Watermelon Sugar
"Watermelon Sugar" is a song by English singer-songwriter Harry Styles, serving as the second track on his second studio album, Fine Line, released on December 13, 2019.[1] The track was initially issued as a promotional single on November 16, 2019, and later re-released as the album's fourth official single on May 18, 2020, coinciding with the debut of its music video.[2][3] Inspired by Richard Brautigan's 1964 novel In Watermelon Sugar, which was present in the room during its writing, the song evokes summery nostalgia through lyrics referencing strawberries, summer evenings, and the "watermelon sugar high."[4] The track blends pop and rock elements, produced by Styles alongside Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon (Thomas Hull), and features upbeat instrumentation including acoustic guitar and handclaps.[5] It achieved significant commercial success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 for one week in 2020, marking Styles' first number-one hit as a solo artist.[6] Internationally, it reached the top ten in numerous countries, including number four in the UK and number five in Australia.[7][8] "Watermelon Sugar" received critical acclaim for its feel-good vibe and catchy melody, earning Styles his first Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021.[9] During a 2021 concert performance, Styles elaborated on its themes, describing it as celebrating "the sweetness of life" while also alluding to the female orgasm, adding layers to its sensual undertones.[10] The music video, directed by Dave Meyers and filmed on Malibu Beach, depicts Styles and friends enjoying a carefree day by the sea, further emphasizing the song's escapist, joyful essence.[11]Background
Writing and inspiration
"Watermelon Sugar" was co-written by Harry Styles alongside Mitch Rowland, Tyler Johnson, and Thomas Hull (professionally known as Kid Harpoon). The song's creation began in 2017 while Styles was on tour and took a day off in Nashville. The team developed an initial chorus and melody that felt repetitive, prompting a search for a fitting title to elevate the track.[5][12] The title drew direct inspiration from Richard Brautigan's 1968 novel In Watermelon Sugar, a surreal, post-apocalyptic story set in a world where natural elements like sunlight are described as "watermelon sugar." During a writing session, a copy of the book sat on the studio table, and Styles proposed using the phrase, noting its evocative and cool sound. This decision transformed the unfinished piece into the song known today. Styles later reflected on the choice during his 2020 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, explaining, "We had this chorus/melody which was pretty repetitive and a Richard Brautigan book, 'In Watermelon Sugar' was on the table and I was like, 'That'll sound cool.' So this song became 'Watermelon Sugar.'"[13][14][15] Thematically, the song's inspiration centers on capturing the sensory joys of summer—tastes like strawberries, feelings of warmth, and fleeting pleasures—aiming to evoke nostalgia and sensuality without explicit narrative ties to Brautigan's plot. Styles described it as "a song about the summer and the feeling of summer," emphasizing emotional and physical sensations over literal storytelling. This approach aligned with the album Fine Line's broader exploration of love and self-discovery.[15][16]Recording process
"Watermelon Sugar" was co-produced by Thomas Hull (known as Kid Harpoon) and Tyler Johnson, with engineering handled by Sammy Witte, during sessions for Harry Styles' 2019 album Fine Line. The track originated as the first song written for the project in a spontaneous session at Johnson's home studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Hull created an initial guitar riff, Johnson layered on chords, and Styles quickly developed the melody and lyrics, leading to a basic recording completed the same day that emphasized the song's upbeat, summery vibe.[17][18] Additional production and overdubs took place across several locations, including Real World Studios in Bath, England, where much of Fine Line was tracked, as well as RAK Studios in London and other facilities. Hull contributed slide guitar, while background vocals were performed by Styles, Hull, Johnson, and drummer Sarah Jones, adding harmonic depth to the chorus. The process reflected the collaborative, exploratory approach of the Fine Line sessions, with Styles later recalling Hull's insistence on retaining certain "stupid" lyrics that Styles initially wanted to revise, preserving the song's playful essence.[19][12][20]Composition and lyrics
Musical structure
