Lips Like Sugar

Echo & The Bunnymen's 'Lips Like Sugar' is a song that captures the elusive nature of desire and the intoxicating allure of a romantic pursuit. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is compared to a swan, graceful and seemingly attainable, yet just out of reach. The repeated phrase 'lips like sugar' suggests a sweetness that is tempting and addictive, much like sugar itself. The kisses are described as sugar kisses, reinforcing the idea of an irresistible attraction.

The song's narrative describes a chase, a dance of attraction where the woman always seems to glide away just when you think you've caught her. This push and pull create a sense of yearning and unfulfilled desire. The imagery of flowing down her river suggests a willingness to be led by this desire, to surrender to the current of attraction, even though it may never lead to fulfillment. The mention of 'mirror kisses' and the reference to the 'king of Siam' and his Siamese twin add layers of complexity, hinting at themes of identity, reflection, and perhaps the duality of being both a pursuer and the pursued.

Musically, Echo & The Bunnymen are known for their post-punk and new wave influences, and 'Lips Like Sugar' is emblematic of their style. The song's catchy melody and Ian McCulloch's distinctive vocals contribute to the dreamy, almost hypnotic quality of the track, which complements the theme of enchantment and the bittersweet nature of longing for something that may always be just beyond reach.