Archive of Our Own

My Sweet Passion.

The most controversial theme song about one of the most controversial characters. The kind of song with the most questionable metaphors that expose everyone’s dirty mind. Although from my perspective, it’s actually as blunt and candid as the character it’s about: Amy Rose.

I think the instrumentals are great: cool, sweet, and catchy as Classic Amy would say. I like the chorus, the opening, the end, and the riff. I actually liked the lyrics once I tried to understand them. I think this song is a great introspection of Amy’s character from SA1, the game it was created for, and even for her future appearances.

And what I hate is the song itself. The existence of the song irks me, because while it’s message is clear and true, while is has a good beat, it is the worst song Sega could have chosen to represent Amy for years and years. I both love and hate this song, so much that I sat down this morning and tried to understand it from a perspective that ignores any suggestion of double entendre.

Sega should never have allowed for song lyrics that can be easily perceived as innuendo, from a twelve year old, especially when her character has never been portrayed in a sexual manner. SA1 was marketed to kids and teens: they aren’t going to sit back and try to understand any deeper meaning to this song. Only fools like me do stuff like that! I firmly believe this song is partly the reason Amy has been wrung out over the years from “creepy stalker” accusations.

What I discovered is that these lyrics are neither shallow or deep. In fact, they are sincere and expand on Amy’s character in a way I never thought before. They’re not adult themed at all. Once you read my analysis you might also see afterwards that it’s more challenging to believe there was any sinister intentions or mature themes.

W hat is it About?

Sex?

It’s About Amy, ya Pervs!

The song goes into greater detail about who Amy Rose is rather than just about her love for Sonic, which should be treated as a secondary detail. The lyrics use clever metaphors that align with Amy herself: her interests, her values, and Sonic.

Talking about a “Persian cat” is as simple as talking about the actual breed. Without overthinking the writer’s choice of words, I was able to see that this is the type of song which never required a deep reflection. Everything it says about Amy is right there, in the lyrics, but the trick is in understanding the analogy behind the nouns. If you can see the connection between the lyrics and Amy herself—her strengths and weaknesses—then you’ll realize this song is more innocent then when you might have first listened to it on SA1.

This analysis was done mainly in retaliation to the GOD AWFUL lyrical interpretation I found on genius.com. I strongly disagree with whoever analyzed it on that site because their head was completely in the gutter. There is no deep, sexual meaning behind the lyrics because the lyrics that play before the most controversial verses do not make any sense by coorelation. That analysis was done by someone who assumed the worse aspects of Amy. They misunderstood the song the same way they misunderstand her. (But for a song with unusual metaphors, it’s not hard to understand why.)

Do We Have to Talk About Amy?

Of Course We Do. It’s An Essay About Her Song, Which Translates to Her. So Let’s Get This Part Out of The Way First.

Before going into my analysis, if you still think the song has sexual themes, I think I can change your mind by making the intention of the songwriter and Sega seem more innocent from a consistent outlook.

First, let me remind you that it’s a song about a twelve year old that has never ventured past the scale of “innocent school girl crush” and “puppy love”. Amy’s feelings have never been portrayed as venereal in the games, or any other source of media. She wasn’t created to be a “sex symbol” like Rouge, and it’s hard to see how she could have hidden desires of that kind when she has always been the type to keep her feelings and thoughts out in the open, for everyone to see.

The worst thing Amy has ever asked for is marriage, but like most girls her age I doubt she understands the implications of traditional marriage. Marriage isn’t even her real goal since she doesn’t take it seriously as the other reasons she had for chasing and attacking Sonic. When she asks for marriage, in her mind, its either banter (SA2) or a request to show commitment. She wants Sonic to acknowledge her as his soulmate, and nobody else. Her goal, in the first games, was becoming someone Sonic can respect and admire. In later games, she seems to have settled with the idea of simply being near him.

It’s up for debate whether she wants a traditional type of marriage with a house, steady income, and kids. I think, in the beginning, she liked that idea but she learned early on that she can’t make Sonic settle, and she doesn’t even try to in the games. She wants his love more than anything else. The only implication of wanting kids was in Battle, and even there it felt like she had regressed to an immature child playing house with a doll [Emerl]. (I can’t think of a single handheld game that did Amy’s character much justice when most of the console games suggested she was growing as a heroic character.)

