Sweet Ride

this song should have been on their debut album. It is the most gorgeous, lugubrious, song by Belly. It's simply haunting. Tanya Donelly is one of the greatest lyricists of our time. Her lyrics are intricate and enchanting. This was the first song I learned to play on the guitar. It's unbelievable.

I like the line "Smiling too loud" - It felt so good, she was obviously sooo proud of herself, presumably for having sex (first time? Or after getting married and stopping her sleeping around - "vow made it new")? But she obviously thinks getting married or getting involved with this person may not be the best idea, since she's asking him(?) to follow her "down."

I think this is about escaping reality through drugs. The person in the song has a rough life and is 'down for a sweet ride'.

Once was lost now am found. This is my dream. Coming down, And smiling too loud. Smoking and soaked to the bone

"Once was lost now Im found" (the feeling after shooting up) "Smiling too loud" (you're in your rush and not aware of anything else)

"Smoking and soaked to the bone" goes for falling out of a rush. We wear my mistake like a crown. Mistake is for addiction, and when you're high on coke you feel like a king or a queen. It makes you feel superior.

Anyway, t hat's just my 2 cents.

I have to completely agree with the first comment. This song is just amazing. I feel the lyrics have many interpretations though... that's why I like Tanya's songs so much.

Maybe it is about a relationship:

Climbing out, We stumble around, All smoky and soaked to the bone. I carry the crown of a girl underground.

Referring to her (their) past - now she's down for a sweet ride, settling down, forgetting about whatever (bad things? rough things?) happened in the past.

Not the interpretation I'd choose personally, for me it's got a deeper meaning I can't seem to explain but it's just another possibility :)

Tanya is an under-rated guitarist. The solo on this song is amazing.