Sugar Wraith

"Sugar Wraith" is a multi-layered song that primarily serves as a reflection on Post Malone's rapid ascent to fame and the dualities of his new lifestyle. On the surface, it's a celebration of wealth and success, symbolized by the Rolls-Royce Wraith, a luxury car that represents the pinnacle of his achievements. The song contrasts his past struggles with poverty—"Saying I was broke last year, I can't go back there"—with his current ability to afford extravagant cars and a lavish lifestyle.

However, the song delves deeper into the emotional and psychological landscape of fame. The term "Sugar Wraith" itself is a double entendre. It directly refers to his (often white) Rolls-Royce Wraith, but it's also interpreted as a metaphor for the sweet, almost ghostly, and potentially dangerous allure of drugs and the high life. Some listeners see the track as a narrative about battling temptation or relapsing. The chorus, which interpolates the melody and themes from Sugar Ray's 1997 hit "Fly," reinforces a desire for escapism and living life to the fullest in the face of mortality ("I just want to fly, make it last before we die"). This creates a tone that is both celebratory and tinged with a sense of bittersweet urgency.

The narrative unfolds as a reflection on a profound life transformation, starting from humble, possibly illicit, beginnings symbolized by "an eighth." This small start catalyzed a complete change in the narrator's life, leading to a present filled with immense wealth and luxury. Central to this new lifestyle is the Rolls-Royce Wraith, a powerful symbol of success that he contemplates taking out for a night of hedonistic escape. There's an urgent desire to live in the moment, to "fly" and make the experience last, shadowed by the awareness of mortality. This carpe diem attitude is intertwined with an invitation to a companion, questioning what's on their mind, suggesting a shared journey into this opulent and fleeting world.

The artist contrasts his past struggles with his current extravagant reality. He recalls a time of poverty so severe that even buying a pack of cigarettes was a challenge, a life he is determined never to return to. Now, his success is so immense that his platinum plaques are casually used for indulgent activities, and he handles large sums of cash. This juxtaposition highlights the dramatic arc of his journey. He asserts his authenticity and unique style, proudly mentioning his customized 1992 Ford Explorer with Lamborghini-style doors, a testament to his individualistic taste even amidst immense wealth. He dismisses trends and critics, referencing music critic Anthony Fantano, to underscore his confidence in his own artistic path.

Amidst the celebration of success, there's an undercurrent of the pressures and dangers that accompany it. He mentions needing a good lawyer, hinting at the constant scrutiny and legal challenges that high-profile individuals face. There's a sense of being a target, with people always trying to "come for ya." Despite these pressures, he remains defiant and unapologetic. He describes pulling up in a Bentley with tinted windows, a symbol of both privacy and status, and indulges in substances to cope with his feelings. The narrative concludes with a resolute declaration that he is not slowing down; this intense, high-stakes lifestyle is the direct result of handling his business and achieving success on his own terms. The recurring chorus reinforces the central theme: a journey from a modest start to a life-altering status, culminating in the intoxicating freedom and escapism that his "Sugar Wraith" represents.

"Sugar Wraith" was released on April 27, 2018, as the eighteenth and final track on Post Malone's critically and commercially successful second studio album, beerbongs & bentleys. The song was written by Austin Post (Post Malone) himself, along with his frequent and trusted collaborator Louis Bell, and Carl Rosen.

Production was handled by Post Malone and Louis Bell. Bell also served as the recording engineer and was responsible for programming and vocal production, showcasing his integral role in shaping Post Malone's sound. The track was mixed by Manny Marroquin and mastered by Mike Bozzi. The creation of "Sugar Wraith" features a notable interpolation of the hit song "Fly" by the band Sugar Ray, which is cleverly referenced in the song's title. This homage to a 90s classic adds a layer of nostalgia and musical depth to the track's contemporary trap sound.

"Sugar Wraith" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that articulate the complexities of Post Malone's life and success.