"Watermelon Sugar" employs a conventional pop song structure, featuring an intro, two verses, pre-choruses, choruses, a bridge, and an outro, creating a repetitive yet engaging flow that builds energy across its 2:54 duration. The song is composed in C major with a tempo of 95 beats per minute and a 4/4 time signature, contributing to its laid-back, summery groove suitable for danceable listening.[21][22] Its melodic complexity exceeds the average for pop songs, utilizing the D Dorian mode—equivalent to C major but emphasizing a minor feel in sections—for a characteristic blend of brightness and introspection.[23] The harmonic foundation relies on a repeating four-chord progression of Dm–Am–C–G (ii–vi–I–V in C major or i–v–bVII–IV in D Dorian), which drives both verses and choruses and imparts a nostalgic, uplifting quality reminiscent of 1970s soft rock and soul.[24] Verses adopt an ABAB melodic form, where the B phrase resolves tension from the A phrase, establishing a homophonic texture that highlights Styles' vocals over rhythmic accompaniment. Pre-choruses build anticipation with rising melodies, transitioning into the anthemic choruses where the hook "Watermelon sugar high" repeats for catchiness.[25] Instrumentation underscores the song's retro influences, opening with a clean electric guitar riff and palm-muted rhythm guitar that sets a relaxed pulse, supported by warm basslines and steady drums. Horns, including trumpets, enter prominently in the choruses and bridge, adding funky accents and an ascending line in the bridge that strips back to emphasize vocal yearning before the final chorus swells. This arrangement evokes 1970s soul textures while maintaining modern pop accessibility, with Styles employing falsetto ad-libs in the outro for emotional lift.[26][27]Lyrical themes
"Watermelon Sugar" delves into themes of ephemeral summer romance and sensory pleasure, employing vivid imagery of ripe fruits to symbolize fleeting moments of joy and intimacy. The lyrics evoke warm, nostalgic recollections of lazy days by the beach, tasting strawberries on a lover's skin, and the intoxicating "high" of physical connection, portraying love as a seasonal indulgence that heightens life's vibrancy.[28] Harry Styles has explained that the song captures "the sweetness of life," drawing on personal experiences of summer flings and the simple delights of nature's bounty. In a 2020 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, he revealed that the title originated from spotting Richard Brautigan's 1968 novel In Watermelon Sugar on a studio table during writing sessions, appreciating its evocative phrasing despite the book's surreal, utopian narrative of a post-apocalyptic community built around the substance "watermelon sugar." The novel's abstract exploration of harmony and loss indirectly influenced the song's whimsical yet wistful tone, though Styles emphasized the track's focus on immediate, tactile sensations rather than literary allegory.[29][13] A prominent undercurrent in the lyrics is sensuality and sexual pleasure, particularly from a female perspective, as confirmed by Styles during a 2021 concert in Nashville on his "Love on Tour." He stated, "The song is about the sweetness of life... It's also about the female orgasm, but that's totally different. It's not really relevant," highlighting the track's playful double entendre where phrases like "tastes like strawberries on a summer evenin'" and "watermelon sugar high" allude to intimate, orgasmic ecstasy without explicitness. This layered interpretation aligns with the song's broader celebration of consensual touch and desire.[30][31]Release and promotion
Single release
"Watermelon Sugar" was released as the fourth single from Harry Styles' second studio album Fine Line on May 18, 2020, through Columbia Records.[32] The track was made available in digital download and streaming formats worldwide on that date.[33] It was simultaneously sent to contemporary hit radio in the United States as the album's second radio single.[34] Although the song had debuted digitally on November 16, 2019, as a promotional track ahead of Fine Line's release, the May 2020 issuance marked its official single launch, coinciding with the premiere of its music video.[35] A limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single, featuring the song backed by an instrumental version, was made available for purchase in early August 2020 exclusively through Styles' official store.[36] This physical format included a red translucent disc and three Polaroid-style photos, limited to a one-time pressing of 15,000 copies.[37]Promotional activities
