Sweet Time

Rebecca Sugar's 'Sweet Time' is a contemplative piece that encourages listeners to slow down and appreciate the journey of life rather than rushing towards an end goal. The song opens with the observation that 'everybody's headed somewhere,' highlighting the societal pressure to achieve and succeed quickly. However, Sugar contrasts this with her own approach, choosing to take her 'sweet time.' This phrase, repeated throughout the song, serves as a mantra for living more mindfully and intentionally.

The lyrics reflect a shift in perspective from a state of constant hurry and worry to one of calm and patience. Sugar admits to having been 'in such a hurry' and 'sick with worry,' but now she embraces a slower pace. The metaphor of not needing to 'solve the maze' suggests a rejection of the idea that life is a puzzle to be quickly figured out. Instead, she prefers to 'stretch like a shadow and fade like the haze,' indicating a desire to blend into the natural flow of life rather than fighting against it.

The imagery of 'growing like a tree in the LA river' is particularly poignant. It symbolizes resilience and growth in an unlikely place, much like finding peace and fulfillment in a fast-paced world. The song also critiques the commercialism and competition that drive many people's actions, as seen in the lines 'everybody's selling something, looking for the highest bidder.' By choosing to take her 'sweet time,' Sugar rejects these external pressures and focuses on what truly matters to her. The reference to 'shoots and ladders' further emphasizes the arbitrary nature of societal expectations and the importance of defining one's own path.