Song Meaning
Patrice Rushen's "Sweetest Taboo" isn't a song about forbidden fruit in the literal sense; it's a sultry exploration of a love that feels almost *too* good to be true. The core lyric, "You give me the sweetest taboo," immediately establishes a relationship dynamic built on a sense of unworthiness or disbelief. The 'taboo' here isn't necessarily something morally wrong, but rather a feeling that such intense affection is somehow undeserved or outside the realm of possibility for the singer. It’s the kind of love that makes you question its longevity, not because of inherent flaws, but because its very perfection feels unsustainable.
The repetition of the phrase "Too good for me" reinforces this central idea. It's a vulnerable admission, a glimpse into the singer's psyche, revealing a potential struggle with self-worth. This isn't just simple infatuation; it’s a love tinged with anxiety, the fear that such bliss is fleeting. The simplicity of the lyrics, coupled with Rushen's emotive delivery (inferred), creates a powerful contrast between the joy of the relationship and the underlying insecurity it triggers. The 'sweetest taboo' is thus the paradox of a love so profound it feels almost illicit, not because of external constraints, but because of internal doubts.
Ultimately, the song meaning of "Sweetest Taboo" resides in its nuanced portrayal of love's complexities. It acknowledges that even the most beautiful relationships can be accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and the fear of loss. The warmth implied by "the waters warm" contrasts the singer's cool, almost detached, acknowledgement of the situation. It's a testament to Rushen's artistry that she can capture such a layered emotional landscape within such a seemingly simple and seductive song.
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