What Is The Meaning Of The Song “Watermelon Sugar”?
“Watermelon Sugar” is widely interpreted as a sexually suggestive song about the intensity and pleasure of oral sex, with the watermelon itself serving as a vivid metaphor. While the artist, Harry Styles, has remained somewhat ambiguous, the sensual lyrics and euphoric tone strongly suggest this interpretation.
Background: The Genesis of a Summer Anthem
“Watermelon Sugar” emerged from a writing session in Nashville in 2017, years before its official release on Harry Styles’ second album, Fine Line in 2019. The song’s evolution showcases the artistic process of refining a concept and capturing a specific feeling. It’s a testament to Styles’ ability to blend catchy melodies with evocative lyrics, leaving room for interpretation while still conveying a powerful message. The song’s initial inspiration reportedly came from Richard Brautigan’s novel In Watermelon Sugar, although the direct link between the book’s themes and the song’s meaning is debatable.
Deciphering the Lyrics: Beyond the Superficial
The lyrics of “Watermelon Sugar” are deliberately ambiguous, contributing to the song’s widespread appeal and sparking numerous interpretations. The recurring phrase “Watermelon Sugar high” suggests a state of euphoria and pleasure, arguably referring to the rush of endorphins experienced during intimate moments. Other lyrical elements, such as the descriptions of touch and taste, further support the theory that the song is a metaphor for oral sex. However, Styles has never explicitly confirmed this interpretation, leaving room for listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.
- “Watermelon Sugar high” – Represents a feeling of intense pleasure.
- “Just want a taste of it” – Implies a desire for a specific sensation.
- “Strawberries on a summer evenin'” – Adds to the sensual and summery atmosphere.
The Impact of Music Video: Visualizing the Vibe
The music video for “Watermelon Sugar” further solidified the song’s association with sensuality and summer vibes. Featuring a carefree and joyful atmosphere, the video showcases Styles surrounded by people, sharing watermelon slices and embracing a sense of liberation and pleasure. The video was dedicated to “touching,” a sentiment that gained particular resonance during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding another layer of meaning to the song’s message of human connection and sensual enjoyment.
The Ambiguity Factor: Leaving Room for Interpretation
Harry Styles’ reluctance to provide a definitive explanation for the song’s meaning is a deliberate artistic choice. By leaving the interpretation open-ended, he allows listeners to project their own experiences and emotions onto the song, making it more personal and relatable. This ambiguity has fueled countless discussions and analyses, further contributing to the song’s popularity and cultural impact. The song functions as a Rorschach test, where listeners find their own meaning within the catchy melody and evocative lyrics.
Common Misinterpretations: Separating Fact from Fiction
While the prevailing interpretation of “Watermelon Sugar” centers around oral sex, alternative theories exist. Some suggest it’s simply a celebration of summer love and carefree joy, while others propose more complex interpretations related to nostalgia or personal loss. However, these interpretations often fail to fully account for the song’s explicitly sensual language and euphoric tone. While individual interpretations are valid, the sexual subtext is undeniably present.
The Lasting Legacy: More Than Just a Summer Hit
“Watermelon Sugar” has become more than just a summer hit; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has permeated popular culture. Its catchy melody and suggestive lyrics have made it a favorite at parties, on TikTok, and in everyday conversations. The song’s success has also solidified Harry Styles’ position as a pop icon and a symbol of sexual liberation and self-expression. Its impact on pop music is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the literal meaning of “Watermelon Sugar”?
The literal meaning of “Watermelon Sugar” is simply a sweet and refreshing flavor combination. However, this is clearly not the primary intention of the song, which uses the phrase as a metaphor.
Is “Watermelon Sugar” actually about drugs?
While the song’s euphoric tone could be interpreted as referencing drug use, the more common and widely accepted interpretation focuses on the natural “high” of sexual pleasure. There’s no concrete evidence to support a drug-related meaning.
Did Richard Brautigan’s book inspire the entire song?
Harry Styles has mentioned being inspired by Richard Brautigan’s In Watermelon Sugar, but the extent of its influence is debated. It may have primarily served as a spark for the title and a general feeling of sweetness and summer.
Why doesn’t Harry Styles just explain the song’s meaning?
Styles likely avoids a definitive explanation to preserve the song’s ambiguity and allow listeners to connect with it on a personal level. Revealing the “true” meaning could limit its appeal and prevent individual interpretations.
Is “Watermelon Sugar” considered sexually explicit?
While the song’s lyrics are suggestive and imply sexual activity, they are not explicitly graphic. The sensuality is conveyed through metaphor and innuendo, rather than overt descriptions.
How did “Watermelon Sugar” become such a popular song?
Several factors contributed to the song’s popularity, including its catchy melody, summery vibe, ambiguous lyrics, and Harry Styles’ immense fanbase. The song was also strategically promoted and received widespread airplay.
What other songs are similar in theme to “Watermelon Sugar”?
Many songs use fruit or other food-related imagery to represent sexual desire or pleasure. Examples include “Cherry Pie” by Warrant and “Peaches” by Justin Bieber. The use of metaphor allows artists to explore sensual themes without being overtly explicit.
Has the meaning of “Watermelon Sugar” changed over time?
The core interpretation of the song as being about oral sex has remained relatively consistent. However, the COVID-19 pandemic added a layer of meaning related to the longing for human connection and physical touch.
Does the music video’s imagery confirm the song’s meaning?
The music video, with its focus on touch, sharing, and joy, strongly supports the interpretation of the song as celebrating sensuality and pleasure. The watermelon imagery is also prominently featured.
What is the significance of the “touching” dedication in the music video?
The dedication to “touching” likely reflects the lack of physical contact experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of human connection and intimacy.
Is it wrong to interpret “Watermelon Sugar” differently than intended?
Absolutely not. Art is subjective, and individual interpretations are valid, regardless of the artist’s original intention. The song’s ambiguity encourages diverse perspectives.
Will Harry Styles ever definitively reveal the song’s true meaning?
It’s unlikely. Styles seems committed to maintaining the song’s ambiguity and allowing listeners to continue interpreting it in their own way. He appreciates the various interpretations and the conversations they generate.