What is Watermelon Sugar About? Harry Styles’ song “Watermelon Sugar” has captured the hearts of millions, with its infectious melody, breezy vibe, and upbeat lyrics. Released as part of his 2019 album Fine Line, the track has since become a summer anthem, dominating airwaves and playlists across the globe. However, beyond its catchy tune, this song carries a depth of meaning that has sparked much curiosity. What exactly is this song about? Is it simply a nostalgic celebration of summer, or does it contain more layers? In this article, we will break down the meaning of Watermelon Sugar, explore its origins, impact, and the cultural conversation surrounding it.
The Story Behind Watermelon Sugar
Watermelon Sugar was released as one of the singles from Fine Line, Harry Styles’ second solo album. The song quickly gained attention due to its light, summery feel and upbeat rhythm, which made it perfect for long drives, beach days, or any time you wanted to feel the warmth of the sun. As soon as it dropped, it was clear that this song would become a staple on pop playlists, radiating a carefree and nostalgic energy.
The song was produced by Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull) and Tyler Johnson, both of whom had worked with Styles on several tracks from Fine Line. This collaboration created the lush, nostalgic vibe that blends pop, folk, and a little funk. But the question that soon followed was: What is this song actually about?
The Origins of Watermelon Sugar
To understand what Watermelon Sugar is about, it’s important to explore its origins. In interviews, Harry Styles has openly discussed his love for the feeling of summer, its associations with youth, freedom, and nostalgia. Styles, known for blending personal experiences with his music, crafted this song as an homage to those warm, carefree summer moments.
The title itself, “Watermelon Sugar,” seems whimsical, evoking images of fresh fruit, picnics, and sun-drenched afternoons. Styles has explained that this song was inspired by his experiences and the moments that come with summer. Interestingly, the phrase “Watermelon Sugar” was used in a novel titled In this song by Richard Brautigan, published in 1968. The novel is a surrealist tale set in a community built around a strange river, where watermelon plays a symbolic role. While Styles’ song doesn’t directly reference the novel, it’s clear that the evocative, nostalgic imagery in both works shares common ground, with watermelon symbolizing something sweet, ephemeral, and tied to happiness.
The Song’s Themes: Summer, Romance, and Nostalgia
At first glance, Watermelon Sugar might seem like a simple celebration of summer. However, the song’s themes are more nuanced than they appear. While it captures the essence of a carefree summer, it also explores themes of fleeting moments, the passing of time, and the sweetness of life. The phrase “watermelon sugar high” could symbolize a brief but intense emotional experience—whether related to a romantic relationship or an unforgettable summer. It’s the feeling you get when something feels so right in the moment that you wish it would last forever.
The song’s lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding listeners of a time when life was simpler, and love and joy were more immediate. The references to “strawberries” and “berries” in the song emphasize the fleeting and sweet nature of these moments—just like the ripeness of fruit that eventually fades. These sentiments add a bittersweet layer to the track, reminding us that these perfect, euphoric moments can be transient, which is a common reflection in many of Styles’ songs.
A Symbol of Harry Styles’ Musical Evolution
Watermelon Sugar marked a significant moment in Harry Styles’ musical journey. Known for his ability to experiment with various genres and sounds, Styles moved from his pop-rock roots with One Direction into more indie-folk, rock, and soul influences on his solo albums. With Fine Line, Styles incorporated a wide array of genres, and Watermelon Sugar perfectly exemplifies his shift toward a more relaxed, experimental sound.
The Visual Aesthetic: Watermelon Sugar Music Video
The music video for Watermelon Sugar further enhances the song’s themes of joy, freedom, and summer. Directed by Bradley & Pablo, the video features vibrant, sun-soaked visuals that mirror the carefree energy of the song. It showcases Harry Styles surrounded by friends, basking in the sun, eating watermelon, and enjoying each other’s company—echoing the themes of togetherness and fleeting happiness. The video, much like the song, is full of life and color, creating an immersive, sensory experience that matches the vibrant energy of the lyrics.
