Released: 2013
“Chocolate” by The 1975 is an exhilarating ride into the carefree spirit of adolescence. It captures the intoxication of youthful rebellion, the notion of invincibility, and the euphoria born out of living in the moment. The song is veiled with cryptic lines that hint towards escapades and frolic; the essence is dipped in the delicious thrill of adventure, the joy of the ‘now’, and not worrying about the ‘later’.
The song kicks off with an invitation to take a leap of faith into the unknown. The line “You bite your friends like chocolate” is a metaphor expressing a hunger for experience, for those exhilarating moments with friends that taste as good as chocolate. This line sets the tone for the rest of the song.
“With guns hidden under our petticoat” vividly paints the image of a rebellious youth, armed with the weapon of non-conformity. Not actual firearms, mind you; the ‘guns’ here symbolize their audacious spirit. The hook “No, we’re never gonna quit it” is a bold declaration of unyielding determination, a testament to their commitment to rebellion and youthful defiance.
“Run away from the boys in blue” is a clear reference to evading the police, the typical representation of authority and rules. The line “my car smells like chocolate” is a cheeky symbolism indicating that their adventures (or rather misadventures) leave a sweet trail, memorable and satisfying.
We see a definitive pattern forming in the chorus – “we go where nobody knows” hints at their clandestine endeavors away from prying eyes. And they’re “dressed in black from head to toe” – which I’d read not just as a literal wardrobe reference, but a metaphor for how they choose to paint their lives with shades of thrill, making sure they leave no stone unturned.
As the song progresses, the protagonist’s companions are also drawn into the vortex of this rebellion. The line “Now you’re never gonna quit it, if you don’t stop smoking it” showcases how their actions might be influenced by a certain lack of inhibition, possibly fueled by some substance. It’s a classic rock ‘n roll vice but remember, we’re speaking metaphorically here.
The ending with “Well, I think we better go, seriously better go, said the feds are here, you know, seriously better go” is a clear indication of how their antics have caught up with them, tipping the balance from the ‘carefree’ to the ‘dangerously real.’ However, the repeated declaration, “we’re never gonna quit it,” serves as the rebellion anthem echoing in the wind as they disappear into the night.
In essence, “Chocolate” by The 1975 tells a tantalizing story of youthful rebellion and the intoxicating allure of pushing boundaries. It’s a time capsule back to the heady days when rules were meant to be broken, and life was a wild ride, exhilarating and terrifying in equal measures.