To promote the release of "Watermelon Sugar" as a promotional single on November 16, 2019, Harry Styles debuted the track live during his hosting and musical guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, performing it alongside "Lights Up" in a high-energy set that introduced the song to a wide television audience on the night of its debut.[38] Five days later, Styles delivered another early live rendition on BBC's Later... with Jools Holland, where he showcased the song's upbeat funk elements in an intimate studio setting, further building buzz ahead of the Fine Line album launch.[39] Styles complemented these television spots with digital engagement through his official website, launching a interactive meme generator that overlaid song lyrics on watermelon-themed backgrounds, allowing fans to create and share personalized content to amplify social media visibility.[40] This tool, which also featured a name-submission prompt generating custom lyric responses, encouraged viral sharing and tied directly into the song's summery, playful aesthetic. In radio promotion, Styles discussed the track's inspiration—drawing from Richard Brautigan's novel In Watermelon Sugar—during a pre-release interview with Capital FM in late October 2019, teasing its joyful vibe while promoting his upcoming tour.[41] As "Watermelon Sugar" transitioned to official single status in early 2020, promotion intensified with additional live outings, including a plaza performance on NBC's TODAY show on February 26, 2020, where Styles played it for thousands of fans amid his Love On Tour buildup, emphasizing its feel-good energy.[42] He followed this with an exclusive SiriusXM session on February 28, 2020, performing the song in a fan-filled room and sharing insights on its creation during an interview with Hits 1's Morning Mash Up.[43] In March 2020, Styles included "Watermelon Sugar" in his NPR Tiny Desk Concert, a stripped-down set that highlighted the track's organic grooves and earned praise for its charm, coinciding with early pandemic-era virtual outreach.[15] The song's momentum peaked with the music video release on May 18, 2020, directed by Dave Meyers and dedicated "to touching" as a poignant nod to social distancing restrictions; Styles promoted it via behind-the-scenes clips shared on social media and in virtual interviews, such as with SiriusXM, where he addressed production challenges and its thematic focus on human connection.[44] Later that year, Styles bolstered radio airplay and chart performance through targeted pushes, including a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl release available in early August 2020 that generated over 70,000 sales and helped secure the song's No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 dated August 15, 2020.[45] These efforts, combined with holiday season appearances like iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball in December 2020, sustained the single's cultural footprint into 2021, culminating in a Grammy-winning performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021.[46]Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its initial promotional release from Harry Styles' album Fine Line on November 16, 2019, "Watermelon Sugar" garnered largely positive initial reactions from music critics, who praised its upbeat, summery vibe and retro influences. The song debuted during Styles' hosting and performing stint on Saturday Night Live, where it was performed with soulful vocals over warm keys, horn blasts, and distorted wah-wah guitar, earning immediate acclaim for its infectious energy.[47] Critics highlighted the track's fizzy, sun-dazed quality, with Rolling Stone calling it a "bright, summery burst of pop-rock" and one of the album's most immediate pleasures upon Fine Line's December 13 release.[48] NME echoed this enthusiasm in their four-star album review, describing "Watermelon Sugar" as a "bombastic '70s inspired bop stuffed with bolshy brass lines" and noting its "deliciously saucy lyrics," which evoked playful sensuality potentially alluding to oral sex through lines like "I just wanna taste it / Watermelon sugar high."[49] The Guardian offered a more mixed take in one of two contemporaneous reviews (three stars), contrasting how the track might sound like a "Body Shop advert" if performed by Shawn Mendes but praising Styles' version for its "steamy heat," though they acknowledged its brisk and sunny appeal in a separate four-star assessment that commended its funky horns and guitar riffs showcasing Styles' raspy voice.[50][51] Overall, early coverage positioned the song as a standout highlight of Fine Line, blending nostalgic rock elements with modern pop accessibility.Long-term acclaim
In the years following its release, "Watermelon Sugar" garnered substantial acclaim through prestigious awards and retrospective critiques, solidifying its status as a defining pop track of the late 2010s and early 2020s. At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021, the song won Best Pop Solo Performance, earning Harry Styles his first Grammy and recognizing its vibrant production and lyrical sensuality.[9] This victory highlighted the track's appeal among industry peers, with Styles dedicating the award to themes of gratitude and normalcy in his acceptance speech.[52] The song's accolades extended to the 41st Brit Awards in 2021, where it claimed the British Single of the Year honor, underscoring its commercial and artistic impact in Styles' home country.[53] This win, announced during a virtual ceremony, celebrated the track's double-platinum status in the UK and its role in elevating Styles' solo career beyond his One Direction roots.