• The Wraith: The most prominent symbol is the Rolls-Royce Wraith. It functions on two levels. Literally, it is the embodiment of his immense wealth and a status symbol he can "take out tonight." Metaphorically, as the name "Wraith" (meaning ghost or specter) suggests, it represents the ephemeral, haunting, and intoxicating nature of his high-flying lifestyle. Some interpretations also link the "Wraith" to drugs, a sweet but dangerous escape.
• "Started with an eighth": This opening line is widely interpreted as a reference to starting with a small amount of marijuana ('an eighth' of an ounce). It symbolizes his humble, perhaps rebellious, beginnings before he "went and changed my life." It serves as a powerful contrast to the massive success he now enjoys.
• Flying: The recurring desire to "fly" in the chorus is a metaphor for escapism and transcendence. It captures the feeling of being high, both literally from substances and figuratively from the thrill of success and freedom, while also acknowledging the inherent risks and the desire to make the feeling last before it's over ("make it last before we die").
• Platinum Plaque: The line "Let her cut that coco on my platinum plaque" is a vivid and provocative image. It symbolizes a level of success so profound that its markers (the platinum plaque) become mundane objects used for hedonistic activities. It illustrates a desensitization to the traditional symbols of achievement in the face of an overwhelmingly lavish lifestyle.

The emotional atmosphere of "Sugar Wraith" is a complex blend of triumph and underlying melancholy. The predominant tone is one of celebratory defiance, a clear flexing of success after a period of struggle. This is conveyed through the upbeat tempo, the melodic and catchy chorus, and the lyrical content focused on luxury items like the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Bentleys. Post Malone's vocal delivery in the chorus has an anthemic quality, creating a sense of joyous release and freedom.

However, this celebration is tinged with a bittersweet and contemplative quality. The desire to "fly, make it last before we die" introduces a sense of existential urgency and an awareness of mortality. This suggests that the hedonism is not just for pleasure, but also a way to cope with deeper anxieties or the fleeting nature of life and fame. There are moments of lyrical vulnerability that hint at past hardships ("I was broke last year, I can't go back there") and the pressures of the present ("They always try to come for ya"). This fusion of triumphant joy with a subtle, introspective sadness creates a nuanced emotional landscape that feels both celebratory and deeply personal.

"Sugar Wraith" was released as part of the album beerbongs & bentleys, a monumental commercial success that solidified Post Malone's status as a superstar. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and broke streaming records upon its release in 2018. It achieved the biggest streaming week for an album in history at the time, with over 431 million streams in the U.S. alone.

As an album track, "Sugar Wraith" contributed to this success. It charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 57, a significant achievement for a non-single. In the UK, it reached number 61 on the Official Singles Chart. The song's clever title and its interpolation of the 90s hit "Fly" by Sugar Ray garnered attention and discussion among fans and critics, showcasing Post Malone's ability to blend nostalgic elements with contemporary sounds. While not one of his chart-topping singles like "Rockstar" or "Psycho" from the same album, "Sugar Wraith" is often cited by fans as a favorite and an underrated track, appreciated for its melodic hook and thematic depth, encapsulating the triumphant yet reflective mood of the entire beerbongs & bentleys project.

"Sugar Wraith" features a rhythmic and rhyming structure that is characteristic of Post Malone's melodic trap style, emphasizing flow and catchiness over complex formal schemes.

Rhythm and Tempo:

The song moves at a mid-to-up-tempo pace, with a BPM of approximately 164. The underlying rhythm is driven by a classic trap beat, featuring a prominent, booming 808 bass, crisp snares, and rapid-fire hi-hats that create a sense of energy and momentum. Post Malone's vocal delivery often floats over this beat, sometimes syncing perfectly with the rhythm and at other times lagging slightly behind, creating a laid-back, relaxed feel that contrasts with the energetic instrumental. This interplay between the vocal rhythm and the beat is a hallmark of his style.

