Sexual

"Sexual" by NEIKED featuring Dyo is a straightforward and unapologetic anthem about intense physical and emotional attraction. At its core, the song celebrates the moment of finding someone who perfectly aligns with one's desires and dreams. The lyrics express a raw, unfiltered acknowledgment of sexual chemistry, encapsulated in the direct and catchy chorus: "I'm feeling sexual, so we should be sexual." This line bypasses subtlety in favor of honest communication about mutual desire. The song's meaning extends beyond just the carnal; it touches upon the joy of discovery and connection. Phrases like "You got that thing that I been looking for" and "you got a heart full of gold" suggest that the attraction is not purely superficial but is also rooted in appreciating the other person's inner qualities. It's about finding a partner who makes life more vibrant and fulfilling, as suggested by the line "Making my life much greener." Ultimately, the song is an expression of joyous, consensual desire and the thrill of finding a connection that is both profoundly emotional and intensely physical.

The song narrates the exhilarating experience of finding a person who embodies everything the protagonist has been searching for. This long search has finally culminated in discovering someone truly special, a person they are determined not to let go of. This individual possesses not just an alluring external quality but also an inner beauty, described metaphorically as having a “heart full of gold,” which is deeply captivating and a significant source of attraction.

This newfound person is portrayed as the complete fulfillment of the protagonist's dreams. The relationship is seen as a canvas upon which they can create their ideal life together, an idea captured in the imagery of painting a picture. This connection is transformative, making the protagonist's life “much greener,” a metaphor for vitality, freshness, and growth. It suggests that the relationship brings a new level of vibrancy and happiness that was previously missing.

The core of the song is a direct and unambiguous expression of physical desire. The protagonist feels an intense sexual attraction and seeks confirmation that the feeling is mutual. The repeated chorus, “I'm feeling sexual, so we should be sexual,” is a bold and honest declaration, stripping away pretense and urging for a shared, consensual experience. It’s a call for both individuals to act on the powerful, palpable chemistry between them.

The second verse deepens the sense of discovery and adoration. The love interest has something unique and unprecedented, metaphorically “opening a million doors,” which implies new possibilities, experiences, and a profound emotional impact. The protagonist feels completely captivated and expresses a sense of belonging, stating, “baby, I'm yours.” There's a palpable anticipation and eagerness to be alone together, away from the world, to explore this connection further.

A climactic bridge reveals the overwhelming and almost addictive nature of this attraction. The protagonist confesses to being unable to get enough of the other person, who provides an exhilarating “rush” that they never want to end. This reinforces the intensity of the emotions and the magnetic pull they feel. The song, therefore, is a celebration of finding a perfect match and the powerful, all-encompassing desire that accompanies such a discovery, urging for its consummation in a spirit of shared joy and honesty.

"Sexual" was released on August 26, 2016, by the Swedish artist collective NEIKED, featuring vocals from British singer Dyo. The song was written by NEIKED's Victor Rådström, Dyo (Dayo Olatunji), and Elina Stridh. Rådström also produced the track. The creation process was notably influenced by Marvin Gaye's classic, "Sexual Healing." Rådström mentioned that he had been listening to Gaye's song all weekend and was stuck on the topic, which led him to come up with the hook, "I'm feeling sexual so we should be sexual."

The song came together in a single day-long studio session with Rådström, Dyo, and Elina Stridh. Dyo, ironically, admitted she "wasn't in a sexual mood" when writing the lyrics. She was in a cold Sweden and wanted to write something that would make her and others feel happy and good. There was some initial hesitation about being so direct with the word "sexual," but Rådström encouraged it, believing in its universal appeal. The track was released independently through Neiked Collective before being picked up by major labels like Polydor and Republic Records. The creators had no idea it would become the massive global hit that it did.

The song's structure is built on a foundation of simple, effective rhymes and a driving rhythm. The verses primarily use an AABB rhyme scheme (e.g., "for"/"go", "gold"/"on" in the first verse, and "before"/"doors", "yours"/"home" in the second), which gives the lyrics a straightforward, pop-friendly flow. The chorus is a simple couplet, with the repetition of the key phrase providing the hook. The song's rhythm is a standout feature, characterized by an upbeat, danceable tempo and a funky bassline that provides a strong groove. This rhythmic foundation creates an energetic and feel-good atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrical theme of joyful desire. The interplay between the syncopated vocal melody and the steady, four-on-the-floor beat in the chorus makes the track rhythmically compelling and highly suitable for dancing.

"Sexual" employs a combination of musical and literary techniques to achieve its infectious and memorable quality. Musically, the song is a high-energy pop track with prominent elements of funk. The production is noted for its meticulous care, with a strong beat and bassline that feel orchestrated rather than simply programmed. The arrangement effectively uses layering, stripping back and building up at key moments to create dynamic shifts. A key musical feature is Dyo's vocal delivery. She uses a breathy, head-voice soprano that is both ear-catching and provides a unique contrast to the instrumental arrangement, particularly the distorted, voice-like synth riff. This delivery stays consistent even in the high-energy chorus, subverting the typical pop structure of moving from a soft verse to a powerful chorus. Lyrically, the song's primary technique is its direct, declarative language, especially in the hook. Repetition is used heavily in the pre-chorus ("You are, you are, you are...") and the chorus itself, which makes the song incredibly catchy and reinforces its central theme.

"Sexual" was a major commercial success, significantly impacting pop charts worldwide. It reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the Australian Singles Chart, becoming NEIKED's breakout international hit. The song's popularity led to it being featured in various media, including the TV shows Insatiable, Love Island, and Extraordinary. Its catchy nature also inspired numerous cover versions, most notably by pop singer Zara Larsson. The track's influence extended further when Maroon 5's 2017 single "What Lovers Do" interpolated its pre-chorus melody, crediting Rådström, Stridh, and Dyo as songwriters. This cemented the song's hook as a memorable piece of pop composition. "Sexual" was also nominated for Best Contemporary Song at the 2017 Ivor Novello Awards, recognizing its songwriting excellence. A music video directed by David Wilson, celebrating self-pleasure and objectophilia, further highlighted the song's connection to themes of queer culture and sexual liberation.

The lyrics of "Sexual," while direct, employ several metaphors to enrich their meaning. The phrase "paint a picture" symbolizes the collaborative creation of a shared life and future, suggesting that the relationship is a work of art they are building together. The lyric "making my life much greener" is a powerful metaphor for growth, vitality, and prosperity. Green is often associated with life, nature, and well-being, implying the relationship is a source of positive transformation and enrichment. The description of the love interest having a "heart full of gold" is a classic metaphor for a person's inner kindness, goodness, and value, indicating the attraction goes beyond the physical. Lastly, the idea of the partner "opening a million doors" symbolizes the new possibilities, experiences, and emotional depth that the relationship has introduced into the narrator's life.

The most significant recurring motif in "Sexual" is the explicit and repeated declaration, "I'm feeling sexual, so we should be sexual." This phrase acts as the song's central hook and thesis statement. Its repetition drills the song's direct and unabashed message into the listener's mind, making it instantly memorable and defining the song's identity. Another recurring phrase is the pre-chorus chant, "You are, you are, you are, you are, you are," which builds anticipation for the chorus and emphasizes the singer's adoration and the partner's perceived perfection. The lyrical motif of discovery, "You got that thing that I been looking for," opens the song and establishes the narrative of a successful search for an ideal partner, reappearing in spirit in the second verse with "You got something that I ain't seen before." These recurring elements provide structural coherence and enhance the song's catchy, anthemic quality.