If Sega intended for Amy to aspire being a stay-at-home mom with a husband to worship then they could have had Amy focus less on heroism and more on forcing Sonic into marriage. But that’s never been her character, so they didn’t. Amy will not stop Sonic from being a hero. She has never attempted to change him. The worst she has done is flirt with Sonic and try hugging him, which is about as innocent minded as can be. I honestly don’t think Amy cares what the future holds as long as she can spend it with Sonic. She’ll want whatever he wants, so long as he lets her come along for the ride.

I won’t go into detail of that one cut scene in Heroes though, I know it is a counterargument. . .but this song came out before any other games existed in Modern Amy’s time. Therefore, it’s only accurate to understand the lyrics based on what we learned from Amy’s story in SA1.

We Talking About The Actual Song Now?

Yes. Finally!

First thing to understand about MSP is that it’s being sung from two perspectives. It is one singer, but there are two voices. The voices are not opposites, yin-yang, or a representation of good and evil. These voices only explain Amy from different angles: how she views herself, and what she desires. There is no sugar-coating in the lyrics; they are actually quite frank and sincere. The singer uses her normal voice and a whispering voice to show what she is saying versus what she is thinking.

The first voice is sweet, ardent, and guileless as it describes Amy’s beliefs and intentions. It is the main voice, not only because it leads the entire song from start to end, but because it is the voice we’d expect Amy to use out loud. Imagine it is Amy’s actual voice.

The second voice. . .do not let the whispering fool you into thinking it’s supposed to be sultry. Remove your head from the gutter for this analysis. This voice is supposed to be mysterious and whimsical. It is Amy’s thoughts—perhaps the involuntary kind—and it is meant to shed light on Amy’s impulsiveness and one-track mind, something that is consistent in SA1.

- For easier reading, I’ve italicized the second voice’s lyrics and respective explanation for each. Also, the lyrics are underlined.

I got out my map and chose a place I wanted to go to

(Packed up my stuff, set out for adventure)

The first line on its own suggests she wants to travel—anywhere. Nothing weird about that so far.

The second line implies that she has a bad case of wanderlust. What does she mean by “adventure”? Don’t think about a certain blue hedgehog here just yet! He hasn’t been mentioned in the song yet, and remember, this is a song all about Amy, not just her love for Sonic.

Recall how much she hated her “boring” life in the beginning of her SA1 story, and it makes sense that she starts off with a desire to pack up and leave that life behind. Notice that the second voice is using this line, and how impulsive it stands out from the first line.

The first voice suggested Amy was planning for a trip, the second voice suggests she isn’t planning at all. “Adventure” is vague. True to Amy’s character, she is not the type of girl to plan ahead for anything. She does what the heart wants because she is impulsive, that is her central gimmick. You don’t even have to mention Sonic in the first lines to convey that message.

I know that your lucky color is that cool shade of blue

(Won't mind painting myself blue for you)

Alright, now we’re talking about Sonic, and it’s becoming clear what she expects to find on her “adventures”. The first voice is the easiest to understand because it’s the most forthright. All she’s saying is that he’s “cool” and “lucky”. He’s blue all over, so that implies being cool and lucky comes naturally to Sonic.

Amy thinks life is always perfect for Sonic. Everything in his world is going right, or he makes it go his way, always. He wins all the time, for starters.

Because his life is “perfect” she wants to experience it too.

If the line sounds desperate to you it’s because it’s supposed to be. I have three theories for the meaning behind “painting myself blue”.

1.) She wants his luck/charm, in a superficial way.

2.) She wants his acknowledgment, in any way.

3.) She wants to be seen as an equal in his eyes, and will do what she wants to do to be more like him. Not so far-fetched when the story shows he inadvertently became her reason to be more independent.

The lyrics, however, are still in the beginning of the song, and they represent how Amy was thinking in the early stages of her story. She wanted to be part of Sonic’s life, but “painting yourself” is a very facile way of earning that level of respect.

I guess I'm so easy to understand

I just do whatever comes to me naturally

Now here’s something interesting to point out. Only the first voice sings these lines, which means it’s what Amy truly, vocally believes. She’s not wrong. (This song wouldn’t have any real meaning if her voice was wrong about everything she says about herself. Every SA1 song is about the characters and how they truly think. Amy’s song isn’t any different in that regard.)

These lines tell us how Amy wears her heart on her sleeve and does whatever her gut tells her. She’s not the kind of person to have ulterior motives, (which also sets the stage for how the rest of the song should be interpreted—as literal.) There are no secrets to her character. We see in her story that her primary motive is helping others before winning Sonic’s heart. It makes sense why the second voice isn’t saying anything here because Amy isn’t conflicted by any other impulsive thoughts. She’s saying what she wants us to hear directly.

