release, "Sorry" was met with positive responses from music critics. Jennifer Vineyard of MTV considered it the "album's strongest track" and that the song "wistfully evokes the sounds of the '80s-era dance clubs that first lofted her toward stardom".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/madonna/news_feature_051107/ |title=Madonna: Dancing Queen|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|author2=Jasmine Dotiwala|author3=John Norris|author4=Vanessa White Wolf|date=November 7, 2005|publisher=MTV |access-date=July 10, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017015126/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/madonna/news_feature_051107/ |archive-date=October 17, 2014}} According to a review in the BBC's Collective, "New single 'Sorry' states Queen Madge's unapologetic stance, and though the song is wrapped up in relationship sentiment, one cannot help but hear the subtext, perhaps directed at her more savage critics: 'there are more important things than hearing you speak'."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A8042357|title=Confessions on a Dance Floor|date=December 25, 2005|work=BBC Collective|last=Boy|first=Exploding|access-date=July 10, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329002550/https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A8042357|archivedate=March 29, 2012|url-status=dead}} Alan Braidwood from BBC Music called the song "lethally catchy".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/g64h|title=Review of Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor|last=Braidwood|first=Alan|date=October 12, 2005|publisher=BBC Music|access-date=July 13, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409104646/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/g64h/|archivedate=April 9, 2022|url-status=live}} While reviewing Confessions on a Dance Floor, Keith Caulfield from Billboard called the song "springy",{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=November 19, 2005|title=Madonna: Confessions on a Dance Floor review|magazine=Billboard|location=New York|volume=117|issue=47|page=45|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQEAAAAMBAJ|access-date=July 24, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031043233/https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQEAAAAMBAJ|archivedate=October 31, 2020|url-status=live}} and commented that it "should keep fans hung up on Madonna's ability to create instant radio and club classics", sounding "like a smash no matter how you spin it; no need for apologies here" in a separate review for the single.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=February 4, 2006|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2006/BB-2006-02-04.pdf#page=35|title=Madonna: Sorry|magazine=Billboard|location=New York|volume=118|issue=5|page=35|issn=0006-2510|accessdate=July 3, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403205400/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2006/BB-2006-02-04.pdf|archivedate=April 3, 2022|url-status=live}} Ben Williams of New York magazine opined that the song is "propelled by a catchy bass melody".{{cite news|url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/15107/|title=Girls Gone Mild|last=Williams|first=Ben|date=November 20, 2005|work=New York|page=1|access-date=July 10, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102020710/https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/15107/|archivedate=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}} According to Stephen M. Deusner from Pitchfork, "The cascades of sound wash directly into 'Sorry', setting up the song's panlingual apologies and shifting bass tectonics."{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5030-confessions-on-a-dance-floor/|title=Madonna: Confessions on a Dance Floor|last=Deusner|first=Stephen M.|date=November 14, 2005|work=Pitchfork|access-date=July 10, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701005450/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5030-confessions-on-a-dance-floor/|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} Alexis Petridis from The Guardian referred to the song's chorus as "triumphant",{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/11/popandrock.shopping5|title=Madonna, Confessions on a Dancefloor|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|date=November 11, 2005|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 13, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226152624/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/11/popandrock.shopping5|archivedate=February 26, 2022|url-status=live}} while Rolling Stone{{'}}s Alan Light classified it as "throbbing".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/confessions-on-a-dance-floor-190195/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829084840/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/confessions-on-a-dance-floor-190195/|url-status=live|archive-date=August 29, 2018|title=Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor|last=Light|first=Alan|date=November 3, 2005|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=July 1, 2022}}

