“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles is one of the most popular songs of the past few years. Released in 2019 as part of his album Fine Line, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a global hit. With its infectious melody, carefree vibe, and vibrant lyrics, “Watermelon Sugar” captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. But what exactly is the song about? Why did it resonate so deeply with so many people? And what lasting impact has it had on Harry Styles’ career and pop culture? In this article, we explore the meaning, creation, success, and cultural influence of “Watermelon Sugar.”

The Birth of “Watermelon Sugar”

“Watermelon Sugar” was released as the third single from Styles’ second solo album, Fine Line. This album marked a departure from his more stripped-back debut, Harry Styles, leaning into a more pop-oriented and experimental sound. The track was written by Harry Styles himself, with contributions from his frequent collaborators Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson.

The song was created in the midst of a whirlwind year for Styles. In the months leading up to its release, the artist had been experimenting with different sounds and ideas. “Watermelon Sugar” was birthed from a joyous, carefree spirit, and it stands out as one of the most vibrant tracks on the Fine Line album. It features an upbeat, almost nostalgic melody with warm, summery vibes and lyrics that evoke the feeling of a carefree romance. The track’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus have made it a favorite for fans, with many describing it as the perfect summer anthem.

The Lyrics and Their Meaning

At its core, “Watermelon Sugar” is a song about enjoying life, feeling good, and basking in the warmth of a sweet romantic connection. While the exact meaning of the lyrics has been the subject of much debate among fans, it’s clear that the song captures a sense of freedom and unbridled joy.

The term “watermelon sugar” itself is a metaphor. While it may seem playful and lighthearted, there’s more to the imagery. Watermelon is often associated with summer, refreshing sweetness, and juicy pleasure. The reference to “sugar” enhances this imagery, making it clear that the feelings involved are both sweet and irresistible. Together, the words create a sense of an intoxicating and carefree love, likely evoking memories of youthful romance or summer flings.

The Music and Production

“Watermelon Sugar” stands out for its vibrant production, filled with an array of instruments that conjure the feeling of a summer festival or a beach party. The song features a rich instrumental arrangement that blends guitars, drums, and horns, delivering a lively, upbeat sound. The horns, in particular, give the track a playful and celebratory feel, perfectly complementing the song’s carefree lyrics.

The Impact of “Watermelon Sugar”

“Watermelon Sugar” was a commercial success and became one of Harry Styles’ most successful solo singles. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020, cementing its place as a global hit. It was especially popular in the United States, where it topped charts for multiple weeks. The song’s commercial success was bolstered by its heavy rotation on radio stations, streaming platforms, and its vibrant music video.

The song also became an anthem of sorts during the summer of 2020, despite the ongoing pandemic and social restrictions. As people found themselves stuck indoors or isolated from loved ones, the song’s energetic, carefree tone provided an emotional escape. It was a reminder of simpler times and the joy of living in the moment, something many people were yearning for during a difficult time.

The Music Video: A Celebration of Summer

The music video for “Watermelon Sugar” further emphasized the carefree, summery spirit of the song. Directed by Bradley & Pablo, the video takes viewers to a beautiful beach setting, where Harry Styles and his friends revel in the sun, the sand, and each other’s company. The video’s colorful imagery, the warm tones of the beach, and the abundance of fruit—especially watermelons—complement the song’s theme perfectly.

Throughout the video, we see Styles enjoying the simple pleasures of life, whether it’s eating watermelon, dancing with friends, or lounging in the sun. The video has a laid-back, almost nostalgic feel, evoking memories of carefree summers and the feeling of being surrounded by good company and love. It’s not just a visual accompaniment to the song, but an embodiment of the joy and freedom that the track celebrates.

“Watermelon Sugar” in Pop Culture

Beyond its commercial success, “Watermelon Sugar” has left a lasting imprint on pop culture. From its catchy hooks to its viral music video, the song has become an enduring presence in everyday conversations. Fans of Harry Styles have embraced the track, sharing it on social media, creating memes, and even organizing themed parties centered around the song.

One of the song’s cultural impacts is its role in pop music’s revival of retro influences. “Watermelon Sugar” draws heavily from the sounds of 70s pop, and many have cited it as part of the resurgence of retro-inspired music in mainstream pop. The track has also been compared to songs by classic artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys, and David Bowie, who influenced Styles’ music.

FAQs

What is the meaning behind “Watermelon Sugar”?

“Watermelon Sugar” has a nostalgic, summery vibe and is often associated with the sweet pleasures of life. While the exact meaning remains somewhat ambiguous, Harry Styles has explained that the song was inspired by his experiences of carefree summer days and memories of warm weather, good vibes, and happiness. The phrase “watermelon sugar” is thought to represent the sweet, intoxicating feeling of a love or experience that is pure and refreshing, much like watermelon on a hot day.

Though many fans have speculated about whether there are deeper meanings or references in the song, the main message appears to be one of joy, lightheartedness, and simple pleasures.

Who wrote “Watermelon Sugar”?

“Watermelon Sugar” was written by Harry Styles, alongside his frequent collaborators Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull) and Tyler Johnson. The trio also worked together on other tracks from Styles’ Fine Line album. Their collaboration produced a song that blends nostalgic sounds with modern pop, making it both timeless and fresh. The upbeat track became one of the standout hits from Fine Line.

Why is “Watermelon Sugar” so popular?

“Watermelon Sugar” became an instant hit because of its infectious rhythm, feel-good lyrics, and upbeat instrumentation. The song’s vibrant, sunny vibes perfectly matched the time of its release, as it dropped in the middle of the summer, giving it the perfect seasonal backdrop. With its catchy chorus and easygoing melody, it quickly became an anthem for summer.

Additionally, its widespread success can be attributed to Harry Styles’ growing popularity as a solo artist, following the success of his debut album. “Watermelon Sugar” also received heavy rotation on radio, playlists, and social media, where fans created memes and videos around the song, further boosting its visibility.

What inspired the creation of the song “Watermelon Sugar”?

The inspiration for “Watermelon Sugar” came from Harry Styles’ love for the carefree nature of summer. The singer has mentioned that the song evokes memories of good weather, fun moments, and sweet experiences. Some speculate that “watermelon sugar” refers to the sweet, delicious feeling of love or a fleeting, joyful romance—much like the joy that comes from eating watermelon on a warm summer day.

The track was also recorded with a live band, giving it a spontaneous, fresh energy that reflects the spirit of summer. Styles wanted to create a song that was fun, uplifting, and full of positive energy, and he certainly succeeded with “Watermelon Sugar.”

Who is in the music video for “Watermelon Sugar”?

The music video for “Watermelon Sugar” was released in May 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite. The video features Harry Styles and his friends enjoying a sunny day at the beach, indulging in sweet treats (watermelons, of course), and embracing the carefree spirit of summer. The video was shot in California and exudes a laid-back, festival-like atmosphere.

Styles’ friends and several models appear in the video, all celebrating the joys of summer in a lively, free-spirited way. The video’s visual themes complement the song’s lyrics, showcasing the carefree, fun-loving attitude that the track embodies.

In Summary

“Watermelon Sugar” is not just a song—it’s a cultural moment. With its vibrant sound, catchy lyrics, and playful imagery, it’s become an anthem for those seeking a joyful escape. It represents a love for the simple pleasures in life, evoking nostalgia for sunny days, warm nights, and the sweetness of love. As one of Harry Styles’ most successful songs, it has not only solidified his place as a pop icon but also left a lasting mark on music, pop culture, and the hearts of millions of fans.

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