20 Songs About Sugar

As someone with a notorious sweet tooth, I’ve always found it fascinating how sugar has woven its way into our culture, not just through our taste buds, but through our earbuds too. From the moment I wake up and reach for my morning coffee (with two sugars, of course) to the late-night cravings that have me raiding the cookie jar, sugar has been a constant companion in my life. It’s no wonder that this sweet substance has inspired countless musicians to pen lyrics about its allure, its dangers, and its metaphorical power.

In this playlist, I’m excited to take you on a musical journey through 20 songs that celebrate, criticize, or simply muse about sugar. As we explore these tunes, you’ll notice how artists have used sugar as a metaphor for everything from love and desire to addiction and excess. 

1. “Sugar Walls” by Sheena Easton

“Sugar Walls” is a song by Sheena Easton from her 1984 album A Private Heaven. Written by Prince under the pseudonym Alexander Nevermind, the song is renowned for its provocative lyrics and sultry sound. The term “sugar walls” is a metaphorical reference to a woman’s intimate parts, symbolizing her sexual desires and pleasures. The song’s lyrics describe the intense physical and emotional sensations experienced during passionate encounters, portraying a place called “Heaven” as the ultimate destination for lovers. The luxurious imagery of houses made of silver and streets of gold underscores the desirability and intensity of these experiences. The chorus emphasizes the thrill of being alive in the moment, offering an escape from mundane romantic experiences.

2. “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent

“Candy Shop” is a 2005 hit single by 50 Cent featuring Olivia, from his album The Massacre. The song is a classic club track filled with sexual innuendos, using candy-related metaphors to describe intimate encounters. The chorus, “I take you to the candy shop, I let you lick the lollipop,” is a suggestive invitation to explore physical pleasures. The lyrics detail a seductive dance between two people, with references to “magic stick” and “melting in your mouth,” further emphasizing the sensual nature of the song. “Candy Shop” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy, making it one of 50 Cent’s most recognizable tracks.

3. “Sugar Baby Love” by The Rubettes

“Sugar Baby Love” is a bubblegum pop song by The Rubettes, released in 1974. The song is characterized by its catchy melody and high-pitched falsetto vocals. It tells the story of a love that has gone awry, with the chorus repeatedly expressing regret for causing pain: “Sugar Baby Love, I didn’t mean to make you blue, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” The verses advise lovers to cherish their relationships and avoid making the same mistakes. The song’s nostalgic and upbeat sound, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, made it a massive hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and topping charts in several other countries.

4. “Melt the Sugar” by The Summer Obsession

“Melt the Sugar” is a track by The Summer Obsession from their 2006 album This Is Where You Belong. The song captures a sweet and spontaneous romantic moment, with lyrics describing a couple enjoying a meteor shower on a hot July night. The imagery of “melting sugar” symbolizes the intense and fleeting nature of their connection. The song emphasizes the excitement and spontaneity of young love, with lines like “Our sticky altar is nothing but a towel we’ll spread out as we both fly,” highlighting the carefree and passionate essence of their relationship. The upbeat pop-punk sound complements the youthful and energetic theme of the song.

5. “Sugar On My Tongue” by Talking Heads

“Sugar On My Tongue” is a track by Talking Heads, released in 1977 as part of their debut album Talking Heads: 77. The song features David Byrne’s distinctive vocals and the band’s signature new wave sound, characterized by driving guitars, a bouncy bassline, and infectious percussion. The lyrics are playful and somewhat suggestive, using the metaphor of “sugar on my tongue” to describe a sweet and desirable experience. The chorus, “She’ll put the sugar on my tongue, gimme, gimme, gimme some,” highlights the craving for this sweet pleasure, which can be interpreted as either romantic or sensual. The quirky and upbeat nature of the song helped establish Talking Heads as one of the most innovative bands of the late 1970s.

6. “Sugar Daddy” by Thompson Twins

“Sugar Daddy” is a song by the British pop group Thompson Twins, released in 1989 as the lead single from their seventh studio album Big Trash. The song blends pop rock elements with synthesized dance beats, creating a catchy and playful sound. Lyrically, “Sugar Daddy” explores themes of sexual manipulation and power dynamics in relationships, with a sugary coating that contrasts with its disturbing message. The chorus, “Sugar Daddy, Sugar Daddy, gimme some,” reflects the transactional nature of the affection described in the song. Despite its deeper themes, the song was well-received for its catchy melody and danceable rhythm, reaching number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

7. “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy

“Sugar, We’re Goin Down” is a pop punk anthem by Fall Out Boy, released in 2005 as the lead single from their album From Under the Cork Tree. The song features a catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and signature guitar riffs, combined with fast-paced drums and energetic vocals. The lyrics tell a bittersweet story of a young couple’s struggles with love, ambition, and insecurity, encapsulated in the chorus, “We’re going down, down, in an earlier round.” The song became a defining anthem of the early 2000s pop punk scene, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple platinum certifications. It remains one of Fall Out Boy’s most beloved tracks and a staple of the genre.