[54] Critics have continued to praise "Watermelon Sugar" in year-end and decade-spanning retrospectives for its breezy, nostalgic vibe and subtle eroticism. Rolling Stone ranked it among the top 25 songs of 2020, lauding its "eccentric" guitar groove as evoking a lost duet between Stevie Nicks and Stevie Wonder, which resonated deeply amid the global pandemic's isolation.[55] Variety further acknowledged its influence by naming Styles their Hitmaker of the Year in 2020, crediting the song—alongside others from Fine Line—for blending retro soul with modern pop to achieve widespread cultural resonance.[56] In 2020, Stereogum's "The Number Ones" series reflected on it as Styles' breakthrough to the Billboard Hot 100 summit, describing the song as a non-flashy yet persistent hit that "gradually pushed its way up" through organic streaming and video momentum, blending horniness with understated pop craftsmanship.[57] These assessments emphasize how "Watermelon Sugar" has aged as a quintessential summer anthem, frequently invoked in discussions of Styles' evolution into a genre-blending icon.Commercial performance
Chart trajectories
"Watermelon Sugar" experienced a gradual ascent on global charts following its release as a promotional single from Harry Styles' album Fine Line in December 2019. Initially charting modestly, the song gained significant traction after the release of its music video in May 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted streaming and radio airplay. This delayed momentum led to its peak positions across multiple territories several months after its debut.[45] In the United States, "Watermelon Sugar" debuted at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated November 30, 2019, based on album track equivalent units. It climbed steadily, entering the top 10 at No. 10 in July 2020, before surging to No. 1 on the chart dated August 15, 2020—Styles' first leader on the ranking—after 37 weeks on the chart. The song held the top spot for one week, driven by a 193% increase in sales from a limited-edition vinyl release and strong streaming gains, before descending to No. 5 the following week. It accumulated 61 total weeks on the Hot 100, marking one of the slowest climbs to No. 1 in the chart's history. On the Billboard Pop Songs airplay chart, it reached No. 1 for five weeks starting August 3, 2020, making Styles the first One Direction solo member to top the tally twice. Additionally, it topped the Billboard Global 200 for one week in September 2020 and remained on the chart for over 100 weeks, one of the longest runs in its inaugural years.[58][45][59][60] Internationally, the song followed a similar trajectory, peaking in mid-2020 after initial low entries in late 2019. In the United Kingdom, it debuted at No. 70 on the Official Singles Chart in December 2019 and reached its peak of No. 4 on August 14, 2020, after 38 weeks, with total consumption exceeding 1.77 million units. It spent 91 weeks on the Irish Singles Chart, peaking at No. 2. In Australia, it entered the ARIA Singles Chart at No. 37 in January 2020, climbing to No. 5 in July 2020. The track also topped the charts in Portugal for one week in August 2020. On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, it peaked at No. 2. Overall, "Watermelon Sugar" charted in over 19 countries, entering the top 10 in more than 20 territories, reflecting its widespread appeal through sustained streaming longevity rather than immediate blockbuster sales.[61][62][63][64]| Country/Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (Billboard Hot 100) | 1 | 61 | [58] |
| United Kingdom (Official Singles) | 4 | 90+ | [61] |
| Canada (Billboard Canadian Hot 100) | 3 | 48+ | [65] |
| Australia (ARIA Singles) | 5 | 50+ | [63] |
| Ireland (Official Irish Singles) | 2 | 91 | [62] |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 4 | 40+ | [66] |
| Portugal (AFP Singles) | 1 | 50+ | [64] |
| Global 200 (Billboard) | 1 | 100+ | [60] |
Certifications and sales
"Watermelon Sugar" achieved substantial commercial success following its release as a single, amassing millions of equivalent album sales (EAS) globally through a combination of downloads, physical sales, and streaming equivalents. In the United States, the track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for one week in August 2020, driven by a surge in digital downloads (63,000 in its peak week) and radio airplay. By June 2023, it had been certified 7× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting 7 million units consumed. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 4 on the Official Singles Chart and had generated over 1.77 million chart units, certified 4× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) as of October 2023. Worldwide, the single has surpassed 3 billion streams on Spotify alone as of November 2025, contributing to its enduring popularity. The song earned multi-platinum certifications across several territories, reflecting its broad appeal. Notable accolades include:| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units (Sales + Streaming) | Date Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | 7× Platinum | 7,000,000 | June 21, 2023 [67] |