According to Slant Magazine{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani, "Sorry" was a "insanely catchy second single that’s destined to become a Madonna classic".{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/madonna-confessions-on-a-dance-floor|title=Review: Madonna, Confessions on a Dance Floor|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=November 4, 2005|work=Slant Magazine|accessdate=July 3, 2022|archivedate=July 28, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728102652/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/madonna-confessions-on-a-dance-floor|url-status=live}} Similarly, the staff of E! Online wrote it was "sure to be a future disco anthem".{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,3593,00.html|title=Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor|accessdate=July 3, 2022|work=E! Online|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051127034317/http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,3593,00.html|archivedate=November 27, 2005|url-status=dead}} Joan Morgan from The Village Voice newspaper, in a review of Confessions on a Dance Floor, wrote: "The party continues admirably with the multilingual, kick-your-man-to-the-curb 'Sorry'."{{cite news|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2005/12/06/madges-house/|title=Madge's House|last=Morgan|first=Joan|date=December 6, 2005|work=The Village Voice|access-date=July 3, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102184353/https://www.villagevoice.com/2005/12/06/madges-house/|archivedate=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}} Jon Pareles of The New York Times felt that the first half of the album consists of love songs, happy and sad, and included "Sorry" into the mix.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/14/arts/critics-choice-new-cds-thoroughly-modern-madonna-gets-retro.html|title=Critics' Choice: New CD's; Thoroughly Modern Madonna Gets Retro|last=Pareles|first=Jon|date=December 14, 2005|work=The New York Times|author-link=Jon Pareles|access-date=July 3, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701004445/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/14/arts/critics-choice-new-cds-thoroughly-modern-madonna-gets-retro.html|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} According to Caryn Ganz from Spin, Price transformed the track into a "bouncy talk-to-the-hand groovefest".{{cite web|last=Ganz|first=Caryn|url=https://www.spin.com/2005/12/madonna-confessions-dance-floor-warner-bros/|title=Madonna, 'Confessions On A Dance Floor' (Warner Bros.)|date=December 1, 2005|accessdate=July 6, 2022|work=Spin|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208141052/https://www.spin.com/2005/12/madonna-confessions-dance-floor-warner-bros/|archivedate=February 8, 2020|url-status=live}} Thomas Inksweep from Stylus Magazine commented that "Sorry" and "Hung Up" may not be as sleazy as Madonna's initial singles "Burning Up" (1984) or "Physical Attraction" (1984), but they have the same modus operandi of being designed for all-night dancing.{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/madonna/confessions-on-a-dance-floor.htm|title=Madonna: Confessions on a Dance Floor|last=Inksweep|first=Thomas|date=November 21, 2005|work=Stylus Magazine|access-date=July 13, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131222715/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/madonna/confessions-on-a-dance-floor.htm|archive-date=January 31, 2010}} Johnny Davis of Q magazine said "Sorry" is catchier than "Hung Up", {{cite journal|last=Davis|first=Johnny|title=Madonna: Confessions on a Dance Floor|journal=Q|location=London|issue=233|date=December 2005|page=144}} while the staff of Herald Sun newspaper called it Madonna's "most popstatic single" since "Ray of Light" (1998) as well as "brilliant dance-influenced pop, this will be unavoidable once the album is released".{{cite journal|title=Album review: A huge return to form|date=November 4, 2005|issn=|journal=Herald Sun|location=Melbourne}} Het Nieuwsblad{{'}}s Mark Coppens also complimented the song, calling it "fantastic" and "catchy, even though you could label it 'flat dance.'"{{cite web|last=Coppens|first=Mark|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/ggfk5r5h|title=Madonna spreekt drie woorden Nederlands op nieuwe cd|date=November 9, 2005|accessdate=June 29, 2022|work=Het Nieuwsblad|language=Dutch|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630021609/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/ggfk5r5h|archivedate=June 30, 2022|url-status=live}}

Retrospective reviews also have been positive. A group of writers of Gay Times magazine wrote that "Sorry had a tough act to follow coming after Hung Up, but it truly stood up on its own".{{cite web|last1=Corner|first1=Lewis|last2=Damshenas|first2=Sam|last3=Megarry|first3=Daniel|url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/madonna-at-60-the-queen-of-pops-15-gayest-anthems-ever/|title=Madonna at 63: The Queen of Pop's 15 gayest anthems ever|date=August 16, 2021|accessdate=July 3, 2022|work=Gay Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819203523/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/madonna-at-60-the-queen-of-pops-15-gayest-anthems-ever/|archivedate=August 19, 2021|url-status=live}} According to Jude Rogers from The Guardian, the track was Madonna's 13th best single, pointing out that "a fabulous ascending-then-descending bassline bolsters one of Madonna's most club-ready songs".{{cite web|first=Jude|last=Rogers|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked|title=Every one of Madonna's 78 singles – ranked!|work=The Guardian|accessdate=June 29, 2022|date=August 16, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816144826/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked|archivedate=August 16, 2018|url-status=live}} On Gay Star News{{'}} ranking, the single came in at number 25, with Joe Morgan stating that "when you're the Queen of Pop, you have to make sure your songs translate. Thumping beats and a killer melody makes sense in any language".{{cite web|last=Morgan|first=Joe|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/definitive-ranking-madonnas-top-55-songs150814/|title=The definitive ranking of Madonna's top 55 songs|work=Gay Star News|accessdate=July 3, 2022|date=August 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818084316/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/definitive-ranking-madonnas-top-55-songs150814/|archive-date=August 18, 2014|url-status=live}} Slant Magazine ranked "Sorry" as her 31st best single, writing that it was "more ABBA-esque than the ABBA-sampling 'Hung Up'".{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/all-82-madonna-singles-ranked/|title=All 82 Madonna Singles Ranked|date=April 14, 2020|accessdate=July 3, 2022|work=Slant Magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503020149/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/all-82-madonna-singles-ranked/|archivedate=May 3, 2022|url-status=live}} Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Chuck Arnold considered "Sorry" Madonna's 51st best track, commenting, "Madonna doesn't have any reason to apologize for the second single from Confessions on a Dance Floor", as "no matter how many times we've heard it all before, this still causes a commotion".{{cite magazine|last=Arnold|first=Chuck|title=Madonna's 60 best singles, ranked |url=https://ew.com/music/2018/08/15/madonnas-60-best-singles-ranked/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=July 3, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531004714/https://ew.com/music/2018/08/15/madonnas-60-best-singles-ranked/|archivedate=May 31, 2022|date=August 15, 2018}} The song came in the 61st position of Parade magazine's list of Madonna's singles, with Samuel R. Murrian writing that Confessions on a Dance Floor "might be the Madonna album with the most inexhaustible replay value", with "Sorry" being one of its highlights. He called it a "thumping, witty kiss-off set in a '70s roller disco".{{cite web|last=Murrian|first=Samuel R.|url=https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/|title=We Ranked the 100 Best Madonna Songs of All Time|date=August 11, 2021|accessdate=July 3, 2022|work=Parade|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619125635/https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/|archivedate=June 19, 2022|url-status=live}}

