SZA is one of the most acclaimed and influential artists of her generation, known for her soulful and eclectic blend of R&B, pop, hip-hop, and alternative music.

Her second studio album, SOS (2022), was a highly anticipated follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut, Ctrl (2017), which established her as a major figure in contemporary music and culture.

SOS showcased SZA’s versatility and growth as a singer-songwriter, exploring themes such as love, identity, spirituality, and self-empowerment.

One of the standout tracks from SOS is Snooze, a song that SZA wrote with producers Babyface, the Rascals (Leon Thomas III and Khristopher Riddick-Tynes), and BLK.

The song was released as the sixth single from the album on April 25, 2023, and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. 

Snooze is a smooth and sultry R&B ballad that showcases SZA’s vocal range and emotional delivery, as well as her poetic and confessional lyrics.

The song is about SZA’s relationship with a lover and how deep are love is, so deep she’d risk everything for him despite the dangers and consequences.

Let us dive into the meaning and symbolism of Snooze lyrics by SZA, analysing the song’s structure, themes, imagery, and references.

We will also explore how Snooze fits into the overall narrative and concept of SOS, and what it reveals about SZA’s artistic vision and personal journey.

How SZA Expresses Her Love and Loyalty in Snooze Lyrics

Snooze by SZA is a tantalising musical journey that delves into the complexities of a tumultuous yet passionate relationship.

The song’s structure effortlessly guides the listener through the ebb and flow of emotions, from the alluring intro to the introspective outro.

The track opens with a captivating vocal sample: a woman’s voice crooning “Ooh, I think I know,” echoed by SZA herself, instantly igniting curiosity and anticipation.

What does she know, or feel, about her lover? The verses on Snooze paint a vivid picture of SZA’s unwavering devotion and loyalty, intertwined with the challenges and conflicts that arise in their bond.

As the choruses swell, SZA’s vulnerability is laid bare. She fears losing her lover or missing out on their cherished moments together, a sentiment encapsulated by the metaphor of “snoozing”—the dread of losing precious time with her significant other.

Her passionate declaration highlights the importance of being present and cherishing every second together.

The bridge showcases her frustration and fragility when faced with lies or the threat of abandonment, yet her determination to be his everything shines through.

Snooze lyrics delve into the complexities of their relationship, touching on themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the willingness to go to great lengths for the one you love.

SZA sings about doing things for her partner that others wouldn’t, showcasing a level of devotion that borders on the extreme.

The outro brings the song full circle, with SZA repeating “I think I know,” suggesting a profound realisation or acceptance of their situation, perhaps acknowledging the emotional turmoil that can come with feeling undervalued or taken for granted in a relationship, despite being the “main one” putting in the effort.

Love, as portrayed in the lyrics of Snooze, is a dangerous game. SZA depicts her lover as someone entangled in illicit activities—robbing, scheming, looting, and hiding bodies. 

These illicit activities are likely not meant to be taken literally but rather serve as metaphors for the potential dangers, deceit, and moral compromises that can arise in a tumultuous relationship.

Their relationship is likened to a fire she’s willing to touch or a thrilling ride with him, akin to the iconic Scarface.

Here, SZA compares their relationship to two powerful metaphors:

1. “A fire she’s willing to touch” suggests that their love is intense, passionate, and potentially dangerous or destructive, but she’s willing to take that risk.
2. “A thrilling ride with him, akin to the iconic Scarface,” likens their relationship to the adrenaline-fueled, high-stakes lifestyle depicted in the film Scarface, implying that their love is exciting but also precarious, with potential criminal or illegal undertones.

Despite his occasional unfaithfulness or dishonesty, she remains steadfast, willing to lie or kill for him, acknowledging the perilous path their lifestyle could lead them down.

Yet, love is also a source of empowerment for SZA. With her lover by her side, she feels invincible, important, and special.

She praises his body and skills, declaring that nobody can match his prowess. He is her “main one,” her “day one,” her everything.

Their passionate and intense sexual connection serves as a reminder of her nonviolent nature and her unwavering loyalty.

At its core, “Snooze” grapples with the struggle to find balance in love. SZA’s conflicting emotions and thoughts about her lover and their relationship are laid bare.

While she loves him deeply and desires an everlasting bond, she recognises the hurt he inflicts and the dangers they face.

Doubt lingers as she questions his feelings and fears his potential infidelity or abandonment.

SZA navigates the delicate balance between being his ride-or-die partner and his equal, creating a captivating narrative that resonates with the complexities of modern love.

