Suck It And See

Alex Turner's 'Suck It And See' is a poetic exploration of love's complexities, wrapped in vivid and often surreal imagery. The song opens with a striking metaphor, comparing the lover's affection to a 'studded leather headlock,' suggesting a love that is both intense and potentially suffocating. The line 'Your kiss it could put creases in the rain' further emphasizes the powerful and transformative nature of this love. Turner contrasts the uniqueness of his lover with 'a can of dandelion and burdock,' a rare and nostalgic British soft drink, while dismissing other girls as 'postmix lemonade,' implying they are common and unremarkable in comparison.

The chorus, 'Suck it and see, you never know,' encourages taking risks in love, embracing the unknown, and experiencing life without overthinking. The phrase 'Jigsaw women with horror movie shoes' paints a picture of fragmented, mysterious women who are both alluring and intimidating. Turner's plea, 'Be cruel to me, 'cos I'm a fool for you,' reveals a masochistic streak, where he is willing to endure pain for the sake of love.

Turner admits his struggle with traditional forms of expression, stating, 'I poured my aching heart into a pop song, I couldn't get the hang of poetry.' This line underscores the raw, unfiltered emotion he channels into his music. The imagery of a 'sawn off shotgun' disguised as a skirt suggests danger and unpredictability in the relationship, while the hope that it is 'aimed at me' indicates a desire for intense, even destructive, passion. The song's closing lines reflect on past loves and the inevitability of heartbreak, encapsulated in the haunting phrase, 'Baby, I was made to break your heart.'

'Suck It And See' is a rich tapestry of love's highs and lows, blending whimsical and dark elements to capture the essence of romantic entanglement. Turner's lyrical prowess shines through, making the song a compelling narrative of desire, vulnerability, and the bittersweet nature of love.