SUGAR

"SUGAR" by BROCKHAMPTON is a multi-layered song that primarily explores the themes of longing, codependency, and the anxieties of modern relationships. At its core, the track is about the intense desire for the presence and affection of a romantic partner. The chorus, sung by Ryan Beatty, captures this sentiment perfectly with the lines, "Spendin' all my nights alone, waitin' for you to call me / You're the only one I want by my side when I fall asleep." This establishes a central theme of loneliness and a deep yearning for connection.

The various verses from the members of BROCKHAMPTON add different dimensions to this central theme. Dom McLennon's verse touches on past betrayals and a newfound self-reliance, while also acknowledging the pull of addiction. Matt Champion's verse is more narrative, reflecting on past recklessness and contrasting it with the desire for a stable, loving relationship. These individual perspectives contribute to a broader picture of young men navigating the complexities of love and life, dealing with their pasts while trying to build a future.

Kevin Abstract has stated that the song is about the uncertainty within a relationship, that feeling of not knowing where you stand with someone. This idea of ambiguity and the stress that comes with it is a key part of the song's meaning. Some interpretations also suggest that the song can be seen as a metaphor for addiction, where the intense craving for a person mirrors the cravings for a substance. The title "SUGAR" itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for something sweet and desirable, yet potentially unhealthy or addictive.

The song opens with a confession of loneliness and a desperate yearning for a significant other's call, highlighting the narrator's inability to find peace at night without them. This sets a tone of emotional dependency and longing. There's a plea for clarity in the relationship, an anxious desire to know where things stand. The lyrics then shift to a more introspective and narrative verse, touching upon past struggles and personal growth. It contrasts a reckless past, involving substance use and trading valuable possessions for fleeting highs, with a present desire for a committed and genuine love. This verse paints a picture of a journey from a tumultuous youth to a more mature understanding of relationships, while still acknowledging the lingering wild side.

Another voice enters, reflecting on a sense of self-reliance and the ability to overcome obstacles independently, yet this strength is juxtaposed with the vulnerability of being in a relationship. There's a sense of frustration with being misunderstood by a partner, a feeling that despite their closeness, the partner doesn't truly see the depths of their being. The theme of travel and escape is introduced through the recurring image of a passport, symbolizing a readiness to embark on a journey with their loved one, both physically and emotionally. It suggests a desire for a love that transcends boundaries and is open to exploration and adventure.

The bridge brings a raw and direct plea for affection and validation, repeatedly questioning the partner's love. This repetition emphasizes the insecurity and the deep-seated need for reassurance that permeates the song. It’s a moment of pure emotional vulnerability, stripping away the bravado and revealing the core desire for love and acceptance. The song concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, a lingering feeling of waiting and hoping. The mix of different vocal styles and perspectives throughout the track creates a multifaceted narrative, reflecting the complexity of modern relationships, with all their uncertainties, anxieties, and moments of profound connection.

"SUGAR" was created for BROCKHAMPTON's fifth studio album, GINGER, which was released in 2019. The album was recorded at the group's own studio in Los Angeles. For this album, the group aimed for a more organic and emotionally honest approach to their music. The creation of "SUGAR" involved several members of the collective. The song was written by Matthew Champion, Ciarán McDonald (bearface), Dominique Simpson (Dom McLennon), Ian Simpson (Kevin Abstract), Ryan Beatty, Jabari Manwarring, and Romil Hemnani. The production was handled by Jabari Manwa and Romil Hemnani. Ryan Beatty, a frequent collaborator with the group, contributed the vocals for the memorable chorus. The initial idea for the song came together with the development of the hook's melody by Beatty, with Kevin Abstract, Jabari Manwa, and Dom McLennon then contributing their ideas to write the hook together. The song was originally intended to be the lead single for GINGER, but it was leaked in June 2019. As a result, the group decided to release other singles first and officially promote "SUGAR" after the album's release. There is also a popular remix of the song featuring Dua Lipa and Jon B, which was released in March 2020.

The rhyme scheme in "SUGAR" is generally loose and conversational, especially in the rap verses, which often employ a free verse style. This allows for a more natural and narrative-driven flow. The chorus, however, has a more structured and repetitive lyrical and melodic pattern, which makes it catchy and memorable. The rhymes within the verses are often a mix of perfect and slant rhymes, which adds to the song's lyrical complexity. The rhythmic structure of the song is built around a relaxed, mid-tempo R&B groove. The beat is driven by a simple but effective acoustic guitar loop and subtle, bubbling drums. The vocal rhythms of the rappers are often complex and syncopated, creating a dynamic interplay with the more straightforward musical rhythm. This rhythmic tension and release contribute to the song's overall feel, which is both laid-back and emotionally charged.