The Symbolism and References in Snooze Lyrics

Snooze uses various images and symbols to convey its meaning and mood. Some of the most notable ones are:

• Fire: Fire represents both the passion and the peril of SZA’s relationship with her lover. It symbolises both the potential for rebirth or destruction as well as the desire and attraction they share. Fire is also associated with love and passion in popular culture as well as in classical literature such as Shakespeare’s plays.
• Droptop: A droptop is a slang term for a convertible car that has a roof that can be folded down or removed. SZA compares riding with her lover in a droptop to feeling like Scarface, a reference to the 1983 crime film starring Al Pacino as a Cuban refugee who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami. The film is known for its violent and tragic scenes, as well as its iconic line, “Say hello to my little friend!” SZA uses this image to show how she and her lover live on the edge, enjoying the thrill and danger of their lifestyle.
• Scarface: Scarface is also the name of an American rapper who rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of the hip-hop group Geto Boys. He is considered one of the pioneers of Southern rap and gangsta rap and has influenced many artists, including SZA. Scarface is known for his gritty and realistic lyrics that depict the harsh realities of life in the ghetto, such as poverty, violence, drugs, and racism. He has also collaborated with other artists such as Nas, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, and Beyoncé. SZA may have chosen this name to pay homage to one of her musical influences as well as to draw a parallel between her lover’s criminal activities and Scarface’s rap persona.
• White bitch with the bob: This is a reference to Michelle Pfeiffer’s character Elvira Hancock in the film Scarface. She is the wife of Frank Lopez, a drug lord who hires Tony Montana (Scarface) as his right-hand man. Tony falls in love with Elvira and eventually kills Frank to take over his empire and marry her. However, their relationship deteriorates due to Tony’s paranoia, violence, and cocaine addiction. Elvira leaves him after he insults her in front of his guests at a restaurant. She is known for her blonde bob haircut and glamorous outfits. SZA compares herself to Elvira to show how she is loyal to her lover even when he mistreats her or puts her in danger.
• Main one: This is a slang term for someone’s primary partner or spouse, as opposed to their side piece or mistress. SZA claims that she is her lover’s main one, meaning that she is his most important and faithful partner. She also uses this term to contrast herself with other women who may be interested in or involved with him.
• Day one: This is another slang term for someone’s closest friend or ally, who has been with them since the beginning of their journey or career. SZA says that she is her lover’s day one, meaning that she has been with him through thick and thin and has supported him in his endeavours.
• Nonviolent: This is an ironic word choice, given that SZA’s lover is involved in violent crimes and activities. She may use this word to show how she is different from him or how she tries to calm him down or pacify him with sex. She may also use this word sarcastically, implying that she is not afraid of violence or confrontation.

Snooze contains several references to other songs, artists, or cultural phenomena. Some of the most notable ones are:

• SOS: This is the title of SZA’s second studio album, which stands for “Save Our Souls”. It is also a common distress signal used in Morse code (· · · – – – · · ·). SZA may have chosen this title to reflect her personal struggles and challenges during the making of the album, as well as her desire for help or salvation.
• Ctrl: This is the title of SZA’s debut studio album, which stands for Control. It is also a key on a computer keyboard that allows users to perform various functions or commands. SZA may have chosen this title to reflect her quest for autonomy and agency over her life and career.
• Broken Clocks: This is the title of one of SZA’s songs from Ctrl, which features a vocal sample from West Coast hip-hop group Rhythm & Sound’s song Smile. The song is about SZA’s relationship with an ex-boyfriend who still haunts her memories and dreams. She sings that “all I got are these broken clocks” that don’t tell the time, meaning that she is stuck in the past and can’t move on. She also sings that she “can’t lose” when she is with him, meaning that he makes her feel alive and happy.
• Good Days: This is the title of another one of SZA’s songs from SOS, which was released as the second single from the album on December 25, 2020. The song is about SZA’s optimism and hope for the future as she tries to overcome her depression and anxiety. She sings that she wants to “believe in good days“, and that she is “way too alone to be this hard on myself“. The song also features a vocal sample from Jacob Collier’s song Feel, which adds to the soothing and uplifting vibe of the track.
• Hit Different: This is the title of yet another one of SZA’s songs from SOS, which was released as the lead single from the album on September 4, 2020. The song features Ty Dolla $ign and production by The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo). The song is about SZA’s complicated feelings for an ex-lover who still affects her emotionally and physically. She sings that he “hit different” when he is with someone else, meaning that she feels jealous and hurt by his actions. She also sings that she is “scared of us“, meaning that she is afraid of their potential reconciliation or breakup.
• West: This is the title of a song by Canadian singer-songwriter River Tiber, which features vocals by Daniel Caesar. The song was released on May 24, 2016, as the lead single from River Tiber’s debut album Indigo. The song is about River Tiber’s love for a girl who lives on the west coast of Canada while he lives on the east coast. He sings that he wants to “fly west” to be with her and that he misses her “every day“. The song also contains a vocal sample from Rhythm & Sound’s song Smile, which adds to the melancholic and dreamy atmosphere of the track. SZA samples River Tiber’s vocals from this song in her song Broken Clocks, creating a connection between the two songs’ themes of longing and distance.