| United Kingdom | BPI | 4× Platinum | 1,600,000 | October 27, 2023 [68] |
| Australia | ARIA | 3× Platinum | 210,000 | (Listed in latest accreditations) [69] |
| Canada | Music Canada | Platinum | 80,000 | May 2020 [70] |
| Brazil | Pro-Música Brasil | Platinum | 50,000 | 2021 [71] |
| Mexico | AMPROFON | Platinum | 140,000 | 2022 [72] |
Music video
Production details
The music video for "Watermelon Sugar" was directed by the filmmaking duo Bradley Bell and Pablo Jones-Soler, known collectively as Bradley & Pablo.[73][74] It was produced by Bryan Younce, with executive producers Chris Clavadetscher, Candice Dragonas, and Daniel Yaro.[75][76] Filming took place over two days, January 29 and 30, 2020, on a private beach at a residence in Malibu, California, just weeks before the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns.[33][77] Cinematography was handled by Frank Mobilio, who captured the footage on a combination of 35mm and 16mm film stock to achieve a vibrant, summery aesthetic.[78][75] Production design was led by Natalie Ziering, who oversaw the setup of a beachside picnic scene featuring watermelons, blankets, and a diverse group of models and background performers.[75] The shoot emphasized a playful, tactile theme, with the crew sourcing fresh watermelons locally for the video's central motif of sensuality and summer indulgence.[78] Additional key crew included makeup artists and set decorators to enhance the sun-drenched, carefree vibe, ensuring compliance with pre-pandemic health protocols at the time.[78] The production was completed efficiently, allowing for a post-production process that aligned with the single's rising popularity from the album Fine Line.[74]Visual synopsis
The music video for "Watermelon Sugar," directed by Bradley & Pablo and filmed on location in Malibu, California, presents a sun-drenched beach party that emphasizes tactile interactions and summer exuberance. It opens with Harry Styles awakening on the sand at dawn, stretching as he takes in the sunrise over the ocean, dressed in a vibrant orange crochet tank top, denim shorts, and a pearl necklace, setting a tone of casual sensuality and renewal. The camera lingers on close-ups of his movements, capturing the warmth of the light and the texture of the environment to evoke a sense of awakening both literal and metaphorical.[73][79] As the song progresses, Styles joins a diverse group of friends—primarily women in colorful bikinis and light attire—for a communal breakfast spread featuring sliced watermelon, strawberries, and other ripe fruits arranged on a wooden table near the water's edge. The visuals shift to dynamic montages of shared eating, with participants feeding each other bites of watermelon, their fingers brushing lips and skin in slow-motion shots that highlight juice dripping and smiles exchanged, underscoring the video's dedication to "touching." Intercut with these are scenes of Styles strumming a guitar while seated among the group, laughing and swaying, as the gathering evolves into playful dancing and lounging on beach towels, all bathed in golden-hour lighting that amplifies the fruity, flirtatious atmosphere.[80][81][82] The narrative builds to a fuller party scene with additional revelers arriving, forming a circle around a bonfire as the sun sets, where Styles performs energetically, his movements syncing with the lyrics amid hugs, high-fives, and group embraces. Recurring motifs include the vivid red of watermelon against the blue sea, bare skin glistening with sunscreen and sweat, and harmonious group dynamics that avoid overt romance in favor of collective joy. The video closes on the fading light, with the friends dispersing contentedly along the shore, reinforcing themes of fleeting, sensory pleasure.[73][83]Critical and fan response
The music video for "Watermelon Sugar" received widespread praise from critics for its vibrant, nostalgic evocation of summer freedom and physical intimacy, particularly resonant during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Released on May 18, 2020, the video opens with a dedication to "touching," featuring Harry Styles and a diverse group of friends in carefree beach scenes involving suggestive watermelon consumption and playful interactions, which many reviewers highlighted as a timely celebration of pre-quarantine connection. Rolling Stone described it as a "touch-y, pre-quarantine video" that captures Styles being "fed fresh fruit" amid a joyful, sun-soaked gathering on a Malibu beach, emphasizing its cheeky sensuality.