"Soda Sweet" by John Harvie is a song about a complicated and potentially toxic relationship. The lyrics describe a situation where the narrator and their partner are lying in bed together, but the narrator feels like things have gone too far and they don't know how to handle it. They recognize that they were never meant to be like the idealized love stories in movies. The narrator overanalyzes their partner's intentions and is willing to promise them the world, even though they don't fully understand the relationship. They feel conflicted and unsure if they should give their heart to their partner. Despite their reservations, they admit to being attracted to their partner's sweet nature, which simultaneously frustrates and excites them. The song also touches upon the distance between the narrator and their partner, being on different time zones. They acknowledge that they don't want to fully commit to the relationship but still enjoy talking to their partner. They are hesitant to declare their love or make promises because they feel like it would be a waste. The chorus highlights the conflicting emotions the narrator experiences. Their partner's sweetness both annoys and entices them. They feel incomplete, unsure of what they truly want, and recognize their own selfishness. The fear of falling in love and wasting it is a recurring theme. Towards the end, the repeated line, "It's so damn mean that you're turning me on," suggests that the narrator is attracted to their partner's behavior but also frustrated by it. They admit that they are not what their partner truly wants and even have the capability to break their heart. Overall, "Soda Sweet" portrays a complex relationship dynamic where the narrator is torn between their feelings for their partner and their own reservations. They are afraid to fully commit, questioning if love would be a waste in their situation.
