Sugarcoat

Zeal and Ardor's 'Sugarcoat' delves into the complex interplay between deception and emotional turmoil. The song opens with the phrase 'We're going hog wild,' suggesting a sense of reckless abandon or unrestrained behavior. This is juxtaposed with the line 'Waiting for a while, 'cause the dog died,' which introduces a moment of grief or loss. The lyrics then pivot to the idea of sugarcoating, a metaphor for masking the harsh realities of life with a veneer of sweetness. This act of sugarcoating is portrayed as a way to make someone feel alive, yet it ultimately leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The recurring phrase 'To make you feel alone' underscores the song's central theme: the paradox of seeking comfort in lies and superficiality, only to end up feeling more isolated. The repetition of 'La, la, la-la-la-la-la-la' serves as a haunting, almost mocking refrain, emphasizing the emptiness that lies beneath the surface. The song's structure, with its cyclical verses and refrains, mirrors the repetitive nature of self-deception and the futile attempts to find solace in falsehoods.

The lines 'Go, go, go, go, check 'n' wanna see you fall' introduce a more aggressive tone, suggesting a desire to witness someone's downfall. This could be interpreted as a commentary on societal pressures and the schadenfreude that often accompanies public failures. The song's dark, brooding atmosphere is characteristic of Zeal and Ardor's unique blend of black metal and spirituals, a fusion that amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics. Through 'Sugarcoat,' the band explores the destructive power of lies and the hollow comfort they provide, ultimately leaving the listener to ponder the true cost of deception.