Meaning of Beautiful by SZA

The overall theme of SZA's song "Beautiful" centers around the intoxicating and all-consuming nature of a passionate and toxic relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous love affair that is both mesmerizing and damaging. The song captures the highs and lows, the beauty and the chaos, that come with being deeply entangled with someone who has a profound impact on your emotions.One standout lyric that adds depth to the overarching theme is "Every single night we burn sage 'cause we toxic." This lyric suggests that despite the toxic nature of their relationship, the couple maintains a sense of spirituality and attempts to cleanse their negative energy. It speaks to the complexity of the connection between the two individuals, highlighting their willingness to confront and acknowledge their flaws while still finding ways to cope with their toxicity.Another powerful lyric that further develops the theme is "She so used to me swallowin' her, it's turnin' her rotten." This line symbolizes the destructive cycle of the relationship. The protagonist's ability to consume and control their partner has started to have detrimental effects on her well-being. It highlights the destructive power dynamics that can exist within toxic relationships, where one person's dominance erodes their partner's sense of self.The line "She so beautiful she give life to the lifeless" takes on a metaphorical meaning within the context of the song. It represents the transformative power of love and the ability of a partner to breathe life into another who previously felt empty or lost. This lyric showcases the magnetic pull of the relationship, explaining why the protagonist is continuously drawn in despite the toxicity they acknowledge.Additionally, the lyric "She so used to me swallowin' her, it's turnin’ her rotten" suggests that the protagonist's partner has become accustomed to being taken for granted. It explores the theme of codependency and how one person can lose themselves in a relationship, losing their individuality and self-worth as a result. It speaks to the idea that toxicity can become a normalized aspect of a relationship, leading to a deterioration of both individuals involved.An unexpected theme that emerges from the song is the notion of escapism through drugs, as mentioned in the lyric "Mushrooms got us outside our bodies." This line delves into the idea of seeking alternative realities or altered states of consciousness to escape the pain and turmoil of the relationship. It suggests that the protagonists use drugs as a coping mechanism to momentarily detach themselves from their toxic reality.Another imaginative theme that arises from the lyrics is the concept of finding beauty in the midst of chaos. Despite the destructive nature of the relationship, the protagonist acknowledges that their partner has a captivating allure that they cannot resist. The sheer magnetism and intensity of their love, albeit toxic, are enough to make the protagonist overlook the negative aspects and bask in the beauty that their partner embodies.In conclusion, "Beautiful" by SZA explores the complexities of a toxic relationship, shedding light on the contradictory emotions and experiences that come with such a connection. Through standout lyrics such as "Every single night we burn sage 'cause we toxic" and "She so used to me swallowin' her, it's turnin' her rotten," the song delves into themes of spirituality, destructive power dynamics, codependency, escapism, and finding beauty amidst chaos. These imaginative themes intertwine to emphasize the all-consuming nature of an intense and toxic love affair.