Sam Smith's Hit "Unholy" Song Explores Infidelity & Taboo Love

The Meaning Behind Sam Smith's "Unholy" Lyrics

Sam Smith's hit song "Unholy" featuring Kim Petras has made big waves on the music charts since its release in September 2022. With its infectious dance beat and provocative lyrics, it's not hard to see why "Unholy" quickly captured listeners' attention.

In the chorus, Sam Smith sings the now famous lines: "Mummy don't know daddy's getting hot / At the body shop, doing something unholy." These lyrics seem to allude to someone sneaking around behind their partner's back and doing something scandalous or taboo.

Exploring Infidelity & Forbidden Love

"Unholy" touches on themes of infidelity, forbidden love, and indulging one's sexual desires. The lyrics tell the story of someone involved with a person they shouldn't be with. There's a sense of excitement and danger in keeping the affair a secret.

When Sam Smith sings "Oh my, looks like the boy is too shy / Ain't that sweet, come here baby, rapidee / Here comes the king of the night," it shows an aggressive pursuit of an illicit romance. There's a push and pull dynamic happening - someone is being shy while the other person tempts them into something risky.

The Appeal of "Unholy" Relationships

While cheating is morally questionable, there is often something thrilling about "unholy" relationships that society deems inappropriate or taboo. Having a secret lover can make some people feel alive and excited in new ways.

"Unholy" also plays with common religious ideas about sexuality and sin. With lyrics like "Forgive me Father for I have sinned / I'mma do it again," Sam Smith knows the affair is considered wrong but will keep indulging anyway. There can be an adrenaline rush that comes with rebellion against societal or religious rules.

Double Lives & Pretending to Be Straight

For some listeners, the lyrics could also represent experiences like living closeted or pretending to be straight in public situations. When Sam Smith sings things like "Boy just tell the truth / 'Cause it's only me and you," it seems one lover is asking for more commitment while the other won't fully acknowledge the relationship.

"Unholy" looks at how people across cultures may grapple with sexuality and feeling the need to hide parts of themselves. Even in 2023, some still struggle with being open about who they love.

There can be real emotional damage that comes from not living authentically as LGBTQ people. Sam Smith knows this firsthand as an openly nonbinary and queer artist.

The Sound & Style of "Unholy"

Sonically, "Unholy" has an intense, almost sinister edge to it. The fusion of house music and '90s dance grooves gives it an addictive, grimy quality well-matched to the provocative lyrics.

Collaborating with Kim Petras

The track features German singer Kim Petras, whose airy vocals interplay intriguingly with Smith's rich tones. Petras is a transgender artist who also brings a compelling perspective to themes of sexuality, self-expression, and the tension between society and individual freedom.

Together, Sam Smith and Kim Petras convey this push and pull dynamically over a dark, pulsing production. There is a rebellious spirit to the song, celebrating queerness and lives outside rigid societal norms.

The Music Video's Religious Imagery

The music video shows the two artists engaging in almost ritualistic dance scenes. Occult and religious imagery come together in vivid red lighting. The video seems to make a broader statement about rejecting dogma that suppresses one's identity or desires.

In many ways, the song and imagery refuse to be boxed in - much like the lovers in the lyrics rebelling against what "good" relationships should look like. There is power in embracing the "unholy" parts of ourselves we're often taught to deny or be ashamed of.

The Cultural Impact of "Unholy"

Since topping charts globally, "Unholy" has marked a major cultural moment for Smith and LGBTQ artists. The single recently hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, a first for Smith and Petras.

Praise for Authentic Self-Expression

Many are celebrating the artists for unapologetically exploring sexuality, desire, and the concept of love without limits. Reviews have hailed "Unholy" as a liberating track supporting authentic self-expression.

Both Smith and Petras broke through barriers as queer artists touching on relatable themes about romance's highs and lows. The lyrics give permission to lose oneself in pleasure without outside judgement.

Criticism of Infidelity Glorification

However, others argue songs like "Unholy" go too far in seeming to glorify cheating and secrecy in relationships. Some relationship therapists warn about normalizing deceit that can deeply hurt partners.

Of course, art often holds up a dramatic mirror to human flaws and hypocrisy across society. Music and lyrics can unpack the appeal of forbidden desires without condoning unethical actions.

In the end "Unholy" seems meant more to explore shades of grey in attraction beyond simplistic boxes. Smith invites listeners into a danceable thought experiment about human nature's less righteous side.

FAQs

What is the meaning behind "Unholy"?

The lyrics of "Unholy" touch on themes like forbidden love, infidelity, indulging temptation, and rebelling against societal or religious expectations around sexuality and relationships.

What genre is Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy"?

"Unholy" fuses house music and '90s dance grooves. The intense rhythms and Smith & Petras' vocals create an infectious, almost sinister dance track.

What religious imagery appears in the "Unholy" music video?

The music video incorporates occult symbols and religious iconography. The vivid red lighting and ritualistic dance scenes seem to reject rigid dogma about identity and pleasure.

Did "Unholy" reach #1 on the charts?

Yes, "Unholy" hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in October 2022. It marked the first Hot 100 chart topper for both Sam Smith and Kim Petras.