8. “Sugar Magnolia” by Grateful Dead

“Sugar Magnolia” is a classic rock song by the Grateful Dead, released in 1970 on their album American Beauty. The song is known for its catchy and upbeat melody, featuring infectious guitar riffs and a driving rhythm. The lyrics, co-written by Bob Weir and Robert Hunter, describe the beauty and allure of a woman named Sugar Magnolia, celebrating the joy and freedom of being with her. The song captures the free-spirited vibe of the 1970s and became a crowd favorite at Grateful Dead concerts. “Sugar Magnolia” was frequently performed live, often paired with its coda “Sunshine Daydream,” and remains one of the band’s most enduring and beloved tracks.

9. “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles

“Watermelon Sugar” is a vibrant pop-rock song released in 2019 as part of Harry Styles’ second studio album, Fine Line. The track is characterized by its upbeat melody, summery vibe, and suggestive lyrics.

The song’s lyrics are rich with sensory imagery, describing tastes and feelings associated with summer romance: Tastes like strawberries on a summer evening / And it sounds just like a song / I want more berries and that summer feeling / It’s so wonderful and warm. The repeated refrain of Watermelon sugar high creates a catchy, memorable hook.

While the song’s exact meaning was initially ambiguous, Styles later confirmed during a concert that it’s about “the female orgasm”. This revelation added a layer of mature subtext to the seemingly innocent fruit metaphors, showcasing Styles’ ability to craft lyrics with multiple interpretations.

The song’s production features a blend of live instrumentation and modern pop elements, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. “Watermelon Sugar” became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Styles a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

10. “Sugar” by Maroon 5

“Sugar” is an upbeat pop song released in 2014 as part of Maroon 5’s fifth studio album, V. The track is known for its catchy melody, disco-influenced sound, and Adam Levine’s falsetto vocals.

The lyrics use sugar as a metaphor for love and physical affection: Your sugar / Yes, please / Won’t you come and put it down on me?. The song expresses a desperate need for love and intimacy, with lines like I’m hurtin’, baby, I’m broken down / I need your lovin’, lovin’, I need it now.

Structurally, “Sugar” features a clever three-part chorus that helps it stand out. The first and third parts contain the main hook, while the middle section introduces a Michael Jackson “Beat It” influenced element, creating a “payoff within a payoff”.

The song’s production is dynamic, with three distinct waves of momentum, tension, and intensity throughout, peaking at each chorus. This structure, combined with Levine’s falsetto in the chorus, creates a highly engaging listening experience.

“Sugar” was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending over 20 weeks in the Top 10.

11. “Sugar And Spice (I Found Me A Girl)” by Luther Vandross

“Sugar And Spice (I Found Me A Girl)” is a soulful R&B track from Luther Vandross’ 1981 debut album, Never Too Much. The song showcases Vandross’ smooth, powerful vocals and his ability to convey deep emotion through his performance.

The lyrics celebrate finding the perfect partner, using the “sugar and spice” idiom to describe her qualities: Sugar and spice / Righter than right / Never had a feeling so nice, no, girl / I wanna tell the world / I found me a girl. The song expresses joy and contentment in a relationship, with Vandross singing about wanting to share his happiness with the world.

Musically, the track features the lush, sophisticated production typical of Vandross’ work, with rich harmonies, subtle funk influences, and a groove that invites listeners to sway along. The repeated chorus and Vandross’ vocal embellishments make the song highly memorable and emotionally resonant.

12. “Sugar Town” by Nancy Sinatra

“Sugar Town” is a 1966 pop song by Nancy Sinatra, written and produced by Lee Hazlewood. On the surface, it’s a light, breezy tune with a catchy melody and innocent-sounding lyrics. However, the song harbors a hidden, more adult meaning.

The lyrics describe a state of blissful contentment: I got some troubles but they won’t last / I’m gonna lay right down here in the grass / And pretty soon all my troubles will pass / ‘Cause I’m in shu shu shu / Shu shu shu / Shu shu shu shu shu shu Sugar Town. While this might seem like a simple ode to happiness, the song is actually about the effects of LSD.

Hazlewood intentionally employed double entendre in his songwriting to appeal to young audiences while avoiding censorship. The “sugar” in “Sugar Town” refers to sugar cubes laced with LSD, a common method of consuming the drug in the 1960s. The progression of the lyrics mirrors the stages of an LSD trip, from onset to peak experience.

Musically, the song features a gentle, lulling melody that complements its dreamy lyrics. Sinatra’s sweet, girlish vocals add to the song’s facade of innocence, making it a perfect example of the kind of coded drug references that were slipped into pop music during the 1960s.