[73] Vogue lauded the clip as a "rollicking summer of love fantasy," appreciating how it embodies kissing, hugging, and dancing in a hazy, 1970s-inspired aesthetic that aligns with Styles' retro-pop persona. Variety called it "summery sweet," noting the video's shift to a "grainy gas of a good time" with Styles and his companions dancing on ocean overlooks and reveling in the fruit's juices, which reinforced the song's themes of sensory pleasure. NME portrayed it as Styles "throw[ing] a beach party," praising the inclusive, euphoric vibe that complemented the track's groovy energy from his album Fine Line.[83][74][81] Despite the acclaim, some critics pointed to shortcomings in its representation and depth. Fashion Journal critiqued the video for sending a "wrong message" through its montage of Styles surrounded by a "harem" of diverse women and men engaging in suggestive acts, arguing it felt heteronormative and superficial, falling short of the boundary-pushing progressiveness seen in Styles' prior work like the "Lights Up" video. Business Insider, while positive overall, acknowledged the video's emphasis on "salaciously caressing" as tapping into pandemic-era longing for touch but noted its overt sensuality might polarize viewers.[84][85] Fan response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with the video quickly amassing over 400 million YouTube views and inspiring widespread social media buzz for its feel-good escapism. It topped Billboard's reader poll as the favorite music video of 2020, outpacing entries from artists like The Weeknd and Lady Gaga, reflecting strong approval from Styles' dedicated fanbase for its joyful, inclusive portrayal of summer bliss. Entertainment outlets like POPSUGAR captured the excitement through editor reactions, describing it as "sensual and summery" and a perfect visual match for the song's uplifting melody, which resonated with fans seeking lighthearted content amid global lockdowns.[86][87]Performances and covers
Live renditions
Harry Styles first performed "Watermelon Sugar" live on Saturday Night Live on November 16, 2019, marking its television debut alongside "Lights Up" during his musical guest appearance.[38] He also debuted the song on Later... with Jools Holland on November 21, 2019, delivering an intimate rendition that highlighted the track's summery vibe. Earlier that month, on December 11, 2019, Styles surprised fans with a stripped-down version during a Crosswalk Concert on The Late Late Show with James Corden, incorporating it into a medley with "Kiwi" and "Lights Up" amid theatrical street performance elements.[88] The song gained further prominence through high-profile award show appearances. At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021, Styles performed "Watermelon Sugar" with guest guitarist Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange), earning praise for its energetic delivery just before winning Best Pop Solo Performance; the tropical-themed staging featured hula dancers and brass instrumentation.[89] He revisited the track at Capital's Summertime Ball on June 12, 2022, where its upbeat energy aligned with the event's festive atmosphere.[90] On radio and streaming platforms, Styles offered acoustic takes that emphasized the song's lyrical intimacy. His NPR Tiny Desk Concert on February 25, 2020, included a subdued "Watermelon Sugar" amid a set of Fine Line tracks, showcasing his band's tight instrumentation in a close-quarters setting.[29] Similarly, during a February 26, 2020, appearance on NBC's Today show as part of the Citi Concert Series, he performed the song to an enthusiastic plaza crowd, blending it with other album highlights.[91] "Watermelon Sugar" became a fixture in Styles' Love On Tour (2021–2023), typically positioned as the 7th song in the average setlist across 169 shows, often serving as a high-energy mid-set highlight with extended guitar solos and audience sing-alongs, including shows at Wembley Stadium in June 2023 and the tour's final performance in Grosseto, Italy, on July 22, 2023.[92] Notable tour renditions included a vibrant performance at Coachella on April 15, 2022, where it energized the festival crowd, and multiple nights at Madison Square Garden in 2021 and 2022, contributing to the tour's euphoric atmosphere as described in live reviews.[93] The song's consistent inclusion underscored its role as a fan favorite, with Styles occasionally sharing personal anecdotes about its inspiration during shows, such as in Nashville on October 1, 2021.[94]Notable covers