"Sorry" was considered the third best single of 2006 by Slant Magazine,{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/2006-year-in-\music/|title=The Best Albums & Singles of 2006|last1=Cinquemani|first1=Sal|last2=Keefe|first2=Jonathan|date=December 15, 2006|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=July 3, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025191547/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/2006-year-in-music/|archivedate=October 25, 2021|url-status=live}} and was nominated in the categories of PRS Most Performed Work and International Hit of the Year at the 2007 Ivor Novello Awards, eventually winning the latter.{{Cite web|url=https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors/archive/?ay=2007|title=The Ivors 2007|publisher=The Ivors Academy|accessdate=July 3, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123153622/https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors/archive/?ay=2007|archivedate=November 23, 2021|url-status=live}}

File:Corinne_Bailey_Rae_3.jpg's (pictured) single "Put Your Records On", which entered at number two.]]

In the United States, "Sorry" debuted at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the issue dated March 11, 2006, becoming Madonna's last entry in 24 consecutive charting years, a record by a female artist.{{cite magazine|date=March 11, 2006|title=The Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|location=New York|volume=118|issue=10|page=54|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BQEAAAAMBAJ|access-date=July 24, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701003959/https://books.google.com/books?id=1BQEAAAAMBAJ|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} The following week, it reached a peak position of number 58 on the Hot 100 and number 46 on the Pop 100 chart.{{cite magazine|date=March 18, 2006|title=The Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|location=New York|volume=118|issue=11|pages=66–70|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HhYEAAAAMBAJ|access-date=April 24, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701003957/https://books.google.com/books?id=HhYEAAAAMBAJ|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} Its low chart performance in the region was attributed to limited radio airplay, as according to Billboard{{'}}s Michael Paoletta, it was "barely played" there. A petition titled "End the Madonna U.S. Radio Boycott" was signed by about 3,300 fans at petitiononline.com, and was addressed to Clear Channel Communications CEO Mark P. Mays. Additionally, fans posted messages supporting Madonna on Entertainment Weekly and VH1 websites, as well as conspiracy theories about why she was not played on radio.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=July 29, 2006|title=U.S. Radio Hangs Up on Madonna|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/us-radio-hangs-up-on-madonna-57759/|access-date=July 23, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704054820/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/us-radio-hangs-up-on-madonna-57759/|archivedate=July 4, 2022|url-status=live}} Despite its minimal airplay, the single reached the summit of both the Hot Dance Club Songs and the Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts for two and seven weeks, respectively. As of April 2010, the song has sold 366,000 digital units in the US.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/952270/ask-billboard-sugarlands-sweet-success|title=Ask Billboard: Sugarland's Sweet Success|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=October 29, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520195840/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/952270/ask-billboard-sugarlands-sweet-success|archive-date=May 20, 2013}} "Sorry" was certified platinum by Music Canada (MC) on April 10, 2006, for sales of 80,000 units of paid digital downloads in Canada.