13. “Sugar Man” by Sixto Rodriguez

“Sugar Man” is a song by Sixto Rodriguez, released on his 1970 debut album Cold Fact. The track is a poignant blend of folk and psychedelic rock, characterized by its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. The song tells the story of a man searching for an elusive drug dealer, the “Sugar Man,” who represents an escape from the harsh realities of life. The lyrics, “Sugar Man, won’t you hurry / ‘Cause I’m tired of these scenes / For a blue coin, won’t you bring back / All those colors to my dreams,” evoke a sense of desperation and longing for relief.

The song’s themes of disillusionment and the quest for escapism resonated deeply in South Africa during the apartheid era, where it became an underground anthem despite being banned by the government for its drug references. The song gained international recognition through the 2012 documentary Searching for Sugar Man, which chronicled Rodriguez’s rediscovery and rise to fame decades after his initial obscurity.

14. “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies

“Sugar, Sugar” is a bubblegum pop song by The Archies, a fictional band from the Archie Comics series. Released in 1969, the song was written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim and produced by Barry. It features a catchy, upbeat melody and simple, sweet lyrics that celebrate the joy of love: “Sugar, ah honey honey / You are my candy girl / And you got me wanting you.”

The song became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks and becoming the best-selling single of 1969 in the United States. Its infectious chorus and cheerful vibe made it a quintessential example of bubblegum pop, a genre aimed at young audiences with its light, catchy tunes. “Sugar, Sugar” remains a nostalgic favorite and a staple of 1960s pop music.

15. “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones

“Brown Sugar” is a rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971 as the lead single from their album Sticky Fingers. Written primarily by Mick Jagger, the song features a raw, energetic sound with prominent guitar riffs and a driving rhythm. The lyrics are controversial, addressing themes of slavery, interracial sex, and drug use: “Gold coast slave ship bound for cotton fields / Sold in the market down in New Orleans.”

Despite—or perhaps because of—its provocative subject matter, “Brown Sugar” became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances. The song’s groove and gritty style have made it one of the band’s most enduring hits, though its lyrics have sparked considerable debate and criticism over the years.

16. “Sugar Mountain” by Neil Young

“Sugar Mountain” is a folk song by Neil Young, written on his 19th birthday in 1964 and recorded in 1968. The song is a nostalgic reflection on the loss of youth and the transition to adulthood. The lyrics describe a whimsical, idyllic place called Sugar Mountain, filled with carnival imagery and childhood memories: “Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain / With the barkers and the colored balloons.”

The chorus, “You can’t be 20 on Sugar Mountain / Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon,” captures the bittersweet realization of growing up and leaving behind the innocence of youth. The song has become one of Young’s most beloved tracks, resonating with listeners for its universal themes of nostalgia and the passage of time.

17. “Sugartime” by The McGuire Sisters

“Sugartime” is a cheerful pop song by The McGuire Sisters, released in 1958. Written by Charlie Phillips and Odis Echols, the song is characterized by its catchy, upbeat melody and harmonious vocals. The McGuire Sisters, known for their tight harmonies and synchronized performances, deliver a sweet and playful tune with lyrics that celebrate the joys of love and happiness: “Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at suppertime / Be my little sugar and love me all the time.”

The song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying The McGuire Sisters’ place in pop music history. Its infectious chorus and lighthearted lyrics make it a timeless classic, often associated with the wholesome, feel-good music of the 1950s.

18. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” by Four Tops

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” is a 1965 hit single by the Four Tops, written and produced by the legendary Motown team Holland-Dozier-Holland. The song is a quintessential Motown track, featuring a driving beat, soulful vocals, and lush orchestration. Lead singer Levi Stubbs passionately expresses his uncontrollable love for his partner: “Sugar pie, honey bunch / You know that I love you / I can’t help myself / I love you and nobody else.”

The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a massive success, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. It remains one of the Four Tops’ most iconic songs and a staple of the Motown sound, celebrated for its emotional intensity and timeless appeal.

19. “A Spoonful of Sugar” by Julie Andrews

“A Spoonful of Sugar” is a beloved song from the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins, performed by Julie Andrews. Composed by the Sherman Brothers (Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman), the song features an upbeat, whimsical melody and lyrics that convey a positive message about making chores enjoyable: “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down / In a most delightful way.”

In the context of the film, Mary Poppins uses the song to teach the children, Jane and Michael, that even the most mundane tasks can be fun with the right attitude. The song’s charming lyrics and Andrews’ delightful performance have made it a timeless classic, often associated with the magic and joy of childhood.

20. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard

“Pour Some Sugar On Me” is a hard rock anthem by Def Leppard, released in 1987 on their album Hysteria. Written by the band members and produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song features a powerful guitar riff, driving drums, and an anthemic chorus. The lyrics are filled with playful, suggestive metaphors: “Pour some sugar on me / Ooh, in the name of love / Pour some sugar on me / C’mon, fire me up.”

Originally written spontaneously during a recording session, the song quickly became one of Def Leppard’s most popular tracks, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It is celebrated for its energetic performance and catchy hooks, making it a staple of 1980s rock music and a favorite at concerts and parties.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.