Several artists have reinterpreted "Watermelon Sugar," infusing the track with diverse styles ranging from pop and country to rock and indie. K-pop singer Hwasa of Mamamoo delivered a playful, sultry acoustic cover on July 22, 2020, coinciding with her 25th birthday, which highlighted her vocal range and garnered international attention for its intimate arrangement.[95] In August 2020, country duo Maddie & Tae, featuring pop trio Avenue Beat, released a stripped-down, dreamy rendition as part of Spotify Singles, transforming the upbeat original into a harmonious, guitar-led piece with layered harmonies that emphasized emotional depth over disco energy.[96][97] British singer Anne-Marie performed a nostalgic, piano-driven version during BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge Month on September 10, 2020, adding subtle electronic elements and her signature breathy delivery, which fans praised for evoking summer vibes in a more subdued tone.[98] Kelly Clarkson brought her powerhouse vocals to the song in a "Kellyoke" segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 23, 2020, delivering an energetic, soul-infused cover backed by her band Y'all, complete with handclaps and a lively band arrangement that amplified the track's celebratory feel.[99] Rock icon Jon Bon Jovi offered a laid-back, acoustic guitar rendition during a charity performance at a Hampton Water Rosé event on May 7, 2021, in East Hampton, New York, where his gravelly timbre and relaxed pacing gave the song a mature, beachside lounge interpretation.[100][101] Australian indie rock band Death by Denim provided a groovy, upbeat cover for triple j's Like A Version series on June 16, 2022, incorporating jangly guitars and harmonious vocals to create a sunny, festival-ready vibe that paid homage to the original while adding their signature indie flair.[102][103]Accolades and legacy
Awards won
"Watermelon Sugar" received significant recognition following its release, culminating in major award wins that highlighted its commercial and artistic success. At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards held on March 14, 2021, the song won Best Pop Solo Performance, marking Harry Styles' first Grammy victory.[104] This category celebrated standout vocal and instrumental performances in the pop genre, with "Watermelon Sugar" prevailing over nominees including Justin Bieber's "Yummy," Doja Cat's "Say So," Billie Eilish's "Everything I Wanted," Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now," and Taylor Swift's "Cardigan."[104] The track also secured the British Single award at the 41st BRIT Awards on May 11, 2021, recognizing its impact as a leading UK single of the year.[105] This win underscored the song's popularity in Styles' home country, where it reached a peak of number three on the UK Singles Chart upon re-release in 2020.[7]Cultural impact
"Watermelon Sugar" resonated deeply during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its music video serving as a poignant celebration of physical intimacy at a time when social distancing measures isolated many people from touch. Released on May 18, 2020, the video depicts a sun-drenched beach gathering filled with hugging, kissing, and carefree dancing, evoking a nostalgic "summer of love" fantasy that contrasted sharply with global lockdowns. Harry Styles dedicated the visual to "the sense of touch," underscoring its role as an escapist anthem for human connection amid widespread loss and restriction.[83][73] The track's upbeat, retro-infused sound—drawing from 1970s soul and soft rock—positioned it as the defining song of summer 2020, despite the cancellation of festivals and travel. It became Styles' first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2020, marking a commercial milestone that amplified its cultural footprint during a year of disrupted traditions. This success highlighted the song's ability to capture fleeting joy and sensuality, influencing playlists and social media trends as a beacon of optimism in turbulent times.[57][106] The song's suggestive lyrics, including lines like "I just want to taste it," sparked widespread discussions on sexuality and consent, with Styles confirming in October 2021 during a concert that it references "the sweetness of life" and "the female orgasm." This revelation fueled interpretations of the track as playfully empowering, contributing to broader conversations about sexual liberation in pop music. However, the music video also drew criticism for its portrayal of women in revealing outfits, prompting debates on objectification versus artistic expression in contemporary media.[30][107][108] Overall, "Watermelon Sugar" reinforced Styles' influence on modern pop by blending nostalgic vibes with progressive themes, inspiring covers, remixes, and references in fashion and media that extended its reach beyond music charts. Its enduring appeal lies in evoking sensory pleasure and emotional intimacy, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone for post-pandemic recovery and hedonistic escapism. By 2025, the song had amassed over 3 billion streams on Spotify, underscoring its lasting appeal.[28][27][109]Production credits
Recording details