"SUGAR" showcases BROCKHAMPTON's signature blend of genres and stylistic versatility.

• Genre Blending: The song is a seamless fusion of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, with a prominent acoustic guitar loop giving it a slightly folk-like feel. This genre-bending approach is a hallmark of BROCKHAMPTON's style and allows for a broad emotional and sonic palette.
• Vocal Variety: The track features multiple vocalists from the group (Dom McLennon, Matt Champion, bearface, Kevin Abstract) as well as guest vocalist Ryan Beatty. Each member brings their unique vocal style and delivery, from Dom McLennon's more rhythmic and introspective rap to bearface's emotive falsetto. This creates a dynamic and polyphonic narrative.
• Melodic and Catchy Hook: The chorus, sung by Ryan Beatty, is incredibly melodic and memorable, which contributed significantly to the song's mainstream success. The use of layered vocals in the hook enhances its lush and atmospheric quality.
• Contrasting Sections: The song's structure juxtaposes the smooth, pop-oriented chorus with more raw and personal rap verses. This contrast reflects the song's thematic duality of sweet longing and the harsher realities of personal struggles and relationship anxieties.
• Pitch Shifting: There is use of pitch-shifted vocals, particularly in Kevin Abstract's bridge, which adds to the song's dreamy and sometimes melancholic atmosphere.

"SUGAR" became BROCKHAMPTON's most commercially successful song and their first to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 66. Its popularity was significantly boosted by a viral dance challenge on the social media platform TikTok. The song's success marked a significant moment for the group, propelling them further into the mainstream and solidifying their status as a prominent act in contemporary music. "SUGAR" was certified platinum, another first for the group. The song's blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B was praised by critics and showcased the group's ability to create accessible yet emotionally resonant music. Two official music videos were released for the song, both directed by group member Kevin Abstract. The first video is known for its surreal and bizarre imagery, including aliens and supernatural elements, while the second offers a more straightforward performance-based visual. The song's popularity also led to a high-profile remix featuring pop star Dua Lipa and R&B singer Jon B, further extending its reach. "SUGAR" is considered a standout track on the album GINGER and a key song in BROCKHAMPTON's discography.

"SUGAR" employs several symbolic elements and metaphors to enrich its themes of longing and relational uncertainty.

• Sugar: The title itself is a central metaphor. "Sugar" can represent the sweet, desirable, and almost addictive nature of the love and affection the artists crave. Like sugar, this love provides a temporary high and a sense of comfort, but the dependency on it can lead to feelings of emptiness and anxiety when it's absent.
• The Passport: The mention of a passport in the lyrics symbolizes a readiness for escape, adventure, and a shared journey. It suggests a desire to build a life with a partner that is not confined by physical or emotional borders, embracing the complexities and explorations that come with a deep relationship.
• Night and Sleep: The recurring theme of spending nights alone and being unable to sleep without the other person highlights the depth of the emotional dependency and the profound sense of loneliness experienced. The night becomes a symbol of this solitude and yearning.
• The Alien in the Music Video: The surreal music video for "SUGAR" introduces an alien character. This can be interpreted as a symbol of feeling alienated or like an outsider, even within an intimate relationship. The bizarre and violent events in the video can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the internal turmoil and chaos that can accompany feelings of love, jealousy, and uncertainty.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "SUGAR" is the chorus sung by Ryan Beatty: "Spendin' all my nights alone, waitin' for you to call me / You're the only one I want by my side when I fall asleep." This refrain acts as the song's emotional anchor, constantly bringing the listener back to the core theme of loneliness and yearning for a specific person's presence. Its repetition throughout the song emphasizes the obsessive and all-consuming nature of these feelings.

Another significant recurring element is the repeated questioning in the bridge: "Do you love me, love me, love me?" This repetition serves to highlight the deep-seated insecurity and the desperate need for reassurance within the relationship. It's a raw and vulnerable plea for validation that underscores the anxiety and uncertainty explored in the verses.

The motif of the passport is also a notable recurring image, symbolizing a desire for escape and a shared journey with a loved one. This suggests a longing for a love that is adventurous and unbound.