Released: 2013
“Sex” by The 1975 is a steamy rollercoaster, delving into the messy tangle of desire, youthful recklessness, and the blurred lines of infidelity. At its core, it’s a gritty, confessional recount of a fleeting, yet intense connection, underscored by the yearning for something more meaningful amidst the temporary thrills. The narrative weaves through themes of lust, temptation, and the complexity of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a raw, kinetic soundscape that The 1975 is known for.
The song kicks off with “And this is how it starts / Take your shoes off in the back of my van,” instantly plunging us into an intimate setting that’s as adventurous as it is precarious. This sets the tone for a narrative that’s about to unfold—a series of events fueled by impulse and the thrill of the moment. “Yeah, my shirt looks so good / When it’s just hanging off your back,” further pushes the narrative into the realm of physical attraction, hinting at how clothing, or the lack thereof, plays into the allure and spontaneity of their encounters.
As we dive deeper, the line “Use your hands and my spare time / We’ve got one thing in common, it’s this tongue of mine,” reveals a double entendre. It speaks to their physical connection and shared desires, while also highlighting the cheeky, flirtatious nature of their interaction. However, the recurring phrase, “She’s got a boyfriend anyway,” serves as a stark reminder of the forbidden fruit aspect of their relationship, adding layers of tension and taboo to their encounters.
Despite the apparent physical connection and shared desires, the song also explores the emotional complexity and consequences of their actions. The verses, “Now we’re on the bed in my room / And I’m about to fill his shoes / But you say no, you say no,” showcase a moment of hesitation and the inherent conflict in pursuing someone who’s already committed elsewhere. This push and pull between desire and moral boundaries highlights the often tumultuous nature of such liaisons.
As the narrative progresses to, “You’ve got your tongue pierced anyway / You in your high tops any day / You in your skinny jeans anyway,” it captures not just the physical attributes that draw the narrator to this person but also reflects a broader commentary on youth culture and the external markers of identity and attraction in the modern world.
Ultimately, “Sex” by The 1975 isn’t just about the physical act itself; it’s an exploration of the complexities of human connections, the longing for something deeper amid fleeting moments, and the moral intricacies of desire outside the bounds of a committed relationship. The candid, almost brash storytelling, coupled with the energetic instrumentation, makes it a compelling snapshot of the chaotic, passionate, and often convoluted experiences that define youthful love and lust.