In the UK, it debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart on the week dated February 26, 2006, surpassing Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" by 10,000 units.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/turning-tables-songs-that-lost-their-chart-battles-but-are-now-bigger-hits__26319//|title=Turning Tables: Songs that lost their chart battles but are now bigger hits|date=June 6, 2019|accessdate=July 4, 2022|publisher=Official Charts Company|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505230702/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/turning-tables-songs-that-lost-their-chart-battles-but-are-now-bigger-hits__26319/|archivedate=May 5, 2022|url-status=live}} The song became Madonna's 12th number one single, as well as the second consecutive single from Confessions on a Dance Floor to reach the top of the British chart, after "Hung Up".{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4753366.stm|title=Madonna scores 12th chart-topper|date=February 26, 2006|accessdate=August 30, 2022|publisher=BBC News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524014229/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4753366.stm|archivedate=May 24, 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59572/madonna-jack-johnson-take-lead-on-uk-charts|title=Madonna, Jack Johnson Take Lead On U.K. Charts|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=February 27, 2006|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 4, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701003950/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madonna-jack-johnson-take-lead-on-uk-charts-59572/|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} This made Madonna the female artist with most number one songs in the UK, while placing her in fifth place in overall tabulation.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-59522/|title=Chart Beat: 'Sorry' Seems To Be The Biggest Seller|last=Bronson|first=Fred|date=March 2, 2006|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 30, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830221215/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-59522/|archivedate=August 30, 2022|url-status=live}} It was listed as the 44th best selling single of 2006 in UK. As of February 2014, the song has sold 200,000 copies, thus becoming Madonna's 30th best selling single in the UK.{{cite web|last=Myers|first=Justin|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-s-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles__8266/|title=Madonna's Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles|date=August 16, 2017|accessdate=July 4, 2022|publisher=Official Charts Company|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501085807/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-s-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles__8266/|archivedate=May 1, 2022|url-status=live}} It was eventually certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the region on July 21, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-s-official-number-one-singles-sales-revealed-__3750/|title=Madonna's Official Number One Singles' Sales Revealed!|last=Myers|first=Justin|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=February 7, 2014|access-date=July 4, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601140059/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-s-official-number-one-singles-sales-revealed-__3750/|archivedate=June 1, 2022|url-status=live}}

Elsewhere in Europe, "Sorry" reached the top 10 in several countries, including Austria, Belgium's regions of Flanders and Wallonia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. It reached the top of the charts in Italy, Greece, Romania, and Spain. Across the pan-Eurochart Hot 100 Singles, the song debuted and peaked at number one. In Australia, the single peaked at number four, spending a total of 13 weeks on the chart overall. In New Zealand, it was less successful, reaching number 12 and also spending a total of 13 weeks on the chart.

File:Madonna - Sorry (music video).png's show Pimp My Ride for the video|alt=Refer to caption.]]

The music video for "Sorry" was directed by Madonna's longtime choreographer Jamie King, who also co-conceptualized her videos for "Human Nature" (1995) and "Don't Tell Me" (2000).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1518433/for-the-record-quick-news-on-r-kelly-paris-hilton-master-p-alicia-keys-pink-story-of-the-year-more/|title=For The Record: Quick News On R. Kelly, Paris Hilton, Master P, Alicia Keys, Pink, Story Of The Year & More|date=December 16, 2005|accessdate=July 2, 2022|publisher=MTV News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701005116/http://www.mtv.com/news/1518433/for-the-record-quick-news-on-r-kelly-paris-hilton-master-p-alicia-keys-pink-story-of-the-year-more/|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=dead}} It was shot over two days, from January 17–18, 2006, in London.{{cite web|url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-starts-filming-her-sorry-video-in-london|title=Madonna starts filming her "Sorry" video in London|accessdate=July 2, 2022|publisher=Madonna.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117215444/http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-starts-filming-her-sorry-video-in-london|archivedate=January 17, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/local-news/max_skates_into_madonna_video_1_1405281|title=Max Skates Into Madonna Video|last=Reporter|first=Daily|date=January 26, 2006|work=Eastbourne Herald|access-date=June 30, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509202556/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/local-news/max-skates-into-madonna-video-1-1405281|archivedate=May 9, 2012|url-status=dead}} The clip featured choreography from the Talauega Brothers.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/16/arts/dance/the-talauega-brothers-create-dance-moves-for-the-gap.html|title=The Talauega Brothers Create Dance Moves for the Gap|last=Bloom|first=Julie|date=July 2, 2022|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 15, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703004226/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/16/arts/dance/the-talauega-brothers-create-dance-moves-for-the-gap.html|archivedate=July 3, 2022|url-status=live}} Madonna wanted the project to be a sequel from the "Hung Up" video, therefore, many of the performers featured in the previous clip were in that of "Sorry". She and all dancers involved had to learn how to roller-skate for the video. "Sorry" was premiered by Channel 4 on February 8, 2006;{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com|title=On Channel 4 Tonight|date=February 8, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|publisher=Channel 4|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208184649/http://www.channel4.com/|archivedate=February 8, 2006|url-status=dead}} before its premiere on the channel, the video was edited out to remove a scene where the singer makes an obscene gesture at viewers, upon request by her record company's bosses.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30249613.html|title=Madonna's Sorry video|date=March 16, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=Irish Examiner|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702035302/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30249613.html|archivedate=July 2, 2022|url-status=live}} However, the unedited version was made available on production designer Marco Puig's website.{{cite web|last=Walls|first=Jeannette|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/madonna-s-video-was-too-much-tv-wbna11812190|title=Madonna's video was too much for TV|date=March 15, 2006|accessdate=July 4, 2022|work=Today|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704033058/https://www.today.com/popculture/madonna-s-video-was-too-much-tv-wbna11812190|archivedate=July 4, 2022|url-status=live}} On March 3, 2006, the clip was digitally released through the iTunes Store,{{cite web|url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonnas-new-video-sorry-on-itunes|title=Madonna's New Video, 'Sorry' on iTunes!|date=March 3, 2006|accessdate=July 4, 2022|publisher=Madonna.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811151434/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonnas-new-video-sorry-on-itunes|archivedate=August 11, 2020|url-status=live}} and was later included on Madonna's compilation Celebration: The Video Collection (2009).{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2009/08/26/madonna-celebration-track-list|title=Madonna's 'Celebration' track list revealed: Are the greatest hits all there?|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|date=August 26, 2009|access-date=December 30, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319180411/https://ew.com/article/2009/08/26/madonna-celebration-track-list/|archivedate=March 19, 2022|url-status=live}}