Rhyme Scheme:

The rhyme scheme is generally simple and effective, focusing on couplets (AABB) and frequent use of internal and slant rhymes to maintain a fluid lyrical flow. For example, in the chorus, "alright" rhymes with "life" and "tonight," creating a cohesive and memorable hook. In the verses, he employs multi-syllabic rhymes, as seen in the analysis by Lazyjot, which adds a layer of lyrical dexterity. For instance, he rhymes "Lambo" with "ammo" and "Yamo" and "Fantano." This technique makes the lyrics more intricate and demonstrates a sophisticated approach to songwriting within a seemingly straightforward structure.

"Sugar Wraith" showcases Post Malone's signature blend of musical and literary styles.

Musical Techniques:

• Genre Fusion: The track is a prime example of Post Malone's ability to fuse genres. It's built on a foundation of trap, characterized by its 808 basslines and skittering hi-hats, but overlaid with a strong, melodic pop sensibility in the vocal delivery and chorus. This creates a sound that is both gritty and accessible.
• Vocal Delivery: Post Malone employs his characteristic relaxed, slightly melancholic vocal style. He uses a melodic rap flow in the verses and transitions to a more sung, anthemic delivery in the chorus. His use of vibrato and ad-libs adds emotional texture to the track.
• Interpolation: A key technique is the interpolation of the melody and lyrics from Sugar Ray's "Fly." This is not a direct sample but a re-recording of the melodic idea, which cleverly bridges a 90s alternative rock hit with a modern hip-hop track, creating a sense of nostalgia while grounding it in his own style.

Literary Techniques:

• Juxtaposition: The lyrics constantly juxtapose his past life of poverty with his current state of wealth. Lines like "I was broke last year, I can't go back there" are placed alongside boasts of luxury cars and expensive habits, emphasizing the dramatic transformation.
• Cultural References: Post Malone peppers the lyrics with specific cultural references, such as name-dropping music critic Anthony Fantano ("Your new shit sucks, I feel like Anthony Fantano") and the brand names of luxury cars like Bentley and Lamborghini, which grounds the song in a specific, contemporary cultural context.
• Imagery: The song uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of his lifestyle, such as "Cut my fingers on my bands" and "Let her cut that coco on my platinum plaque," which create powerful, memorable mental pictures for the listener.

What is the meaning behind the song 'Sugar Wraith' by Post Malone?

'Sugar Wraith' reflects on Post Malone's journey from a humble past to immense fame and wealth. The title is a play on the band Sugar Ray and the Rolls-Royce Wraith car, which symbolizes his success. The song explores themes of luxury, escapism, and the desire to live life to the fullest before it's over.

What song does Post Malone sample in 'Sugar Wraith'?

In 'Sugar Wraith,' Post Malone doesn't use a direct sample but instead interpolates the melody and lyrics of the chorus from Sugar Ray's 1997 hit song 'Fly.' The line 'I just want to fly' is a direct reference to the original song.

What does the line 'I started with an eighth' mean in 'Sugar Wraith'?

The line 'I started with an eighth' is widely interpreted as referring to starting with an 'eighth' of an ounce of marijuana. It's a symbolic reference to his modest beginnings and past lifestyle before his life was transformed by fame and success.

What is a 'Wraith' in Post Malone's song?

The 'Wraith' in the song refers to the Rolls-Royce Wraith, an ultra-luxury car. For Post Malone, it serves as a powerful symbol of his success and the opulent lifestyle he can now afford. He also owned an all-white one, which fits the 'Sugar' description.

When was 'Sugar Wraith' by Post Malone released?

'Sugar Wraith' was released on April 27, 2018. It is the final track on Post Malone's second studio album, 'beerbongs & bentleys.'

Who produced 'Sugar Wraith'?

The song was produced by Post Malone himself along with his frequent collaborator, Louis Bell. Bell also contributed to the songwriting, recording, and programming for the track.