Exploring the History and Meaning Behind Shaggy’s Hit Song “It Wasn’t Me”

In celebration of Black Music Month in June, The Root is set to launch an exclusive series delving into the history of Black music, starting with a deep dive into Shaggy’s iconic 2000 hit, “It Wasn’t Me.” The song, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 2001 and earned a GRAMMY nomination, has remained a timeless banger over two decades later.

Despite its catchy hook and seemingly scandalous lyrics, Shaggy revealed in a 2023 interview with PEOPLE that “It Wasn’t Me” is actually an anti-cheating anthem. The song tells the story of a man giving bad advice to a friend caught in a compromising situation, ultimately realizing the error of his ways and seeking forgiveness for the pain caused.

While many listeners may have missed the deeper message behind the song, Shaggy isn’t bothered. In fact, he believes that the misconception about the song being about infidelity has only contributed to its enduring popularity.

“What’s so good about that song is that it was relatable throughout the years,” Shaggy explained. “People do have this whole situation with cheating, and the thing about that is that you could be young, old, Black, white, straight, gay, whatever it is, it’s still relatable.”

As The Root gears up to explore the rich history of Black music, “It Wasn’t Me” serves as a fitting introduction to the series, showcasing the complexity and depth of storytelling within Black musical artistry. Stay tuned for more stories and videos highlighting the impact and significance of Black music throughout the month.