The music video features a white van, which was customized on MTV UK's television show Pimp My Ride. The customization was done by Shaun Woodford, owner of auto customization shop; AB Styling, Ltd. in the United Kingdom. Woodford was asked to transform it with disco-themed features, including lilac leather couches, a mirrored disco ball in the ceiling, velvet walls, fake snakeskin columns, and a large stereo system.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1519737/20060104/madonna.jhtml|title=For The Record: Quick News On Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Avenged Sevenfold, Nine Inch Nails, Dave Lee Roth & More|date=January 4, 2006|publisher=MTV News|access-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701004002/http://www.mtv.com/news/1519737/for-the-record-quick-news-on-madonna-jessica-simpson-avenged-sevenfold-nine-inch-nails-david-lee-roth-more/|archive-date=July 1, 2022|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/6xrgnj/pimp-madonnas-ride|title=Pimp Madonna's Ride!|date=August 1, 2006|publisher=MTV UK|access-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621105529/http://www.mtv.co.uk/madonna/news/pimp-madonnas-ride|archive-date=June 21, 2021|url-status=live}} The work had a total cost of £21,000; according to Woodford, "It was a brilliant experience and by far the biggest job we've ever done - you can't get bigger than Madonna".{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/4723910.stm|title='White van man' disco for Madonna|date=February 18, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|publisher=BBC News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414224037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/4723910.stm|archivedate=April 14, 2021|url-status=live}} The special episode titled Pimp Madonna's Ride that chronicled the van from the video aired on February 19, 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/feb/20/broadcasting.tvandradio|title=The weekend's TV|date=February 20, 2006|last=Wollaston|first=Sam|work=The Guardian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921050737/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/feb/20/broadcasting.tvandradio|archivedate=September 21, 2014|url-status=live}}

The video starts with Madonna standing in front of neon lighted screen in a purple leotard uttering "I'm sorry" in different languages. As the music starts she comes out from the gaming parlour of her "Hung Up" video with the boombox and her three female dancers, leaving the three male dancers, whom Madonna had been passionate with in the previous video, behind protesting. They board a van where Madonna and her dancers strip off their clothes into new ones. As the group move around the city in the van, they pick up different men from the streets to join them. These scenes are interspersed with the scenes of Madonna singing in front of the neon screen. The video progresses like this until the intermediate verse in which Madonna is shown standing in a cage opposite a number of men. As the bridge builds up, Madonna starts fighting with the men. The chorus starts again, and Madonna and everyone else are shown skating in circles around a roller rink. The three male dancers return and join Madonna in doing a dance routine and in a conga line with everyone else. Madonna and her dancers all get back on the van during the outro of the song, leaving the boombox behind on the streets. The video ends with the close-up of Madonna in the purple leotard and fades into her silhouette.

