Sweet Potato

Sia's 'Sweet Potato' delves into the intricate dynamics of a relationship where both partners strive to understand and connect with each other on a deeper level. The song uses everyday actions and small gestures as metaphors for the larger emotional and psychological efforts each partner makes. The sweet potato and aubergine symbolize the personal preferences and compromises that come with intimacy. The lyrics highlight the woman's attentiveness to her partner's needs, such as boiling the kettle when he hums bars from 'Grease,' yet she remains uncertain about his deeper feelings, standing in anticipation of his thoughts.

The chorus emphasizes the desire to become a 'psychic' to truly understand the other person. This longing for deeper understanding is mirrored in the man's actions as well. He brushes his teeth thoroughly because he knows she likes fresh breath and brings her a Mars bar, knowing she won't buy Nestlé. These actions, though seemingly trivial, are laden with meaning and represent his attempts to connect with her on a more profound level. The serenade he performs is a 'lovelorn trade,' a symbolic gesture of his affection and desire to bridge the emotional gap between them.

The song also touches on the internal struggles and dialogues that each partner faces. The lyrics reveal a sense of martyrdom and victimhood, with the narrator feeling like a ghost, fading and placating, yet berating themselves for staying in the relationship. The final verse brings a sense of resolution as the partners finally meet, take each other's hand, and walk into the sunset, symbolizing a hopeful future. The recurring question, 'Do you like sweet potato?' serves as a metaphor for the ongoing quest for mutual understanding and acceptance in the relationship.