I personally think that the Sylvia being mentioned in this song is a friend in Michael's life. Michael (lead singer of passion pit) has mentioned in interviews, as someone else on here has stated, that he has had a rough time with alcohol and bipolar disorder. In these interviews it is also said that bad people surrounded him in this time encouraging bad behaviour. I think this song is about one of those people, and he is singing about how he has someone in his life to tell him to slow down, but she doesn't. And this is his way of describing these friendships. Particularly to 'Sylvia'.
Interview mentioned: http://pitchfork.com/features/cover-story/8893-rite-of-passion/2/
I personally think that the Sylvia being mentioned in this song is a friend in Michael's life. Michael (lead singer of passion pit) has mentioned in interviews, as someone else on here has stated, that he has had a rough time with alcohol and bipolar disorder. In these interviews it is also said that bad people surrounded him in this time encouraging bad behaviour. I think this song is about one of those people, and he is singing about how he has someone in his life to tell him to slow down, but she doesn't. And this is his way of describing these friendships. Particularly to 'Sylvia'. Interview mentioned: http://pitchfork.com/features/cover-story/8893-rite-of-passion/2/