Suncity (feat. Empress Of)

"Suncity" is a multi-layered song that primarily serves as a heartfelt ode to Khalid's hometown of El Paso, Texas, which is nicknamed "Sun City". The track is a collaboration with the Latin-American artist Empress Of and features a blend of English and Spanish lyrics, reflecting the bilingual culture of El Paso. On one level, the song expresses a deep sense of homesickness and a longing to return to a place of comfort and emotional significance. The repeated Spanish phrase, "Llévame, llévame, donde dejé mi corazón," translates to "Take me, take me, where I left my heart," poignantly capturing this sentiment.

Beyond the tribute to his hometown, "Suncity" also explores themes of love, intimacy, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics depict a burgeoning romance, with the narrator eagerly anticipating a reunion with a loved one. There's a sense of escapism as the singer invites their partner to this special place, a sanctuary where they can be themselves without the pressures of the outside world. The line, "Don't let the city break your heart," can be interpreted as a plea to protect their bond from the hardships and cynicism of life.

The song also touches on the idea of a connection that is misunderstood by others, particularly parents. This suggests a relationship that is perhaps unconventional or not fully accepted, adding a layer of youthful rebellion and the formation of a private, shared world. Ultimately, "Suncity" is a celebration of place, love, and the profound connections that shape our identity. It's about finding a sanctuary, whether that's a physical location or the emotional space created with another person.

The song opens with a sense of anticipation and longing. The narrator is just two days away from returning to a significant place and is already feeling the pull of someone special. There's an invitation, a call to come together for the night, casting aside any worries about the future. The focus is on the present moment, on being cared for and letting the other person take control. A recurring plea, "don't let the city break your heart," suggests a protective instinct and a desire to shield their connection from external pressures.

The chorus, sung in Spanish, is a heartfelt request: "Llévame, llévame, donde dejé mi corazón," which translates to "Take me, take me, where I left my heart." This line is repeated with another, "Take me to Suncity," explicitly naming this cherished location. The sentiment is clear – a desire to return to a place of emotional significance, a place that holds a piece of their very being. The repetition of "llévame" emphasizes the urgency and depth of this yearning.

As the song progresses, the intimate and somewhat clandestine nature of the relationship is hinted at. The lyrics speak of a connection that parents might not understand or approve of, highlighting a bond that is unique and deeply personal. There's a sense of protectiveness and a belief that no one else can care for this person in the same way. The repeated phrase "Nowhere like I do" reinforces this idea of an unparalleled connection.

A playful and rhythmic interlude, with the repeated instruction to "wine it up slow for me, pick it up," injects a danceable and sensual energy into the track. This section encourages a physical closeness and a shared enjoyment of the moment, moving from the emotional to the corporeal. It adds a layer of flirtation and lightheartedness to the otherwise romantic and yearning tone.

The second verse delves deeper into the dynamics of their interaction. There's an acknowledgment of the need for honesty for their connection to truly blossom, and a reassurance not to be afraid. It’s presented as a safe space where both individuals can be themselves. The line, "It's alright, alright for the meantime if I have to wait, I'll be patient, babe," shows a willingness to let things unfold naturally, without pressure. The invitation to come over tonight is repeated, reinforcing the immediate desire for connection.

The song concludes with a tender and personal voice message: "I send you a lot of, a lot of hugs and I hope to see you very soon." This outro brings the song to an intimate and affectionate close, leaving the listener with a feeling of warmth and the promise of a future meeting. It personalizes the entire narrative, making it feel like a genuine message between two people who care for each other deeply.

"Suncity" is the title track from Khalid's 2018 EP of the same name. The EP was inspired by a trip Khalid took to his hometown of El Paso, Texas, also known as the "Sun City". During this visit, he was honored with the key to the city, and September 13th was declared "Khalid Day". This experience deeply influenced the creation of the EP, which Khalid described as a "love letter" to his hometown and the start of a new creative era for him.

The song features a collaboration with Honduran-American singer and producer Empress Of. This was not their first time working together; they had previously collaborated on the 2017 DJDS track "Why Don't You Come On". The inclusion of Empress Of and the bilingual lyrics were a deliberate nod to El Paso's significant Spanish-speaking community. In a tweet, Khalid mentioned that the song "Suncity" went through many different phases during its creation.

The EP was recorded in September 2018 and released on October 19, 2018, by RCA Records. Key figures involved in the song's production and songwriting include Khalid Robinson (Khalid) himself, Lorely Rodriguez (Empress Of), DJDS (Jerome Potter and Sam Griesemer), Charlie Handsome, and Digi. Notably, the acclaimed Spanish artist Rosalía provided background vocals for the track. The EP debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200 chart.

