Bitter, Sour, Lemon…| 5ive Songs

On the 2nd edition of 5ive Songs, we briefly examine five songs that are either bitter, sour, or reference lemons.

On 5ive Songs, we (I) keep things short and sweet – no extra calories or needless fluff.  There’s a topic, five songs, and a short blurb that doesn’t exceed a paragraph.  Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume.  On the 2^nd edition of the lite option for playlist consumption, we briefly examine five songs that are either bitter, sour, or reference lemons.

1. LoveLeo, “LEMONS”

“LEMONS” • GODMODE / Republic • 2020

“LEMONS” is a totally rad single by LoveLeo (Leo Reilly), who earned a breakout, viral hit in 2019 with “BOYFREN”. “LEMONS” kicks off with an incredibly catchy chorus, which plays on a metaphor based on those sour fruits. Despite getting lemons, and disliking lemonade, Reilly brings plenty of energy on this alternative pop cut.  The lyrics are filled with pessimism, yet, for all the unfortunate situations captured, the music is sick.  The second verse is my favorite, including a clever reference (or two!):

“So, I play it cool
If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine, go down
Then a bathtub full of Splenda
Will turn your whole life around.”

2. Lady Gaga & BLACKPINK, “Sour Candy”

Chromatica • Interscope • 2020

“I’m sour candy / So sweet, then I get a little angry, yeah / Sour candy, yeah, yeah, yeah…”  “Sour Candy” is one of many bops from Chromatica, the sixth studio album by Lady Gaga. Assisted by South Korean girl group, BLACKPINK, there’s definitely nothing sour about it. The electro-pop joint is pretty sweet given the outlandish nature and artistry of Gaga, the personality exhibited by BLACKPINK, a catchy chorus, and superb production (BloodPop® and BURNS). The lyrics are playful and while there’s some sexual innuendo, it’s all in good fun, never crossing any lines.

3. Joji, “Bitter Fuck”

In Tongues (Deluxe) • 88rising Music / EMPIRE • 2018

On “Bitter Fuck” (In Tongues), Joji describes himself as just that.  He references his issues and blames his ex- for making him a “bitter fuck,” particularly on the first verse and the chorus. The bluntness continues on the second verse.  Two key words serve as the foundation of the verse: bitch and fuck. In regard to the former, Joji describes her as being lame, yet also asserts, she “just came all over me.” Into the latter, it’s double entendre, with the primary meaning being, ‘don’t mess with me,’ showcasing bitterness.

4. Gabriel Garzón-Montano, “Sour Mango”

Jardín • Stones Throw • 2017 

“Atop a hill under the MANGO tree / Wishing on a memory / Hoping you were sitting, thinking of me,” Gabriel Garzón-Montano sings on “Sour Mango,” the first-full-length song off of his stunning, underrated 2017 album, Jardín. He continues, “Although I played with myself baby I had to weep / In tribute to a very funky tragedy / I plucked a piece of fruit it wasn’t so sweet.” Poetic – nothing sour about the quality of lyrics, even if the fruit sucks. Groovy, “Sour Mango” lays back on the beat, giving off truly chill vibes.  While Garzón-Montano flaunts his soulful abilities, he never forces anything, making “Sour Mango” feels completely natural, even if he’s “sick of sour mangos, give me some sweet.”

5. Fantasia, “Bittersweet”

Back to Me • 19 Recordings Limited / J • 2010

“‘Cause when I think about you (it’s bittersweet, it’s bittersweet) / Guess I’ll always love you (it’s bittersweet, it’s bittersweet).” Ah, there’s nothing like an emotional, mature contemporary R&B song, particularly when it involves matters of the heart. The song “Bittersweet” has to be incredibly special to Fantasia, considering she won her sole Grammy for it.  Was it deserved? You bet!  As the aforementioned lyrics from the chorus suggest, the relationship has ended (and she left him), she’s not over him/it. It’s BITTERSWEET! 

Bitter, Sour, Lemon…:5ive Songs No. 2 [Photo Credits: 19 Recordings Limited, 88rising, Brent Faulkner, EMPIRE, Glen Carrie, GODMODE, Interscope, J, The Musical Hype, Republic, Stones Throw, Unsplash]