I do understand the feelings of a Persian Cat

(But the Sphinx looked so cute I had to shave it)

Now we’re at the part of the song that really trips people up.

Remember, Amy speaks from a literal-minded point of view. She has nothing to hide, and doesn’t want to hide anything either.

The best way to understand the first line is by Googling pictures of Persian cats. There’s a reason she chose this breed for this verse. The Persian is distinct for having a scrunched up face that makes it look like it wears a deep frown.

A common reason people hate cats is because they misunderstand the subtle way cats show affection. Cats can’t smile, and when they slow-blink to show love, haters would assume the cats are looking at us disdainfully. A Persian is a cat associated with luxury, and is considered snobbish by cat haters. The way a Persian looks does not convey the way it feels.

All Amy is saying is that she has a good judge of character. She will never observe people from a superficial point of view. She knows feelings are complex, and can tell when people try to hide them. You can think about Sonic here, or better yet, think of E-102 Gamma.

When it becomes clear that she is literally talking about cats, then the next line should be taken as having a literal meaning also.

Sphinxes are another breed treated unfairly because they’re hairless. They’re a popular pet, but haters will call them “ugly”. Remember that Amy is not shallow about how she views people. You can also take the Sphinx as a metaphor for exposing feelings. Amy recognizes the Persian’s unclear feelings, and a Sphinx doesn’t have any fur to cover its wrinkly, natural body.

She thinks the “Sphinx is so cute she has to shave it.” The word “it” can only refer to two things here: the Sphinx or the Persian. Since the Sphinx is already hairless, it makes sense she is referring to the Persian.

She wants to shave a Persian to look like a Sphinx? Why?!

It’s an impulsive thought, but recall what I said about the cats as metaphors. If you shave the Persian, its exposed.

Amy is conveying her idea that she wants to make people show who they really are, regardless of how they feel. It’s a selfish thought, but we know Amy is stubborn when it comes to getting what she wants. However, it’s the second voice talking, and the conjunction “but” suggests Amy knows she shouldn’t force people to change just for her. Yet, because of the word “had”, there’s implication that she did push her beliefs and did something she knows is unfair.

He reminds me of parsley when he's standing there all alone

(Makes me wanna be his specialty)

This one is easier.

Sonic is like Amy in some ways: frank, honest, and impulsive.

But there is nothing going on inside his head that makes him hard to figure out. What you see is exactly what you get. He has no will to change, but will try new things if it’s worth his attention. He has a sharp tongue, quick wit, and can be inconsiderate at times.

Parsley is a garnish used to enhance dishes so they’ll look more pleasing. It has a mildly bitter and peppery taste, and can also be used for flavoring. It is not a main ingredient or something you would eat alone. It makes a dish seem a little more special. It always stays the same, it is always used the same way, and it can be used with any dish. You can never go wrong with parsley.

Amy’s impulsive thoughts want her to think she is the best match for Sonic. She fancies herself the specialty: the meal itself. But what is the meal supposed to be?

Anything.

A meal can be hot or cold. Spicy or sweet. Savory or distasteful. Simple or complex. All this can describe Amy.

And no matter what the meal is, parsley can always serve to compliment the dish. And of course, a good dish can exist without the parsley. Typically, there is no parsley.

Amy is acknowledging that Sonic makes her life feel perfect, or a whole lot better, with just his presence. Also, since she’s not outright calling herself “the specialty”, I assume that she wants to be the best person for him. Other people can represent other dishes, but Amy wants to be the most distinguished.

I guess I'm just a self-centered girl

But there are nights that I have trouble going to sleep

If you thought she was selfish from her last two stanzas, you’re right! Amy’s core weakness is her impulsive belief that she should never quit when she’s trying to get what she wants.

BUT, we’re starting to see that she recognizes this too. The first voice knows she is self-centered, but that doesn’t make her all bad. She is capable of feeling guilt. Nights where she has trouble sleeping refers to those guilty feelings from selfishness. It’s the line that suggests Amy isn’t all that proud of herself, and wants to change. You can see in her story that she becomes more brave, heroic, and selfless.

The second voice is not in this stanza. In fact, I think the points it made previously have helped the first voice understand that Amy isn’t perfect. It’s a huge step up from when the first voice willingly believed “I’m easy to understand. . .do what comes naturally”, which implied that Amy saw nothing wrong with the way she thinks. The second voice seems to have opened her eyes to her selfish whims.