File:SorryFresno2.jpg|alt=]]

"Sorry" was performed live by the singer and was used as a video interlude on the 2006 Confessions Tour; both versions appeared in The Confessions Tour CD and DVD, released in 2007.{{cite AV media notes|year=2007|title=The Confessions Tour|type=liner notes|publisher=Warner Home Video|id=44489-2}} The performance used the Pet Shop Boys remix version and was part of the second segment.{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/madonna/the-confessions-tour.htm|title=Madonna – Confessions Tour|last=Inkseep|first=Thomas|date=February 23, 2007|work=Stylus Magazine|access-date=July 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202065525/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/madonna/the-confessions-tour.htm|archive-date=February 2, 2010}} As she finished the performance of the song "Isaac", Madonna wore a jacket given to her by the dancers, greeting them one by one.{{cite book|last=Timmerman|first=Dirk|title=Madonna Live! Secret Re-inventions and Confessions on Tour |publisher=Maklu|year=2007|isbn=978-90-8595-002-8}} It had a theme of female empowerment, with the singer and her female dancers "tear[ing] up the stage before finally taking down the guys in a West-Side-Story-like showdown of boys vs. girls", as referred by Alan Ilagan from Edge Media Network.{{cite web|last=Ilagan|first=Alan|url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story.php?45825|title=Madonna Confessions Tour|publisher=Edge Media Network|date=July 8, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703012731/https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story.php?45825|archivedate=July 3, 2022|url-status=live}} Tom Young from BBC Music called the performance a "delight", while Christopher John Treacy of the Boston Herald said "the bitchy house vibe of Sorry had the entire floor jumping in a unified mass".{{cite web|last=Treacy|first=Christopher John|url=http://theedge.bostonherald.com/musicNews/view.bg?articleid=147346|title=Madonna makes her audience 'Feel Love'

|date=July 7, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=Boston Herald|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711092340/http://theedge.bostonherald.com/musicNews/view.bg?articleid=147346|archivedate=July 11, 2006|url-status=dead}} Variety magazine's Phil Gallo observed Madonna transformed the song "into a tour de force from vocals alone".{{cite web|last=Gallo|first=Phil|url=https://variety.com/2006/music/markets-festivals/madonna-7-1200516053/|title=Madonna|date=May 22, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=Variety|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621002805/https://variety.com/2006/music/markets-festivals/madonna-7-1200516053/|archivedate=June 21, 2022|url-status=live}} According to the staff of The Philadelphia Inquirer, musically the most successful numbers of the show were "those free of too much high-concept staging and blessed with catchy tunes", such as "Sorry".{{cite journal|title=Outrageous and striving to shock|date=July 12, 2006|journal=The Philadelphia Inquirer|issn=0885-6613|location=Philadelphia}} On a contrary note, Ed Gonzalez from Slant Magazine felt that the performance of the song was not among the concert's highlights.

