Coffee
Sylvan Esso Lyrics

The song "Coffee" by the indie-pop duo Sylvan Esso is a lively and upbeat track that features lyrics that are both emotionally deep and lighthearted. The song's title, "Coffee," is used as a metaphor for the highs and lows of a romantic relationship, with alternating flavors of hot and cold coffee referring to the ups and downs of the couple's journey together. The first verse sets up the idea that the relationship has grown familiar and comfortable, with the pair moving through familiar "dance" steps, but the singer notes that the feeling of the relationship being "old news" is also setting in. The chorus then brings in the idea of being "wrapped" in someone's arms, despite not "feeling it." This could be interpreted in different ways - either as a plea for physical comfort, or a recognition that the passion has faded but a sense of duty and commitment remains.

The chorus is repeated twice, with a bridge section in between that features the repeated refrain of "get up, get down." This creates a sense of playful energy and momentum, as if the singer is attempting to shake off any sense of melancholy or doubt. The lyrics of the bridge itself are cryptic but intriguing, with a seeming contradiction in the line "Sinner ends a saint with a pair of feet change."

The second verse continues the metaphor of coffee, with the lyric "I know my rose will dry upon the skin" suggesting a sense of beauty and fleetingness. The image of "wild winter, warm coffee" likewise speaks to the contrast between warmth and cold, as well as the idea of romantic intensity in the midst of solitude. The final chorus is followed by a seemingly random aside about "hanky-panky," which reinforces the playful nature of the song as a whole.

Overall, "Coffee" is a song that is deceptively simple yet rich in emotional resonance. It captures the ambivalence that can arise in a long-term relationship, as well as the desire to keep moving forward despite uncertainties and setbacks.