Meaning of “The Sweetest Taboo” by Sade

The Sweetest Taboo is a song performed by the English band Sade. Over the years, the lyrics of the song have been given various interpretations and meanings. One of the most common of these interpretations is that the lyrics deal with a serious addiction to heavy drugs – an addiction that Sade had been rumored to have been battling with for years. Another common interpretation is that the lyrics deal with a lesbian affair, which at that time was a very big taboo. But all rumors aside, what really is the meaning of Sweetest Taboo? Lyrically, the song sees the singer talk about a sweet or a pleasurable experience she keeps having with her significant other and which is why she loves him/her and can’t seem to get enough of him/her.

Another very possible meaning of this song can be derived from its music video, which sees Sade lusting after a man who is either married or in a romantic relationship with someone else. Based on this, it is highly likely that the “sweet taboo” being talked about is that secret affair with a married person, which at that time and even till today is considered a taboo and frowned upon by society.

Facts about “The Sweetest Taboo”

• The Sweetest Taboo was written by Sade’s lead vocalist Sade Adu and noted English drummer and songwriter Martin Ditcham.
• The song’s production was handled by English record producer Robin Millar (also known as “The man behind Sade”).
• The song was released on October 12, 1985 as one of the three singles from the band’s second studio album titled Promise.
• On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, the song peaked at the number 5 and 31 positions respectively.
• Having peaked at the number 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, the song became Sade’s second consecutive single to top that chart after their international hit single Smooth Operator achieved that feat a year earlier.
• The song is one of Sade’s most successful songs of their career.

Frequently Asked Questions about “The Sweetest Taboo”

Q: Is it really true that this song is about Sade’s addiction?

A: First of all, till date, there hasn’t been any evidence to show that Sade ever suffered from an addiction problem. The rumor that she was an addict is something

Q: What’s the meaning of the word “Temor” that Sade writes on the window in the music video of “The Sweetest Taboo”?

A: “Temor” is Spanish for “fear”.

Q: Has “The Sweetest Taboo” won any Grammys?

A: Despite the massive success the song enjoyed, it won no Grammy Award.