How Snooze Fits into SOS Album Concept

SZA’s track Snooze is a standout feature on her album “SOS” (Save Our Souls), showcasing her artistic depth and vulnerability.

Snooze lyrics offer a candid glimpse into her complex emotions surrounding a romantic relationship, revealing her self-awareness and introspection.

The lyrics exemplify SZA’s growth since her debut, “Ctrl,” demonstrating her evolution as a songwriter and her contribution to contemporary R&B.

The track’s catchy melodies and clever lyrics reflect her musical influences and ability to craft captivating compositions.

Thematically, snooze lyrics align with the broader narrative of “SOS,” an exploration of SZA’s identity, spirituality, and the multifaceted aspects of her life.

The album delves into love, sex, faith, doubt, fear, hope, and empowerment, reflected in the poignant lyrics.”

The snooze lyrics, in particular, invite listeners to empathise with SZA’s situation and emotions, conveying a powerful story of love, risk, and sacrifice.

These lyrics are a compelling piece of art that deserves recognition, not only for their musical merits but also for the depth of meaning and symbolism embedded within.

Through Snooze, SZA showcases her talent, creativity, and honesty as an artist, further cementing her position as a significant voice in contemporary music.

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• SZA’s Evolution: 15 Influential Songs Shaping R&B
• Exploring the Lyrics of The Unstoppable Pop Anthem Kiss Me More by Doja Cat & SZA

SZA Snooze Lyrics

Intro
Ooh
I think I know

Verse 1
I’ll touch that fire for you
I do that three, four times again, I testify for you
I told that lie, I’d kill that bitch
I do what all of them around you scared to do, I’m not
Long as you juggin’ out here for me, I got it
Mobbin’, schemin’, lootin’, hide your bodies
Long as you dreamin’ ’bout me, ain’t no problem
I don’t got nobody, just with you right now
Tell the truth, I look better under you

Chorus
I can’t lose when I’m with you
How can I snooze and miss the moment?
You just too important
Nobody do body like you do
I can’t lose when I’m with you
I can’t just snooze and miss the moment
You just too important
Nobody do body like you do, you do

Verse 2
In a droptop ride with you, I feel like Scarface (Scarface)
Like that white bitch with the bob, I’ll be your main one (Your main one)
Lеt’s take this argument back up to my place (My placе)
Sex remind you I’m nonviolent, I’m your day one (Day one)
We ain’t have shit yet, it was magic, yeah
Smash and grab shit, yeah
Nasty habits take a hold when you not here
Ain’t a home when you not here
Hard to grow when you not here, I’m sayin’

Chorus
I can’t lose when I’m with you
How can I snooze and miss the moment?
You just too important
Nobody do body like you do
I can’t lose when I’m with you
How can I snooze and miss the moment?
You just too important
Nobody do body like you do, you do

Bridge
Main one ridin’
How you frontin’ on me and I’m the main one tryin’?
How you blame it on me and you the main one lyin’?
How you threatenin’ to leave and I’m the main one cryin’?
Just tryna be your everything
Main one ridin’
How you frontin’ on me and I’m the main one tryin’?
How you blame it on me and you the main one lyin’?
How you threatenin’ to leave and I’m the main one cryin’?

Chorus
I can’t lose when I’m with you (Like you, like you)
How can I snooze and miss the moment? (Like you)
You just too important
Nobody do body like you do
I can’t lose when I’m with you (Like you)
How can I snooze and miss the moment? (Like you)
You just too important
Nobody do body like you do, you do

Outro
Nah, nah, nah, nah
I think I know, woah
See, no, I can’t lose, oh
I think I know, oh