"Watermelon Sugar" was the first song written for Harry Styles' second album Fine Line, originating during a collaborative session in producer Tyler Johnson's home studio in Nashville, Tennessee.[17] Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull) initiated the track by developing a central guitar riff, to which Johnson added chord progressions, while drummer Mitch Rowland contributed live percussion for the initial demo.[17] The writing process emphasized a summery, nostalgic vibe inspired by Richard Brautigan's novel In Watermelon Sugar, with Styles joining to refine the lyrics and melody shortly thereafter.[110] Although the demo was captured quickly, finalizing the track proved challenging, taking approximately 18 months as the team reworked multiple versions to achieve the desired groove and energy.[17] Principal recording occurred as part of Fine Line's sessions in early 2019 at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California, where Styles and his collaborators aimed for a live-band feel through extended jamming and organic performances.[110] Additional tracking took place at Real World Studios in Wiltshire, England, contributing to the album's polished yet vibrant sound.[19] The production highlighted a blend of retro influences, including psychedelic rock elements, with Styles' vocals recorded to capture raw emotion and the song's playful sensuality.[110] Key contributions included Rowland's slide guitar work and Harpoon's piano accents, enhancing the track's breezy, feel-good texture without overproduction.[12]| Role | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Producers | Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson[12] |
| Recording Engineers | Mark Rankin, Nick Lobel, Sammy Witte[12] |
| Assistant Engineers | Dan Ewins, Matt Tuggle, Oliver Middleton, Jeremy Hatcher[12] |
| Mixing Engineer | Mark "Spike" Stent[12] |
| Mastering Engineer | Randy Merrill[12] |
| Key Musicians | Mitch Rowland (slide guitar, drums), Kid Harpoon (piano, electric guitar), Davey Chegwidden (percussion)[12] |
Personnel involved
"Watermelon Sugar" was co-written by Harry Styles, Tyler Johnson, Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull), and Mitch Rowland.[12] The track was produced by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon.[111] Key performers on the recording include Harry Styles on lead and backing vocals, Tyler Johnson on keyboards and backing vocals, Kid Harpoon on acoustic guitar, piano, and backing vocals, Mitch Rowland on drums, electric guitar, and slide guitar, and Pino Palladino on bass guitar.[111] Additional contributions came from Sarah Jones on backing vocals and Ivan Jackson on horn.[112][12] Recording engineers were Nick Lobel and Mark Rankin, with Sammy Witte serving as additional engineer.[111] The song was mixed by Mark "Spike" Stent.[111]| Role | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Lead Vocals | Harry Styles |
| Backing Vocals | Harry Styles, Tyler Johnson, Kid Harpoon, Sarah Jones |
| Bass Guitar | Pino Palladino |
| Drums | Mitch Rowland |
| Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar | Mitch Rowland |
| Acoustic Guitar | Kid Harpoon |
| Piano | Kid Harpoon |
| Keyboards | Tyler Johnson |
| Horn | Ivan Jackson |
Track listing and formats
Standard tracks
The standard release of "Watermelon Sugar" was issued as a digital single on November 16, 2019, consisting of a sole track from Harry Styles' second studio album, Fine Line. This version features the original recording produced by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, with a runtime of 2:54.[113][114] The track listing for the standard digital single is as follows:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Watermelon Sugar | Styles, Rowland, Johnson, Hull | Johnson, Kid Harpoon | 2:54 |
Release variants
"Watermelon Sugar" was first issued as a digital download single on November 16, 2019, through Columbia Records, serving as a promotional release from Harry Styles' album Fine Line.[115] This initial variant featured the standard stereo mix in high-quality formats such as FLAC, available worldwide.[112] Following its promotion to the fourth official single from Fine Line on May 15, 2020, additional physical formats were released exclusively through Styles' official online store, emphasizing limited-edition collectibles.[115] These included 7-inch vinyl singles and a cassette, each pressed in small quantities and available for short promotional periods. An instrumental version was also digitally released on August 1, 2020, in MP3 format at 320 kbps.[116] The physical variants comprised:| Format | Label | Country | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-inch vinyl, 45 RPM, single, limited edition (black) | Columbia, Erskine Records | US | July 2020 | Standard black vinyl; included three Polaroid-style photos; available for one week only.[117] |
| 7-inch vinyl, 45 RPM, single, limited edition (red translucent) | Columbia, Erskine Records | US | August 2020 | Translucent red vinyl; limited run sold out quickly; housed in full-color sleeve.[37] |
| Cassette, single, limited edition (white) | Columbia, Erskine Records | US | July 2020 | White cassette shell; bundled with the black vinyl in initial offering; extremely limited production.[118] |