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) So many things I want

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) I want to be a wonderful girl

Not much to say about the chorus. Again, I’ll go by the same approach I have previously. Amy is still stating the obvious. She wants to be at her best.

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) I'm not simple-minded

Don’t underestimate her; she’s not as simple-minded as she appears. If my analysis was anything to go by, she’s probably more complex in the way that she thinks.

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) And I won't be a pearl

And a pearl is a perfectly round gem. Not all oysters have pearls and the chances of finding one are 1 in 10000. Amy is saying that she will never hide anything about herself. She’s not as perfect as a pearl, but since pearls are a common gem, that could be another way of saying she’s unique. And because pearls are expensive, she might also be suggesting that she isn’t materialistic.

You probably need me just as much as I need you

Again, Amy can’t help thinking she and Sonic are two halves that make a whole. She’s outright saying he needs her as much as she needs him, which suggests he needs her badly. Although, this could be true under a Sonamy lens, I think it’s a reminder that she’s childish in what she believes. Just keep this line in mind when it comes back up in the end. . .

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Now we’re arriving to a bridge in the song. Here, it represents some change of attitude and place. She’s talking to Sonic now, and although the lyrics seem vague we must approach them with the same thought process as before.

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Are you okay you seem to be a little tense

(You don't have to worry about a single thing)

Amy can see Sonic is nervous (around her).

The second voice is still Amy’s impulsive thoughts. It’s pressuring her to believe that she and Sonic have nothing to worry about because he feels tense. It’s telling Amy not to get discouraged, and it also doesn’t really want to acknowledge why Sonic feels uncomfortable.

We are free to get whatever that we want to have

(We're also free to do whatever we want)

Sonic and Amy are free spirits, and she acknowledges that. She knows they can, and will go after what they dream and desire.

But the impulsive side wants her to realize, and him to understand that there should be freedom in ALL aspects. Amy has always done whatever she wants to be with Sonic and win his heart, regardless if it’s right or wrong. However, the voice notes that Sonic is ALSO free to do what he wants. Accepting that is easier than trying to understand why he is tense around her. (She might not like the answer).

That's what we'll do, yeah, that's what we'll do

We should live our lives the way we think it ought to be

Amy will not change who she is to be with Sonic, and she doesn’t want him to change either. If anything, this stanza shows that the first voice won against the second, but is taking everything the second voice said into some consideration. This is the point when Amy is showing her selfless side; when she has grown to accept that she wants Sonic to live the way he wants to, which can suggest she won’t get everything she wants. However, she is also free to live her life by pursing him (which we expect) and trying to win his affections over, if his freedom of choice will allow her. This is what sets stage for their infamous chase dynamic.

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) There's nowhere to hide

He can run but can’t hide. She will pursue him.

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) Come on settle our lives

Don’t run Sonic. Accept her as part of your life. Because. . .

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) I'll always be there for you

(Sweet sweet you're so sweet) In the best and worst times

You can be my sweetest honey for eternity

. . .

I honestly need you just as much as you need me

This is where the main lyrics and analysis conclude. If we believe from the second part of the song that Amy is acknowledging Sonic’s freedom, and is growing less self-centered, then this line is actually saying the complete opposite of what Amy said in the last verse of the first chorus.

Now it’s “I need you as much as you need me”, and I think this can possibly tie in with the end of Amy’s story, when she decides she will be more independent to earn Sonic’s respect and admiration. If she is going to try to step up from being helpless, then she has recognized her own independence and what she’s capable of without Sonic. As badly as she wants him, “want” and “need” have two different meanings. She doesn’t need him for everything, and seems to be accepting he doesn’t need her for everything.

This is the only part of the analysis I’m the most iffy about because it’s possible she is simply reaffirming that she still thinks her and Sonic need each other badly. But if we’re to believe the song is changing the same way Amy was changing in her story, I find my first explanation has a fitting conclusion.

As a final reach, because the chorus alludes to the idea of background singers doing the “sweet, sweet, you’re so sweet”. I like to think they’re saying that about Amy. The first and second voice were talking about what Amy thinks of herself and Sonic, the background vocals are telling Amy what is to be thought of her.

And I could be completely wrong! And this could all be overly though-out because the song is simply “not that deep”. I must say though, I had fun writing it out. It helped me get over my writer’s block, and it gave me a great idea how I could write Amy’s character going forward.

Whether I’m right or wrong, at least I did the theme song some justice that genius.com did not do, as of 05/24/24.

(Somebody fix that!)