Watermelon Sugar’s Impact on Pop Culture
Since its release, Watermelon Sugar has become one of Harry Styles’ most recognizable and beloved songs. Its popularity skyrocketed, particularly during the summer of 2020, when it became a pandemic anthem, symbolizing joy and escapism in a time of uncertainty. The song’s cheerful vibe and its references to nostalgia made it the perfect antidote to the isolation and heaviness brought about by the global health crisis.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Watermelon Sugar?
Watermelon Sugar is often interpreted as a celebration of summer, capturing the feelings of warmth, joy, and carefree moments. In the song, Harry Styles reflects on the sweetness of life, drawing from nostalgic memories of summer days filled with happiness, fruit, and freedom. The phrase “watermelon sugar” itself evokes imagery of freshness and sweetness, often associated with joyful moments like picnics, beach days, or intimate relationships.
While the song’s lyrics lean towards lightheartedness, many listeners also interpret it as a metaphor for emotional highs and fleeting experiences. The idea of being on a “watermelon sugar high” can symbolize a euphoric, transient emotional state, potentially tied to a romantic relationship or pure bliss in life.
Is Watermelon Sugar about a specific person or event?
Harry Styles has not explicitly confirmed that Watermelon Sugar is about any one particular person or event. However, Styles has said that it is inspired by his love for the feeling of summer, the joy of being in the moment, and the simplicity of good times shared with others. In interviews, he mentioned that the song’s inspiration came from his own experiences of enjoying the warmth of the season and the carefree atmosphere it brings.
Although the lyrics are open to interpretation, they don’t seem to point directly to a specific person or relationship. Instead, Watermelon Sugar is about a broader, more universal theme—embracing the carefree and sweet moments in life.
What is the significance of the phrase “watermelon sugar”?
The phrase “watermelon sugar” is a central element of the song, yet its exact meaning remains somewhat elusive. Styles has mentioned that the phrase was influenced by the work of author Richard Brautigan, particularly his 1968 novel In Watermelon Sugar. The book, which features surreal and whimsical imagery involving watermelon, offers a kind of symbolic richness that inspired Styles’ own use of the term.
However, Styles has clarified that the song does not directly reference the book, but the use of “watermelon sugar” invokes a sense of sweetness, freedom, and nostalgia. The combination of “watermelon” (a refreshing and sweet fruit) with “sugar” (which amplifies its sweetness) works to evoke a euphoric, idealized experience.
How did Watermelon Sugar come about?
Watermelon Sugar was written during the sessions for Harry Styles’ second solo album, Fine Line. The song was co-written by Styles, Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull), and Tyler Johnson. It was one of the tracks created during the more experimental phase of the album, with Styles incorporating various genres such as folk, pop, and indie rock into the album’s mix.
The song’s feel-good, summery vibe was in stark contrast to some of the other, more melancholic tracks on the album, such as Falling or Cherry. Despite this contrast, this song fits into the larger thematic framework of Fine Line, which deals with themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexity of relationships.
What genre is Watermelon Sugar?
Watermelon Sugar is primarily a pop song, but it also blends elements of folk and indie rock, which are present throughout Fine Line. The song’s upbeat and summery feel, with its bouncy rhythm and bright melodies, makes it perfect for both casual listening and energetic summer playlists. While it draws from various genres, the overall sound of this song fits neatly into the pop category, with its catchy hooks and feel-good vibes.
In Summary
At its core, Watermelon Sugar is a celebration of the sweet, fleeting moments of summer—whether they relate to romance, friendships, or simply enjoying life. The song’s infectious energy and vibrant imagery have made it a favorite among fans and a defining moment in Harry Styles’ solo career. Beyond its lighthearted, feel-good nature, the track speaks to a universal yearning for joy, nostalgia, and those perfect moments that, although brief, leave a lasting impact.
Harry Styles’ song is more than just a summer anthem; it’s a reminder to embrace the sweetness of life’s fleeting moments and to hold onto the joy that comes with them. Whether you’re driving on a warm summer day or reflecting on past relationships, the song continues to evoke feelings of happiness and nostalgia, making it a timeless track that resonates with audiences around the world.
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