The song was also used as a video interlude in a remixed form. The video contained images of many political leaders past and present like Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin Dada, George W. Bush, and Tony Blair. Their images flashed across the screen, with text and footage of war atrocities intermingled in between. Madonna appeared on the screens wearing her "Sorry" video leotard, and uttered the words "talk is cheap" and "don't speak", along with the music and Bush's lips stuttering. Christian John Wikane from PopMatters considered it the singer's "massive 'fuck you'" to those leaders,{{cite web|last=Wikane|first=Christian John|url=https://www.popmatters.com/madonna-the-confessions-tour-2495806906.html|title=Madonna: The Confessions Tour|date=February 13, 2007|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=PopMatters|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102020620/https://www.popmatters.com/madonna-the-confessions-tour-2495806906.html|archivedate=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}} whereas Corey Moss from MTV News wrote that the montage "managed to knock most of the world's leaders".{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Corey|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1532204/madonna-hangs-on-a-cross-knocks-world-leaders-in-tour-kickoff/|title=Madonna Hangs On A Cross, Knocks Out World Leaders In Tour Kickoff|date=May 22, 2006|access-date=July 2, 2022|publisher=MTV News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702021550/https://www.mtv.com/news/1532204/madonna-hangs-on-a-cross-knocks-world-leaders-in-tour-kickoff/|archive-date=July 2, 2022|url-status=dead}} Gonzalez commented that the remix backdrop "feels ecstatic [...] a collage of Godardian weight you can dance too".{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/madonna-new-york-ny-july-3-2006/|title=Madonna: Confessions Tour|last=Gonzalez|first=Ed|date=April 3, 2006|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=July 2, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023180153/https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/madonna-new-york-ny-july-3-2006/|archivedate=October 23, 2021|url-status=live}} Young described it as a "lowlight" of the tour.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/wjn8/|title=Review of Madonna - The Confessions Tour|last=Young|first=Tom|date=February 2, 2007|publisher=BBC Music|access-date=July 15, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701003954/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/wjn8/|archivedate=July 1, 2022|url-status=live}} Similarly, Leslie Gray Streeter of The Palm Beach Post considered the interlude "just seemed out of place",{{cite web|last=Streeter|first=Leslie Gray|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2006/07/23/s3c_MADONNA_0723.html|title=Madonna mixes naughty, preachy|date=July 23, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=The Palm Beach Post|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813170104/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2006/07/23/s3c_MADONNA_0723.html|archivedate=August 13, 2006|url-status=live}} while Kitty Empire, writer for The Observer, called Madonna's political points on the show a "little one-dimensional", assuming its message was: "Bad things are bad. Politicians are making them worse. These are easy, woolly points to score."{{cite web|last=Empire|first=Kitty|authorlink=Kitty Empire|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/aug/06/madonna|title=That's enough horseplay|date=August 6, 2006|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=The Observer|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925091503/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/aug/06/madonna|archivedate=September 25, 2014|url-status=live}} During the first Mexico City concert of 2008's Sticky & Sweet Tour, on November 29, Madonna did an a capella rendition of "Sorry" per the crowd's request.{{cite web |last1=Cano |first1=Natalia |title=Madonna: El Foro Sol a sus pies |url=https://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/559336.html |website=El Universal |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125200014/https://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/559336.html |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |language=Spanish |date=November 30, 2008}} In February 2022, amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, the singer shared an edit of the video, which went viral, through her social media accounts, while expressing support for Ukraine.{{cite web|last=Zhan|first=Jennifer|url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/02/madonna-supports-ukraine-via-sorry-remix-video-instagram.html|title=Madonna 'Can't Take It Anymore,' Shares Remix Video in Support of Ukraine|date=February 26, 2022|accessdate=July 2, 2022|work=Vulture|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504002422/https://www.vulture.com/2022/02/madonna-supports-ukraine-via-sorry-remix-video-instagram.html|archivedate=May 4, 2022|url-status=live}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• US 2× 12" vinyl{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=US 2x 12" vinyl liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=0-42892}}

1. "Sorry" (Album Version) – 4:42
2. "Sorry" (Man With Guitar Mix) – 7:25
3. "Sorry" (PSB Maxi Mix) – 8:36
4. "Sorry" (Paul Oakenfold Remix) – 7:15
5. "Sorry" (Green Velvet Remix) – 6:06
6. "Let It Will Be" (Paper Faces Remix) – 7:28

• US, European, Australian, and Canadian Maxi-CD{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=US Maxi-CD liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=42892-2}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=European Maxi-CD liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=9362 42892 2}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=Australian Maxi-CD liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=9362428922}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=Canadian Maxi-CD liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=CDW 42892}}

1. "Sorry" (Single Edit) – 3:58
2. "Sorry" (Man With Guitar Edit) – 6:04
3. "Sorry" (PSB Maxi-Mix) – 8:36
4. "Sorry" (Paul Oakenfold Remix) – 7:15
5. "Sorry" (Green Velvet Remix) – 6:07
6. "Let It Will Be" (Paper Faces Vocal Edit) – 5:24

• Japanese CD single, Digital single{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=Japanese CD single liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=WPCR-12225}}

1. "Sorry" (Radio Version) – 3:57
2. "Let It Will Be" (Paper Faces Remix) – 7:28
3. "Sorry" (Man With Guitar Mix) – 7:25

• UK 12" vinyl{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=UK 12" vinyl liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=9362 42914-0}}

1. "Sorry" (Album Version) – 4:42
2. "Sorry" (PSB Maxi Mix) – 8:36
3. "Sorry" (Paul Oakenfold Remix) – 7:15
4. "Sorry" (Green Velvet Extended Remix) – 6:07

• UK CD 1, Digital single{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=UK CD 1 liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=W703CD1}}

1. "Sorry" (Single Edit) – 3:58
2. "Let It Will Be" (Paper Faces Vocal Edit) – 5:24

• UK CD 2{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=UK CD 2 liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=W703CD2}}

1. "Sorry" (Radio Version) – 3:57
2. "Sorry" (Man With Guitar Mix) – 7:25
3. "Sorry" (PSB Maxi Mix) – 8:34
4. "Sorry" (Paul Oakenfold Remix) – 7:12
5. "Sorry" (Green Velvet Remix) – 6:05

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• US CD promo single{{cite AV media notes|title=Sorry|others=Madonna|year=2006|type=US CD promo single liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=PRO-CDR-101746}}