"Suncity" employs a relatively simple and direct rhyme scheme that prioritizes a natural, conversational flow over complex poetic structures. The rhymes often occur at the end of lines, creating a sense of closure and musicality. For example, in the opening verse, "road" and "do" are paired with "you" and "lead," creating a loose AABB-like pattern that feels unforced.

The song's rhythm is one of its most defining features. It is built upon a mid-tempo, reggaeton-inspired beat that gives it a danceable, Latin-pop feel. This rhythmic foundation is consistent throughout the song, creating a steady groove that encourages movement. The vocal melodies of both Khalid and Empress Of often play with this rhythm, sometimes singing in a syncopated fashion that adds to the track's laid-back yet engaging quality. The interplay between the steady percussion and the more fluid vocal lines is a key element of the song's appeal. The bridge section, with its repeated "Wine it up slow for me," explicitly emphasizes the rhythm and invites the listener to engage with the beat on a more physical level.

Musically, "Suncity" stands out for its fusion of Khalid's signature smooth R&B style with Latin pop and reggaeton influences. This is achieved through a bouncy, dancehall-inspired beat combined with Khalid's soulful vocals. The collaboration with Empress Of is a key stylistic choice, leading to a bilingual duet that alternates between English and Spanish, which not only reflects the cultural landscape of El Paso but also adds a layer of authenticity and texture to the track. The interplay between their voices creates a harmonious and engaging dynamic.

Lyrically, the song employs direct address, with the narrator speaking to their love interest, creating an intimate and personal tone. The use of a simple, repetitive chorus, particularly the Spanish refrain, makes the song memorable and emotionally resonant. The song's structure, which includes a sensual "wine it up slow for me" bridge, shifts the mood and adds a danceable, physical dimension to the romantic narrative. The track concludes with a spoken-word outro that sounds like a personal voice message, a technique that enhances the song's intimacy and leaves the listener with a sense of personal connection.

"Suncity" is the title track from Khalid's first EP, which was released on October 19, 2018. The EP debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200 chart, indicating a significant level of commercial success. The song and the EP as a whole are a tribute to Khalid's hometown of El Paso, Texas, and have been seen as a "love letter" to the city. This has likely resonated with his local fanbase and brought positive attention to the city.

The song's blend of R&B with Latin pop and its bilingual lyrics were noted by critics as an embrace of a popular musical trend at the time. This foray into a new genre for Khalid showcased his versatility as an artist. The collaboration with Empress Of, a Latin-American artist, further solidified the song's cultural authenticity.

While "Suncity" may not have achieved the same level of chart-topping success as some of Khalid's other singles like "Better" from the same EP , it played an important role in the narrative of the "Suncity" project. The EP was described by Khalid as the "start of a new era" for him, representing his personal and musical growth since his debut album, "American Teen". The song is a key part of this artistic statement.

The most prominent symbol in the song is "Suncity" itself. While it directly refers to Khalid's hometown of El Paso, Texas , it also functions as a metaphor for a place of happiness, warmth, and emotional sanctuary. It represents a personal paradise, a place where the narrator can escape from the pressures of the world and reconnect with their roots and their heart. The repeated plea, "Take me to Suncity," is a desire not just for a physical location but for the feeling of peace and belonging associated with it.

The "city" mentioned in the line, "Don't let the city break your heart," can be seen as a metaphor for the harsh realities and challenges of life that can corrupt or destroy something pure and beautiful, in this case, a budding romance. It symbolizes the external forces that can negatively impact a relationship, and the line serves as a protective appeal to preserve their connection.

The act of leaving one's heart in a place, as expressed in the Spanish lyric, "donde dejé mi corazón" ("where I left my heart"), is a powerful metaphor for a deep and enduring emotional attachment to a location. It suggests that a part of the narrator's identity and soul will always remain in Suncity, and they feel incomplete without it.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Suncity" is the bilingual chorus: "Llévame, llévame, donde dejé mi corazón / Take me to Suncity." This phrase is the emotional core of the song, repeated multiple times to emphasize the deep yearning for both a person and a place. The repetition drills home the central theme of returning to one's roots and finding solace in a beloved location. The Spanish part of the chorus, which translates to "Take me, take me, where I left my heart," is a poignant motif of emotional connection to a place.

Another recurring line is, "Don't let the city break your heart." This phrase acts as a cautionary and protective motif, suggesting a desire to shield the relationship and the individual from the harshness of the outside world. It reappears to reinforce the idea of "Suncity" as a safe haven.

The invitation, "Comin' over for me tonight," is also repeated, highlighting the immediacy and longing for physical presence and connection within the narrative of the song. This recurring invitation underscores the romantic and intimate aspects of the track.