Sweet Tangerine

The Hush Sound's 'Sweet Tangerine' is a poignant exploration of longing, heartache, and the complexities of love. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply in love but finds themselves on the outside, looking in. The rain and cold imagery at the beginning symbolize the emotional turmoil and isolation the narrator feels. Their cries for attention and warmth fall on deaf ears, highlighting the unreciprocated nature of their affection. The line 'You're all his and I'm all yours' underscores the painful reality of unrequited love, where the narrator is fully devoted to someone who belongs to another.

The recurring metaphor of 'Sweet Tangerine' serves as a symbol of the sweetness and vibrancy that the narrator longs for in their relationship. The juxtaposition of 'sweet' and 'sour' throughout the song emphasizes the idea that without experiencing pain and mistakes, one cannot fully appreciate the beauty and joy in life. This duality is a central theme, suggesting that the narrator's suffering is an integral part of their emotional journey.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more haunting and desperate. The narrator's feelings of being 'lost and cold as sin' and their desire to 'lock you up and toss out the key' reveal a deep sense of obsession and desperation. The mention of dissolving into the dark beneath the bed and waiting for a taste of the beloved's skin adds a layer of eerie, almost ghostly longing. The song concludes with a plea for the 'Sweet Tangerine' to return, acknowledging that the feelings of love and longing are unlikely to fade. This haunting melody captures the essence of unfulfilled love and the emotional depths it can drive one to.