1. "Sorry" (Radio Version) – 3:37

• Digital single{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/1zFk0TzM4oAuvvON5NGuK5|title=Sorry|accessdate=March 24, 2023|publisher=Spotify}}

1. "Sorry" (Album Version) – 4:41
2. "Sorry" (Man With Guitar Mix) – 7:23
3. "Sorry" (PSB Maxi-Mix) – 8:34
4. "Sorry" (Paul Oakenfold Remix) – 7:12
5. "Sorry" (Green Velvet Remix) – 6:05

• Digital single (DJ Version){{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3YDXdv9C5RMyGYsSHfI4DG|title=Sorry (DJ Version)|accessdate=March 24, 2023|publisher=Spotify}}

1. "Sorry" (Single Edit) – 3:59
2. "Sorry" (Man With Guitar Edit) – 6:03
3. "Sorry" (PSB Maxi-Mix Edit) – 4:32
4. "Sorry" (Paul Oakenfold Remix Edit) – 5:05
5. "Sorry" (Green Velvet Remix Edit) – 4:32

• Digital single (2023)

1. "Sorry" (Single) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 2:41

• Digital single (2023)

1. "Sorry" (Single) (Miss Monique remix) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 3:07
2. "Sorry" (Single) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 2:41

• Digital single (2023)

1. "Sorry" (Single) (Franky Rizardo remix) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 3:15
2. "Sorry" (Single) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 2:41

• Digital EP (2023)

1. "Sorry" (Single) (Franky Rizardo remix) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 3:15
2. "Sorry" (Single) (Miss Monique remix) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 3:07
3. "Sorry" (Single) (TIBASKO remix) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 3:18
4. "Sorry" (Single) (Eran Hersh & Darmon remix) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 2:41
5. "Sorry" (Single) (featuring Blond:ish, Eran Hersh & Darmon) – 2:41

{{col-end}}

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Confessions on a Dance Floor|others=Madonna|year=2005|type=liner notes|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id=9362-49460-2}}

• Madonna{{spaced ndash}}songwriter, lead vocals, producer
• Stuart Price{{spaced ndash}}songwriter, producer, recording at Shirland Road
• Mark "Spike" Stent{{spaced ndash}}audio mixing
• Alex Droomgole{{spaced ndash}}assistant engineer
• David Emery{{spaced ndash}}second assistant engineer
• Brian "Big Bass" Gardner{{spaced ndash}}mastering

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Sorry"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Madonna|title=Sorry|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2005|certyear=2006|refname="cria"|digital=true|access-date=August 19, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Madonna|title=Sorry|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2006|certref={{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=content%2Fguld-og-platin-novemberdecemberjanuar|title=Danish single certifications – Madonna – Sorry |publisher=IFPI Denmark|access-date=January 14, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714103453/http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=content/guld-og-platin-novemberdecemberjanuar |archive-date=July 14, 2018}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=Madonna|title=Sorry|relyear=2006|award=Gold|nocert=true|salesamount=15,000|access-date=January 14, 2018|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/mdonline/7046.pdf |title=Le cifre di vendita 2006|publisher=Musica e dischi|access-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032032/http://www.musicaedischi.it/mdonline/7046.pdf |archive-date=January 6, 2014 }}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|artist=Madonna|title=Sorry|award=Platinum|type=single|access-date=May 13, 2016|relyear=2005|certyear=2008|refname="ifpiswe"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Madonna|title=Sorry|award=Silver|type=single|access-date=May 13, 2016|relyear=2006|certyear=2013|id=11760-2003-1|refname="bpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Madonna|title=Sorry|nocert=true|salesamount=366,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Bottom}}

• List of number-one hits of 2006 (Italy)
• List of European number-one hits of 2006
• List of number-one singles of 2006 (Spain)
• List of number-one dance singles of 2006 (U.S.)
• List of number-one dance airplay hits of 2006 (U.S.)
• List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2000s
• List of UK Singles Chart number ones (2006)

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite book|last=O'Brien|first=Lucy|author-link=Lucy O'Brien|year=2009|title=Madonna: Like an Icon|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-061-85682-2|title-link=Madonna: Like an Icon}}

{{Refend}}

{{Madonna songs}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2005 songs

Category:2006 singles

Category:American disco songs

Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles

Category:Madonna songs

Category:Macaronic songs

Category:Music videos shot in London

Category:Number-one singles in Italy

Category:Number-one singles in Romania

Category:Number-one singles in Spain

Category:Number-one singles in Scotland

Category:Song recordings produced by Madonna

Category:Song recordings produced by Stuart Price

Category:Songs with feminist themes

Category:Songs written by Madonna

Category:Songs written by Stuart Price

Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:Warner Records singles

Category:Breakup songs